The claim that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the best president in Africa has been making rounds, largely among his supporters and political allies. However, for millions of Nigerians struggling with economic hardship, high inflation, and a worsening standard of living, this assertion appears detached from reality. How can a leader presiding over a country in crisis be hailed as the best on the continent?
Since assuming office, Tinubu’s administration has introduced several economic policies, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates. These moves were intended to stabilize the economy in the long run, but in the short term, they have inflicted severe hardship on ordinary citizens. The cost of living has skyrocketed, food prices have more than doubled, and businesses are grappling with economic instability. The naira’s decline against the dollar has further worsened inflation, eroding the purchasing power of many Nigerians.
While some argue that Tinubu’s policies are necessary to break Nigeria free from years of economic mismanagement, others question whether the burden of reform should fall so heavily on the masses. If a leader is judged based on the immediate impact of their policies on citizens’ lives, then it becomes difficult to rank Tinubu among the best, let alone the best in Africa.
Leadership is not just about making bold policy moves; it is about ensuring that those policies do not disproportionately hurt the people they are meant to help. A great leader is one who finds a balance between reform and relief, between structural changes and immediate welfare. So far, many Nigerians feel that Tinubu’s administration has not provided enough cushioning measures to alleviate the suffering caused by its policies.
Of course, every administration has its defenders. Political loyalists and government officials will always attempt to paint a rosy picture, highlighting potential long-term gains while downplaying the present struggles. But governance is about results, not just promises. If an overwhelming number of citizens are experiencing unprecedented hardship, can one still claim that their leader is the best?
To be considered the best in Africa, Tinubu’s administration must go beyond rhetoric and ensure that Nigerians see tangible improvements in their daily lives. Policies should not only be visionary but also people-centered. Until then, praising Tinubu as Africa’s best president remains a claim that is not only questionable but also insensitive to the suffering of millions of Nigerians.
By: Godwin Offor
