By Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN
Good governance needs no propaganda because it will speak to the lives of the people directly and positively such that critics of a performing government would have to work labour to convince the populace to the contrary.
On the other hand, a clueless administration is by nature a ready source of critical assessment by patriotic citizens and scathing criticism by the opposition. This piece was widely received by the good people of Nigeria and as expected, reactions poured in from many of my friends and patriots.
By Okechukwu Nwaguma:
Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, in his April 15, 2025 piece ‘How Tinubu Failed Nigeria’ published in Tribune, comprehensively, spot on-ly and poignantly captured the current parlous state of Nigeria and the pathetic conditions of Nigerians under Tinubu’s failed government. He started on the note that Tinubu’s presidency, marked by controversy, was anticipated to bring redemption to Nigeria. Instead, his administration has been undermined by a deepening economic crisis and escalating insecurity. The early promises of restructuring and true federalism have not materialized, leading to widespread disappointment.
Disengagement from governance
Despite calling attention to critical issues like the rampant violence and economic turmoil, President Tinubu has frequently been absent from addressing them, often traveling abroad without effective engagement at home. His consistent absence undermines the urgent needs of the nation, as violent attacks and economic distress continue to rise, exemplified by tragic events in regions like Plateau and Benue States.
Security crisis
The security apparatus is in disarray, with a police force lacking legitimate and effective leadership and a politicised military disconnected from its mandate. Reports of deteriorating conditions, such as the rise of armed groups operating openly, reflect a state increasingly overrun by criminals and terrorists. This has led to the alarming conclusion that Nigeria is becoming a failed state.
Constitutional mandates ignored
The Nigerian Constitution clearly stipulates that the government exists primarily for the security and welfare of its people. However, as violence heightens, public welfare declines, and economic conditions worsen, the government has clearly and significantly deviated from its foundational responsibilities. Citizens are left to fend for themselves, struggling under the weight of inadequate infrastructure and rising living costs.
Isolation of the citizenry
The majority of Nigerians are now trapped in a cycle of poverty, with basic necessities becoming luxuries. Citizens are forced to invest heavily in private solutions—such as self-generated power and personal security—while the government neglects its duties. This widespread disillusionment further exacerbates social tensions and undermines any sense of national unity.
In summary, President Tinubu’s tenure has been characterized by increasing insecurity and worsening socio-economic conditions. As Nigeria grapples with these challenges, there is a pressing need for leadership that prioritizes the protection and welfare of its citizens. The failure to address these fundamental issues necessitates urgent reflection and action. The path forward must involve a recommitment to the core principles of governance, or risk further descent into chaos.
By Caleb Adewole:
Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, you are desperately trying to rewrite history but we won’t allow you to change the narrative for us. You just called the sole administrator of Rivers State an illegal occupier. As a senior lawyer, what was your position when Fubara was bulldozing the assembly in Port Harcourt? Was that act legal? Where were you when Fubara was presenting the budget to only four members of the house of assembly?
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You obviously lost your voice when Fubara was playing God by saying the assembly was existing because he allowed them to exist. I am not a lawyer but I know that it’s only the highest court of the land that can decide that the sole administrator of Rivers State is an illegal occupier. Until that is done, any other position is a beer parlour decision that is of no effect.
By Benson Enikuomehin:
It is unfortunate that the nation has so degenerated to the level that the minds of people we thought can be reasonable have been wrapped up in parochialism. Is it not true that the insecurity in the country is escalating? Is it not true that the cost of living is alarmingly excruciating? Is it not true that the situation in the country is unwholesome? As soon as you touch the matter on how this country is being drifted under the APC government, the attack dogs hanging around will begin to bark very ferociously.
What a country, where insincerity is now a virtue! It is sad!
What has the money given to the NBA by the Rivers State Government to host the AGC of the Bar got to do with the insecurity in the land? If the NBA returns the money to Rivers State Government, then INSECURITY IN BENUE, PLATEAU etc will end!!! What a people and what a government!
By Obadofin Adeola:
One thing that is always consistent in the mouth of the so-called activists in Nigeria is that the current President is always the worst President ever. There is no adjective on earth that was not used to depict Buhari as the most useless president. Then comes Tinubu, and he’s being labelled as worse than Buhari. Another President will come after Tinubu and mark my words, he/she will also be labeled as the worst ever. It didn’t start today.
By Bashir Alao:
Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, indeed, yours is the breath of fresh air to the silenced majority home and abroad. A voice that gives hope in the face of despair, compassion in the face of savagery and vision against the prevailing darkness that is looming large across the country. Your objectivity, rationality and humanity shall prevail; our time (Nigerian populace) shall come. May the Almighty guide, protect and endow you with the longevity to enhance your noble service towards humanity. With best wishes sir.
By Babs Infinity Adio:
I am profoundly taken aback that a piece of this nature would emanate from none other than the esteemed Big Sam. As the former President of the Students’ Union Government at Obafemi Awolowo University, you were not only a symbol of academic brilliance but also a living embodiment of integrity and the unflinching pursuit of truth. Your elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) came as no surprise to me, for you have always stood tall—both intellectually and morally.
In your recent write-up, you described the election that brought President Tinubu to power as the most controversial in Nigeria’s electoral history. With the highest respect, sir, I urge you to revisit the turbulent ⅔ conundrum of the 1979 elections—an episode that still echoes with constitutional controversy and unresolved legitimacy.
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While I wholeheartedly respect your inalienable right to voice your opinions and align with any political candidate of your choosing, I am prepared to engage you with verifiable facts and incontestable data to demonstrate that the 2023 election—despite its flaws—was far from being the worst in our democratic journey.
If this moral reckoning must begin, let it commence within the noble institution of the Nigerian Bar Association. The integrity you so passionately defend demands that you speak out and call for the return of the Rivers State funds in the Fubara case.
If Tinubu’s mandate is the most controversial in your judgment, how would you categorize the legal and electoral chaos surrounding the Bola Ige vs. Omololu Olunloyo or the Omoboriowo vs. Adekunle Ajasin sagas? Sir, let us remember: he who comes to equity must do so with clean hands. Let the scales of justice be balanced—not bent by bias, but upheld by truth in its most unvarnished form.
By Adetola Odumuyiwa:
Thank you for saying the truth to power and to everyone, irrespective of the reactions or comments of some unpaid attack dogs who are part of the suffering majority but chose to lick the boots of their oppressors.
I can say that you were generous with an autocrat who has been pretending all this while that he was a democrat. Since he bought the presidency, life has been so difficult for the majority of Nigerians. Nigerians have been living below the poverty line.
This Tinubu has nothing to offer. Since he grabbed the power and ran away with it, he never looked back, he wants more States to capture to consolidate his power base just as he has done with the unconstitutional declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State but I know, nobody can play God. It will soon be over. Thank you, the great Big Sam.
By Adejare Azeez:
Tinubu Is A Disaster To The Nigerian Economy
President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has been marred by policies that have exacerbated the suffering of Nigerians, leaving many to struggle for survival. The stark reality is that his leadership has been characterized by a lack of empathy and a callous disregard for the welfare of the citizens he swore to protect.
The economy, instead of being a catalyst for growth and development, has become a tool of oppression, with policies that stifle innovation and entrepreneurship. The youth, who are the backbone of any nation, are being neglected, with limited opportunities for education, employment, and personal growth.
The security situation in the country is dire, with insecurity, poverty, and corruption running rampant. The government’s response to these challenges has been woefully inadequate, leaving citizens to fend for themselves against the forces of darkness. In the light of these failures, it is imperative to condemn President Tinubu’s leadership in the strongest possible terms.
His administration’s policies have been a disaster for Nigeria, and it is clear that he is not fit to hold the office of president.
