Showunmi Greets President Tinubu on His 74th Birthday
Happy Birthday Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Without a doubt, you are an intentional and strategically astute leader. While many things may satisfy a crowd, true leadership demands restraint especially in the consumption of praise so that clarity of purpose and the capacity for consequential action are not diminished.
At this stage, it may serve you well to reflect candidly on the formation of your cabinet. A number of appointments appear driven more by patronage than performance, though there are certainly some commendable choices. The delay in appointing ambassadors has also been unsettling, compounded by a few selections that have raised legitimate concerns about representation and national cohesion. Nigeria must never be projected in a way that invites doubt about our judgment or unity; excessively divisive figures cannot credibly speak for the whole.
On the economy, your direction shows promise. However, greater discipline is required in resource allocation across sectors. Budget integrity must be non-negotiable both in principle and in execution. A government that does not adhere strictly to its own fiscal framework risks eroding confidence.
It is important to remember that the All Progressives Congress was built on the enduring sacrifices of Muhammadu Buhari. His persistence over the years consolidated the northern base that your strategic coordination effectively harnessed. Re-engaging that constituency is essential, particularly in addressing the current erosion of support driven by misunderstanding of necessary reforms.
Power must remain balanced. The South West has, by most measures, taken more than its equitable share relative to its contribution to your electoral success. A recalibration is necessary to sustain legitimacy and national trust.
You deserve the opportunity of a second term, as the general trajectory of your policies is directionally sound. However, electoral success is ultimately governed by numbers and the science of coalition-building.
Your recent convention speech was noteworthy, particularly your consistent acknowledgment of the legacy and contributions of President Buhari. That continuity of respect is not lost on discerning observers.
I also acknowledge your gesture of empathy toward Nasir El-Rufai. Acts of consideration, even amidst political differences, reflect strength of character and an understanding of the deeper bonds that underpin our political journey.
We must continue to uphold the principle of balance when power resides in the North, it holds for eight years; when in the South, the same standard should apply. Stability in this regard is fundamental to the long-term cohesion of the union.
As I have shared with you privately, your generation carries the responsibility of stabilizing the governing framework of this country. The next phase will require a more deliberate, structured, and forward-looking approach to national development.
Happy Birthday once again, Mr President. May God grant you good health, wisdom, and strength in service to our nation.
Odofin Keesi
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