President Bola Tinubu has responded to recent comments by the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Kukah, who referred to Tinubu as an “accidental leader.” In a statement.by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, defended Tinubu’s leadership, emphasizing his preparedness for the presidency and commitment to reforming Nigeria.
“He (Tinubu) is not an accidental leader; he is doing his best to ensure that we have a turnaround in this country,” Onanuga declared. “Does he look like one at all? The man was prepared for this office. He even said he prepared for it and is working tirelessly to lift this country higher than he met it.”
Onanuga highlighted Tinubu’s sweeping reforms, which span critical sectors such as taxation, the oil industry, and education. He argued that these efforts reflect Tinubu’s foresight and dedication to reshaping Nigeria’s economic and political landscape.
“Reforms are not done in quick fixes; it takes time to turn things around,” Onanuga noted. “He acknowledges the challenges these reforms pose for citizens and is committed to supporting those affected, ensuring no one is left behind.”
Bishop Kukah’s remarks, delivered during the inauguration of Start-Rite School’s new building and the 4th Amaka Ndoma-Egba Memorial Lecture in Abuja, sparked widespread debate. The outspoken cleric criticized the nation’s leadership, claiming many Nigerian leaders, including President Tinubu, have assumed power without adequate preparation for the complexities of modern governance.
“None of them were fully prepared before assuming office, especially in a world where the demands of leadership are rapidly evolving,” Kukah stated. He expressed concern that this trend hampers Nigeria’s ability to navigate pressing political and economic challenges effectively.
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Kukah’s speech shows what he views as a persistent lack of vision and knowledge among the country’s top leaders, further contributing to Nigeria’s ongoing struggles.
In response, Onanuga painted a contrasting picture of Tinubu as a reform-driven leader who is laying the foundation for sustainable growth. He pointed to efforts to attract foreign direct investment, improve the business climate, and empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as evidence of Tinubu’s strategic approach to governance.
“From taxation to the oil sector, Tinubu is implementing reforms that will modernize the economy and position Nigeria as a competitive global player,” Onanuga emphasized.
The clash between Bishop Kukah and Tinubu’s administration has ignited conversations across Nigeria, with citizens and analysts weighing in on the state of leadership in the country. While some resonate with Kukah’s critique, others believe Tinubu’s reforms, though challenging in the short term, are necessary for long-term progress.
As Nigeria grapples with its pressing issues, the debate underscores the critical need for visionary leadership capable of addressing the country’s complex challenges. Whether Tinubu’s presidency will rise to meet these demands remains a question closely watched by Nigerians and the global community alike.