President Bola Tinubu
As Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, residents of Sokoto State have expressed sharply divided opinions over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s performance after three years in office, with some praising his reforms while others insist the country has recorded little progress.
A cross-section of residents interviewed in a vox pop by NATIONAL ACCORD, offered contrasting assessments of the administration, particularly on the economy, security, infrastructure and governance.
Leading those who commended the President was the Sokoto State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Agenda, Hon. Haruna Adiya, who rated Tinubu’s performance above 90 percent.
“I am rating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as having achieved over 90 percent in terms of delivering good governance since assuming office,” Adiya said.
He credited the President with expanding road infrastructure, citing projects such as the Illela-Badagry Super Highway and the Sokoto-Zamfara-Katsina-Kaduna road, while also praising the administration’s economic reforms, improved foreign exchange reserves, investments in agriculture and support for youth employment through the National Directorate of Employment (NDE).
“The president has stabilized the economy. Our foreign exchange and reserves are stronger now. He has invested heavily in agriculture. Lots of Nigerian youths have become employers of labour now because of the huge investment in the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) programmes.
“Nigerians have seen improvement in the generation and distribution of power, and the bold step taking by the President on the issue of fuel subsidy. The subsidy was initially beneficial to few individuals but today the money goes to States where it is been used for the benefit of all,” he said.
On security, Adiya said the administration had strengthened security agencies through improved funding and logistics, adding that Tinubu remained committed to Nigeria’s unity.
“Do not forget because of his love for the unity of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wholeheartedly supported late President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 to defeat the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. Tinubu further support Buhari to win his reelection in 2019.
“My appeal to Nigeria and Nigerians therefore, is that, let us continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his second tenure after which power will return to the north come 2031,” he appealed.
Also speaking, roadside trader Madam Alice Danlami said the President deserved more time to complete his reforms.
“You know, before Tinubu came onboard as the President, his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari (late) has created most of the crisis Tinubu is addressing today,” she said.
Another resident, Malam Adamu Maishinkafa, shared a similar view, arguing that many of the country’s present economic challenges were inherited.
“And now that he has stabilize after 3 years, I am sure, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will use his second tenure to consolidate on the gains so far,” he stated.
However, opposition voices rejected the positive assessment of the administration.
The Minority Leader of the Sokoto State House of Assembly and member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Abubakar Magaji, said he had not seen achievements worthy of celebration.
“There is no significant achievement of the administration of President Bola Tinubu worth celebrating as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence anniversary.
“As far as I am concerned, as a serving legislator, if we are talking about progress in terms of leadership in our country, I can say without any fear of contradiction that I have not seen any progress under the Tinubu administration,” he said.
Magaji also expressed concern over the security situation, saying the Federal Government needed to do more to protect lives and property.
“What is happening now in Sokoto State is terrible. Out of the 23 Local Government Areas, only two are not vulnerable to security threats,” he added.
Another respondent, Alhaji Musa Ubandawaki, described the administration’s three years in office as disappointing, alleging that insecurity, economic hardship and rising cost of living had overshadowed government reforms.
Nigeria gained independence from Britain on October 1, 1960. Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu has introduced major economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market. While the Federal Government says the policies are laying the foundation for long-term economic recovery, many Nigerians continue to debate their impact on daily living conditions, making the President’s performance a subject of intense public discussion as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
