Tinubu’s Visit to Enugu: A Response to Obi’s Criticism or Mere Political Show? – Written by Maazi Tochukwu Ezeoke
In a move that has stirred the political waters of Nigeria, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, publicly urged President Bola Tinubu to immerse himself in the realities of Nigeria by visiting each state. This call came at a time when the nation grapples with economic challenges, security issues, and widespread public discontent with governance. Shortly after Obi’s appeal, President Tinubu scheduled a visit to Enugu State, a decision that has sparked a flurry of opinions and interpretations across the political spectrum.
Obi’s call was not merely a press conference suggestion; it was a strategic critique aimed at highlighting the disconnect between governance at the federal level and the everyday struggles of Nigerians. By urging Tinubu to visit states, Obi intended to push for a governance model that is visibly engaged with the populace, emphasizing the need for leaders to see firsthand the conditions on which they legislate and make policy decisions. This gesture from Obi resonates with a populace hungry for leaders who demonstrate empathy and direct involvement in the nation’s affairs beyond the confines of Abuja or international trips.
Tinubu’s decision to visit Enugu, therefore, can be seen in several lights. On one hand, it might be perceived as a responsive act to Obi’s critique, signalling a willingness to engage with the public grievances directly. This interpretation would paint Tinubu as a leader open to feedback and ready to address the nation’s issues from the grassroots level. Indeed, the optics of a president visiting states could help in bridging the gap between the government and the governed, potentially revitalizing public faith in leadership.
However, critics might argue that this visit is more about political optics than genuine engagement. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) suggest that the visit to Enugu was already in the pipeline, and Obi’s call might have just provided a convenient narrative for the administration to latch onto. This view would see Tinubu’s move as calculated political theatre, aimed at countering negative press and public perception rather than a sincere policy shift towards more engaged governance.
The visit to Enugu, where Tinubu is set to commission several projects, could be a litmus test for his administration’s commitment to development across regions, especially in areas where political support might not be as guaranteed as in his stronghold states. Enugu, being in the South East, a region where Obi enjoys significant support, could serve as an opportunity for Tinubu to extend an olive branch or demonstrate inclusivity beyond ethnic or political lines.
Moreover, this interaction between Obi’s call and Tinubu’s action proves the dynamics of opposition and governance in Nigeria. It shows how the opposition can influence policy or at least public action from the executive, even if indirectly. It also highlights the importance of public discourse in shaping political actions, where leaders are compelled to respond not just to their electoral base but to the broader populace’s expectations.
However, for this to be more than just a political stunt, Tinubu must ensure that these visits lead to tangible actions as highlighted by Mr Obi in his New Year press conference. Visiting states should not be an end in itself but a means to gather insights, foster dialogue, and implement policies that directly address the highlighted issues. If this visit to Enugu does not translate into meaningful policy changes or increased focus on local issues, it risks being dismissed as mere political propaganda.
Tochukwu Ezeoke writes from Ezinifite, Anambra State
