Dear President Tinubu,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. This is my second open letter to you, as I believe this medium offers the best chance to reach you, given that a private letter may never find its way to your desk. I trust this open letter will either reach you directly or be communicated through your social media aides.
I am writing to express my profound concern regarding the trajectory of governance in Nigeria since your assumption of office on May 29, 2023. Nigerians are hurting, hungry, and dying daily in alarming numbers. As a concerned citizen, I feel compelled to address several pressing issues that have emerged during your presidency.
Firstly, I must question the rationale behind your pursuit of the presidency, especially in light of the growing sentiment among citizens regarding your preparedness for this critical position. It was expected that those in power would demonstrate not only intellectual capacity but also the requisite experience to effectively govern a nation as complex as Nigeria. Unfortunately, your eight years as the Governor of Lagos do not qualify you as competent to rule Nigeria. You and your allies knew that former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was more qualified than you, yet you decided to gamble with the future of 200 million Nigerians. Mr President, why?
Moreover, the decisions taken during your administration have resulted in significant turmoil within the country. The National Bureau of Statistics reported a mere 2.3% economic growth rate in the second quarter of 2023, while inflation has soared to an unprecedented 22.8% (National Bureau of Statistics, 2023; Central Bank of Nigeria, 2023). These circumstances raise serious concerns about the strategic direction of economic policies, as the ship of economic growth in Nigeria seems to have capsized under your watch.
It is also crucial to address the criticisms regarding the character of leadership exhibited thus far in your administration. As public servants, the responsibility to act with integrity and promote accountability is paramount. However, the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index ranked Nigeria 150th out of 180 countries in 2023, indicating a troubling lack of commitment to combating corruption (Transparency International, 2023). Citizens have voiced their dissatisfaction with government responsiveness, questioning the actions taken to address pressing issues related to governance. Your administration appears impervious to reason.
Additionally, the social indicators paint a grim picture regarding the status of health and education in Nigeria. The United Nations Development Programme indicated a decline in Nigeria’s Human Development Index, ranking the nation 164th out of 189 countries in 2023 (UNDP, 2023). Alarmingly, approximately 10.5 million children continue to be out of school, reflecting severe implications for future generations (UNESCO, 2023). Your plan to establish a private university while federal and state universities remain poorly resourced seems misplaced. Mr. President, an additional private university owned by your family simply does not make sense to me or most patriotic Nigerians.
Equally concerning is the security situation, which has continued to deteriorate under your administration. Recent reports indicate that Nigeria remains one of the countries most affected by terrorism, with over 6,000 fatalities attributed to terrorism in 2023 alone (Institute for Economics and Peace, 2023). The ongoing conflicts and insecurity further undermine the stability necessary for sustainable development. Nigerians can no longer safely attend their farms or travel the country at night. Nigeria has become a death trap, Mr. President.
Consequently, I implore you to reflect on the impact of your decisions on our nation and consider the legacy you are creating, particularly for your grandchildren and those yet to be born. Will they inherit a country fraught with turmoil and insecurity, or have you taken actions that will pave the way for a prosperous future?
Finally, Mr. President, I sincerely hope for a recalibration of governance strategies that prioritize the well-being of all Nigerians. The public is losing hope; people are dying daily from hunger and at the hands of hoodlums. A commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective policymaking is essential for restoring public trust and fostering national growth.
Thank you for your attention to these pressing matters. I remain hopeful for positive change that will benefit our beloved country.