President Tinubu Marks Two Year in Office: “The Worst Is Behind Us”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addressed Nigerians in a nationwide broadcast on Wednesday to commemorate his first year in office. Speaking from the State House, Tinubu acknowledged that the last 12 months have been marked by difficult decisions and economic reforms, which he described as “unpopular but necessary.” His tone, however, was one of cautious optimism as he stated, “The worst is behind us,” reassuring citizens that the country is now on a path to economic recovery and long-term prosperity.
Tinubu highlighted key initiatives his administration had taken to stabilize the economy, including the removal of fuel subsidies, unification of the exchange rate, and implementation of tax reforms. He acknowledged the hardship these measures caused ordinary Nigerians but emphasized they were designed to build a stronger foundation for the future. “Painful choices were made, but they are already yielding results,” he said, pointing to improved investor confidence and a rise in non-oil revenue.
However, not all voices echoed the president’s optimism. Former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam publicly criticized the administration, saying Tinubu had failed to ease the suffering of the masses. In a strongly worded statement, Suswam argued that inflation remains high, unemployment persists, and basic amenities remain elusive for most Nigerians. He accused the government of prioritizing policies that burden the poor.
The mixed reactions reflect the wider national sentiment. While some Nigerians commend the president for taking bold steps, others feel the reforms lack a human face. Civil society groups continue to call for more targeted palliatives and inclusive policies to cushion the effects on vulnerable groups. Tinubu, however, urged Nigerians to stay hopeful, assuring them that his economic team was actively working on social intervention programs.
As Nigeria marks this transition year, analysts suggest that the coming months will be critical for Tinubu’s legacy. With the nation facing mounting economic pressure and a restive population, sustained transparency and tangible improvements in living conditions will determine whether his administration can turn the corner from hardship to hope.