Tinubu's first anniversary: gains and pains

 By Nneoma Ahukanna and Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

29th May 2024, marked twenty-five years of unbroken democratic rule in Nigeria and the first year anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration.This date also marks one year after the removal of fuel subsidy payment and it's consequential impact on the lives of the citizens.

Since assuming office a year ago, President Tinubu’s administration, particularly his policies and programmes have been greeted with a lot of mixed feelings by Nigerians who have had to navigate through the rough patches on the road to economic recovery and national development. A cursory observation of the mood of most citizens during the first anniversary programme of events showed Palpable disenchantment among a people who were looking forward to seeing better days than they had with previous administrations.   This seemed to give the anniversary celebration a lack-lustre coloration.

As part of programmes of events commemorating his first year in office, Tinubu officially flagged off the 700km Lagos -Calabar coastal highway project, estimated to cost about 15 trillion Naira on Sunday 26th May. The coastal highway designed to pass through nine states was awarded to Hitech Construction Company limited. In the course of the flag off, he noted ‘we have a road that will outlive all of us here. That is how to build the future. This project is more than a mere road. It is a symbol of hope, unity and prosperity.

When completed would be of immense benefit to the country's tourism space.  A beacon of hope, connect communities and bring jobs to people.

President Tinubu also commissioned the Abuja metro line, a modern railway mass transit service for the Federal capital territory, a mega project abandoned by previous administration since 2010, but renovated and completed within 9months by his administration.

The minister of the FCT Nyesom Wike, who was assigned this project in August 2023, received a pat on the back for expediting action. The former Rivers State Governor was commended by the President for showing serious commitment to value. Mr. President added that ‘this is a charter everyone should all hold on to’

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has commenced the procurement of CNG buses, which are expected to number about a Million by 2027 as alternative to petrol and diesel buses which are getting too exorbitant to run as a result of termination of the petrol subsidy payments.

Changing the former national anthem to the old "Nigeria we hail thee" received a lot of hilarious reactions from Nigerians who saw the move as totally irrelevant to the economic hardships they are presently facing.

Some of those who spoke to the Statesman Newspaper detailed some of the gains and pains Nigerians have gotten within the past twelve months of the present administration.

CEO of Honest G Music, Mr. Williams Loveday:

‘On the 29th of this month, President Tinubu marked his first anniversary in office. I am urging him to address the fuel situation urgently. The rise in fuel prices is affecting everyone, including me. People are suffering because the cost of living has increased significantly. Although I can still afford to buy fuel, I have chosen not to use my car as often as I did before. Instead, I am now riding a bicycle more frequently.

Before, I used to visit the motherless babies with good foods, but now I can’t even afford three cartons of noodles for the kids over there in a motherless home. The situation in the country is dire—there’s a shortage of food, and nothing seems to be working properly. I am pleading with the President to reconsider the fuel subsidy. If removing the subsidy will benefit the citizens, then he should go ahead and remove it. However, if there are better alternatives to support the people, he should implement those solutions instead. The current state of affairs is unbearable, and something needs to be done to alleviate the suffering of the masses.’

According to miss Beauty Benedict:

‘President Tinubu is doing what he is doing. To me, he is trying his best. Even Peter Obi that everyone is championing to become the president of this country might not even do better than President Tinubu. Though, I didn’t vote for him, I think that he is trying his best. So, for his one year stay in office I will applaud him. I know he will do more."

Also Mr. John Mark remarked,

‘Everyone keeps crying about the increase in everything but then I think that Tinubu might not be the cause of everything happening to us. Yes, there is an increase, but then, the traders are taking advantage of this to make excess gain, thereby heaping everything on President Tinubu. If removing the fuel subsidy will reshape this country, I totally support. However, I still plead with the President to help the masses and bring solutions to this too much hunger.’

In the words of Mr. Izunna Obi:

‘Honestly, it's been very tough since the fuel subsidy was removed. The cost of living has skyrocketed, and it's been a struggle to make ends meet. I understand the rationale behind the decision, but for many of us, daily life has become very difficult. Everything is more expensive, from transportation to basic food items. We need more support from the government to help us through this transition. Right now, it feels like we're being left to fend for ourselves, and many families are suffering.’

Again a concerned citizen, Ngozi Okafor opined,

‘Removing the fuel subsidy was a bold move by President Tinubu. I support the decision because it was necessary to curb corruption and free up resources for other sectors. However, I think the government needs to implement more social safety nets to cushion the effect on the poorest Nigerians. Right now, a lot of people are feeling the pinch, and immediate relief measures are essential. If managed well, this could lead to a more equitable distribution of resources and a reduction in economic disparities.’

Also speaking, Mr.Chidi Nwosu noted:

‘President Tinubu’s administration has made some significant strides, but the removal of the fuel subsidy has been hard on many Nigerians. In my community, people are struggling with increased transportation and food costs. It’s causing a lot of hardship, and I feel like the government could have planned the rollout better to minimise the negative impact on ordinary citizens. There is widespread frustration and anger because many feel abandoned by the government. The promised benefits seem far off, and immediate relief is desperately needed.’

Commenting on the issue MaryJane Ohiri asserted;

‘For me, the removal of the fuel subsidy is somehow good. It has caused short-term pain, but I believe it will bring long-term gains. Though there is high increase of foodstuffs due to the high cost of fuel. My family has had to cut back on some expenses, but we’re managing. I hope the government provide support to those who are hardest hit by this change. We need targeted assistance to ensure that the most vulnerable populations can weather this transition period. Despite the current challenges, I remain optimistic about the future.’