EVALUATING PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU’ INAUGURAL 100 DAYS IN OFFICE 

BY ADEKE CHUKWUKA

Bola Tinubu’s first 100 days as Nigeria’s fifth President of the Fourth Republic have been marked by uncertainties and apprehension. As his administration takes shape, tensions, divisions, and government fragility are evident, especially in the aftermath of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal’s recent conclusion. Two of the parties contesting the election results have proceeded to the apex court to seek redress. All of this unfolds against the backdrop of worsening economic hardship facing the nation.

In his initial 100 days as President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has displayed a commitment to addressing the myriad challenges that often engulf Nigeria’s socio-economic, cultural, and political landscape. This demonstrates a proactive approach to his presidency.

While recognizing that 100 days may be insufficient to fully evaluate an administration, this tradition, inspired by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932, remains a significant indicator for assessing a new leader’s direction and performance.

Tinubu assumed office with an awareness of Nigeria’s suboptimal socio-economic condition. Immediate challenges included the subsidy issue and ongoing election petitions in court. Metaphorically, Tinubu ventured into the challenging waters of subsidy removal and exchange rate policy changes without adequate preparation. However, he is diligently working to ensure that his presidency remains afloat and strives to navigate the complexities and uncertainties of Nigeria.

In the past 100 days, President Tinubu has actively adjusted and reshaped his strategies for governance and development. Many have lauded his commendable actions during this brief period, prompting a review of his initial actions and their effects on the Nigerian population.

One of the early actions taken by the President was a meeting with the service Chiefs and National Security Adviser. Security is vital for economic stability, and Tinubu emphasized the importance of information sharing among security and intelligence agencies to combat terrorism effectively.

He also engaged with major oil marketers to address the challenges posed by fuel subsidy removal, resulting in a pledge from the Oil Marketers Association to donate mass transit buses to mitigate the impact of subsidy removal.

Additionally, Tinubu successfully resolved a health worker strike and negotiated a deal with the Nigeria Labour Congress to avert a strike related to the subsidy removal.

Furthermore, he signed the 2023 Electricity Act into law, aiming to decentralize the electricity sector and promote competition.

However, despite these acclaimed achievements, there are doubts about the effectiveness of Tinubu’s government. Individual perceptions may vary in rating areas touched or amended by the President.

On the flip side, focusing on perceived failures, his initial actions, including subsidy removal and currency floatation, led to economic turmoil, increased poverty levels, inflation, currency devaluation, and business setbacks.

Tinubu’s delay in nominating ministers and recycling political figures disappointed many Nigerians who had hoped for a departure from previous governance issues.

Additionally, his nomination of 48 ministers raised concerns about excessive governance costs when merging ministries could result in significant savings.

Regarding ECOWAS, Tinubu’s strong stance against military coups was commendable, but a hasty ultimatum overshadowed this position.

The removal of subsidies and currency floatation added to Nigeria’s economic challenges, and the absence of a well-qualified economist as Central Bank governor is seen as a drawback.

Tinubu’s administration has outlined a three-year economic recovery plan and an eight-point agenda, but effective implementation is crucial.

In comparison to other leaders, Tinubu’s executive orders have been less far-reaching so far.

In conclusion, while it’s premature to judge Tinubu conclusively, his initial 100 days have been uninspiring. If he retains power, his focus should be on uniting the country, revitalizing the economy, tackling insecurity and corruption, generating jobs, and reducing poverty in the next 100 days and beyond.