NIGERIA AND THE TRAGEDY OF THE COMMONS: THE SOOTHING COMING OF PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU.
By Musa Bakare
Before the advent of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, there was a complex mix of hope, disillusionment, and opportunism among both leaders and citizens.
Many Nigerians viewed their country through the lens of the challenges they faced, insecurity, economic struggles, corruption, and a perceived lack of leadership. There was a pervasive tragedy of the commons as individuals often prioritized personal gain over collective progress in the way they see their country.
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This sentiment was reflected in widespread corruption and resource mismanagement, where the focus shifted to immediate benefits at the expense of long term development, as often said, Nigeria belongs to everybody and to nobody.
Leaders and People scramble for opportunities for themselves and family leaving the country hopeless and rudderless
The country struggled with poverty and inequality, citizens often grappled with feelings of hopelessness about the future. Many questioned whether Nigeria could achieve meaningful growth or if it would remain entrenched in its challenges. This led to a mentality among some that everything was fair game for personal advancement, fostering a climate where many saw the nation as a place where resources are over exploited due to the lack of collective care and responsibility.
Despite these difficulties, there remained a strong undercurrent of patriotism and love for the country among some Nigerians in the like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu with a huge aspiration for a better Nigeria, rooted in a deep cultural identity and a desire for collective progress.
The pervasive challenges often overshadowed these sentiments, leading to feelings of hopelessness where citizens felt disconnected from their governance, leading to the misconception that a country shared by all somehow belonged to none.
In the view of the All Progressive Congress (APC) political party and millions of Nigerians who saw hope in Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he represents a potential turning point. His background as a very successful international accountant, a seasoned politician and his history as the former Governor of Lagos State provided a sense of reassurance that he could bring about meaningful change.
Millions of Nigerians views him as a leader equipped to guide Nigeria out of the challenging waters and towards a brighter future. His vision, reforms, and policies are therefore vital for addressing the long standing issues faced by the nation.
The Renewed Hope Agenda espoused by the All Progressive Congress (APC) for the Tinubu’s administration is an opportunity to shift the collective mindset of Nigerians toward national growth development and responsibility.
As with any transformative political figure Worldwide, Tinubu’s path would likely be met with both support and opposition. His supporters believed that he will inspire a new narrative in Nigeria, one where citizens approached challenges with a sense of teamwork and responsibility for their country.
Those reforms being initiated under his leadership are crucial steps toward laying a foundation and resetting the country on the part of a future assured.
The optimism surrounding Tinubu’s leadership suggests that, given the right support, tools and vision, Nigeria could evolve from a state of opportunism into a cohesive nation focused on shared growth and prosperity.
The renewed hope that in the coming years, Nigerians would unite in their efforts to rebuild and elevate their nation, celebrating successes and enduring challenges together under Tinubu’s leadership is solid. This vision for Nigeria, however hinges on collective participation, accountability, and a rekindled commitment to the welfare of the nation as a whole.
Tinubu’s leadership is an opportunity for a cultural shift in how Nigerians perceive their roles in building their country. Nigerians will soon celebrate the positive changes brought about by Tinubu’s administration, the potential of transformative leadership citizens will eventually recognize and appreciate his contributions towards a collective yearning for progress and betterment.
While the path ahead may appear fraught with challenges, the narrative around President Tinubu’s leadership will bring forth a profound sense of hope.
Nigerians are eager for a renewed commitment to the country, challenging each other to embody a spirit of unity and shared purpose, rather than one of individual gain.
Hon. Musa Bakare, member Tinubu Support Group (TSG) writes from Lokoja Kogi state capital
9th January, 2025
