An Analysis of President Tinubu's Delegation of Vice President Shettima to the UNGA
By Wisdom Tide
September 22, 2024
In a recent development, President Bola Tinubu's decision to delegate Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent Nigeria at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York has sparked intense reactions. Some critics have labeled the move as cowardly, arguing that it demonstrates Tinubu’s inability or unwillingness to confront the growing challenges within the country. Among the key concerns are the escalating levels of hunger, poverty, and public discontent, all of which are contributing to a volatile atmosphere that could potentially lead to unrest.
At a time when leadership is needed to address these issues head-on, the President’s decision to stay back has raised questions about his commitment to resolving Nigeria's problems. The nation is facing profound challenges, including economic hardship, unemployment, inflation, insecurity, and widespread dissatisfaction with the government's performance. These issues, coupled with recent subsidy removals and other fiscal policies, have left Nigerians struggling to make ends meet, further fueling the anger and frustration across the country.
A Perception of Weakness
For many, Tinubu's absence from the UNGA is seen not just as a logistical decision, but as a symbol of weakness and avoidance. In the face of mounting pressure, the President appears to have opted to shield himself from the global stage and the inevitable criticism that would come with it. Sending Vice President Shettima, while constitutionally acceptable, is being interpreted as an attempt to deflect from the very real problems that Nigeria is grappling with.
Rather than addressing the concerns of Nigerians directly, the decision to delegate such an important international engagement to a subordinate could be viewed as an abdication of responsibility. Public trust in leadership is built on transparency and accountability, and at this moment, many Nigerians feel that their leadership is neither of those things. The sense of disillusionment is palpable.
The Growing Discontent
As public outcry over worsening economic conditions grows louder, there is a pervasive sense that Nigerians cannot afford to sit idly by while their country spirals into further decline. The nation’s democratic principles are being tested, and many fear that the current trajectory under President Tinubu could lead to more autocratic governance if left unchecked. History has shown that when leadership fails to address the needs of the people, the risk of civil unrest and societal breakdown becomes real.
If President Tinubu continues on this path, marked by inaction and what some perceive as avoidance, it could spell disaster for both his administration and the nation as a whole. There is an increasing call for him to either demonstrate the decisive leadership that is required to tackle Nigeria’s problems or step aside and allow for someone else to lead the country out of its current quagmire. Nigerians are resilient, but their patience is wearing thin.
Conclusion: A Time for Leadership or Resignation
At this critical juncture, it is clear that Nigerians are demanding more from their leadership. The time for rhetoric has passed, and what is required now is decisive action. If President Tinubu cannot rise to the occasion and address the fundamental problems facing the nation, his continued rule will only deepen the frustration and disillusionment that has gripped the country.
In the event that he remains unable to provide solutions, the honorable course of action would be to resign, allowing for fresh leadership that can prioritize the needs of the people over political expediency. Nigerians deserve a government that is responsive, accountable, and capable of steering the country toward a better future
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