Speak to us, Dear President by Segun Showunmi

Mr President, I need to let you know that although I am happy to see you looking healthy, I am extremely unhappy that you seem not to get that leadership is not some dramatic suspense thriller, when your citizens need to hear you talk to them. Please know that nothing else will be acceptable than an address where you reassure us and update us on the state of things.

This is not the time to play Daddy Cool, no. This is the time to show, from the tone of voice, to the gesticulations, and answers to one or two questions, that, indeed, you take the citizens of our beloved country seriously.

This undue drama and suspense is what is breeding insults from all quarters. We will all rally around you, but you need to take the lead. By the way, where is your Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, when he is most needed? I don’t want to believe that there is a deliberate policy to keep the very best speaking head in your cabinet off the beat, while less inspiring and near colourless fellows speak to the nation at this time.

Mr President, fix this please. We are in an emergency, the like of which we have never been confronted with.