Commentary: Inaugural speech of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

I listened to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deliver his inaugural speech today and I couldn’t help but have mixed feelings about the coming days of his regime in Nigeria. Like many other Nigerians, I have reservations about Tinubu and his presidency. The concerns about his political influence and the concentration of power in one individual like Tinubu. However, I also acknowledge that he has a significant support base and I pray that his presidency holds the potential for positive change Nigerians pray for.

In his speech, Tinubu touched on various issues, and here are my thoughts on some of the key points he addressed.

Tinubu began his speech by expressing his love for the nation and his confidence in its people. While these words were reassuring, I couldn’t help but wonder if they would translate into tangible actions that would benefit all Nigerians, irrespective of their background or political affiliation. As someone who voted in the 2023 presidential election, I hoped for a leader who would prioritize the interests of the entire nation, not just a selected few.

The mention of a peaceful transition of power and the acknowledgment of his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari, were commendable gestures. It demonstrated a commitment to continuity and unity, which are crucial for the stability and progress of the country. It was a relief to hear that Tinubu recognized the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the rights of those who contested the election and sought legal redress. This commitment to inclusivity and democratic principles eased some of my concerns about his presidency.

One of the areas that Tinubu emphasized was security, highlighting its significance for prosperity and justice. I hope this resonated with Nigerians, as security challenges have plagued Nigeria for far too long. However, I hoped that his administration’s approach to security would go beyond increasing personnel and firepower. It needed to address the root causes of insecurity and prioritize the welfare and empowerment of communities affected by violence.

Tinubu’s focus on the economy was encouraging. His commitment to higher GDP growth and job creation aligned with the aspirations of many Nigerians. However, I hoped that his government’s economic policies would prioritize sustainable development, address inequality, and reduce dependence on oil revenue. The emphasis on industrial policy and domestic manufacturing was a step in the right direction, as it aimed to boost local industries and reduce import dependency.

The mention of women and youth in his administration was a positive sign, considering their significant contributions and the need for their inclusion in decision-making processes. It was crucial for Tinubu to follow through on this promise by appointing capable and diverse individuals to key positions and ensuring that their voices were heard and their concerns addressed.

Tinubu’s plans for agriculture, infrastructure, and social services were commendable, but I hoped for more concrete details on how these initiatives would be implemented. It was important to prioritize the interests of smallholder farmers and ensure that infrastructure projects were transparent, efficient, and accountable. Moreover, the commitment to reducing food costs while improving farmers’ earnings was a welcome goal, but it required comprehensive strategies and effective implementation.

Foreign policy was another area that Tinubu touched upon. His commitment to regional peace and stability was encouraging, as conflicts in neighboring countries had significant implications for Nigeria’s security. I hoped that his administration would work closely with regional and international partners to address these challenges and promote collective prosperity. However, it remained to be seen how these commitments would translate into concrete actions.

In conclusion, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inaugural speech showcased his vision for Nigeria’s future. While there were elements that gave people hope, I remained cautiously optimistic. The true test of his leadership would lie in the actions he took and the policies he implemented to address the pressing issues facing the nation. As a citizen who voted in the 2023 presidential election, I hoped for a presidency that would prioritize the well-being and progress of all Nigerians, foster inclusivity, and uphold the principles of democracy and the rule of law. Only time would tell if Tinubu could live up to these expectations and unite the nation toward a better future.