22/05/2025
*Tinubu's Two Years: Failing to Inspire National Confidence Amid an Inherited APC Legacy of Hopelessness*
_After two years, the Tinubu administration has largely dashed Nigerians' expectationsâfailing to inspire confidence and deliver on its 'Renewed Hope' mandate, especially as government attention now divides between governance and preparations for the 2027 general election. Beyond this mid-term assessment, today's challenges reflect a deeper governance malaise. The BOOT Party remains resolute in calling for a complete recalibration of policiesâfrom energy, health, and education to security and economic management. We envision a Nigeria where transparency, accountability, and genuine citizen empowerment form the cornerstones of public policy. We call on all Nigeriansâregardless of party allegianceâto join us in demanding reforms that restore hope through inclusive economic policies, respect for rights, effective security strategies, and accountable leadership. Only then can Nigeria fulfil its promise as the 'Giant of Africa.'_
*By Sonny Adenuga,*
National Chairman
Because Of Our Tomorrow (BOOT) Party
Released on: Monday, 20 May, 2025
https://BOOT.org.ng/Reboot/Tinubu_Two_Years/
It has been two years since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration came to power. As an opposition party, the Because Of Our Tomorrow (BOOT) Party articulates its concerns and aspirations regarding his record so far. This report reflects our commitment to democratic principles and our deep-seated belief that Nigeria deserves transformative change. Regrettably, the administration's performance falls far short of the 'Renewed Hope' Agenda (RHA) it once promised.
*1. ASSESSMENT OF POLICIES â (30%)*
*RHA Promise:* A diversified, resilient economy that spurs investment, reduces unemployment, and spreads wealth equitably.
*Reality:* The Tinubu administration's policies were hailed as the dawn of a new era, yet in practice many have imposed severe economic hardships on ordinary Nigerians. While the reform agenda initially promised renewed hope, its ex*****on has driven up living costs, eroded personal savings, and disrupted family livelihoods. Nigerians from all walks of life are now voicing their discontent, as these measures have not stabilized the economy but have deepened our communities' vulnerabilities.
*2. HUMAN RIGHTS AND JUSTICE â (20%)*
*RHA Promise (implicit in 'Strengthen Institutions'):* Guarantee the rule of law and equal access to justice.
*Reality:* Under Tinubu's rule, the protection of human rights has suffered gravely. Citizens find themselves navigating a legal system that favours those with deep pocketsâthose who can 'buy' justiceâwhile grassroots protests are met with unnecessarily heavy-handed measures. This deliberate constriction of judicial independence undermines our democratic fabric, leaving Nigerians with little recourse when their rights are trampled. It is high time that justice and fairness be restoredânot as abstract ideals but as tangible realities.
*3. SECURITY POLICIES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST INSECURITY â (20%)*
*RHA Promise:* Every Nigerian must feel safeâthrough enhanced capabilities and intelligence-led operations.
*Reality:* Despite persistent calls for robust security reforms, there has been no tangible shift in combating terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings. The state security apparatus has been reduced to a display of uniforms and fi****ms, lacking the intelligence-led operations needed to neutralize threats effectively. This strategic void leaves our communities exposed and underscores a broader failure to secure the nation against incessant violence.
*4. FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION â (10%)*
*RHA Promise:* Overhaul anti-graft agencies to ensure impartial enforcement.
*Reality:* The administration's anti-corruption drive remains dishearteningly superficial. Institutions like the EFCC now function more as political instruments than as impartial watchdogs. Instead of eradicating corruption, the regime appears to have normalized selective accountability while protecting its own interests. Genuine reform demands transforming these bodies into transparent, efficient entities committed to rooting out graft at every level.
*5. AGRICULTURAL POLICIES FOR FOOD SECURITY â (20%)*
*RHA Promise:* Modernize farming, expand credit access, and secure abundant harvests.
*Reality:* Promises in the agricultural sector have largely gone unfulfilled. Northern farmers continue shouldering largely the responsibility of feeding the nation under challenging conditions, while their southern counterparts wait in vain for announced subsidies. This uneven support deepens regional disparities and jeopardizes national food security. An effective policy must distribute resources equitably and empower all Nigerian farmers to thrive.
*6. APPOINTMENTS IN THE ADMINISTRATION â (15%)*
*RHA Promise:* Enhance governance structures to ensure efficient and transparent service delivery.
*Reality:* Recent appointments have done little to inspire confidence in the government's commitment to merit and inclusivity. Selections appear driven by patronage, political expediency, and loyalty rather than competence and integrity. Such decisions erode public trust and highlight a troubling trend of consolidating power at the expense of accountability.
*7. EMPLOYMENT GENERATION â (15%)*
*RHA Promise (under Economic Reform & Social Investment):* Reduce unemployment and cut poverty rates.
*Reality:* Employment strategies under this regime have proven inadequate and short-sighted. Instead of creating sustainable job opportunities, Nigeria is witnessing the 'Japa Syndrome,' as citizens seek greener pastures abroad. Poverty-alleviation initiatives remain superficial, failing to address systemic drivers of unemployment. The government must invest in dynamic vocational training and local enterprise development to break the cycle of deprivation.
*8. IMPROVEMENTS IN EDUCATION, HEALTHCARE, AND INFRASTRUCTURE â (10%)*
*RHA Promise:* Revamp schools and hospitals; expand social-welfare schemes to build human capital.
*Reality*: Much-touted improvements in education, healthcare, power, and infrastructure remain unfulfilled. Bureaucratic bottlenecks continue to impede progress and frustrate young Nigerians; for example, JAMB reforms that once held promise now bog applicants down with glitches. Overburdened healthcare services force our healthcare heroes to operate under extreme pressure. Additionally, stalled infrastructure and power projects have left communities underserved. The federal government must urgently redirect priorities to rebuild these essential sectors and genuinely uplift Nigerians' quality of life.
*9. DIRECT FOREIGN INVESTMENT â (15%)*
*RHA Promise:* Mobilize diaspora capital and skills; harness our youth dividend.
*Reality:* The current pattern of foreign investment reveals a missed opportunity. Although diaspora funds flow into housing, few are channelled into transformative ventures. The administration has not done enough to create an investment-friendly environment that leverages Nigeria's resources and global expertise. We call for strategic reforms to encourage genuine capital and knowledge repatriation.
*10. NATIONAL UNITY â (35%)*
*RHA Promise:* Foster a nation that transcends ethnic and regional divides.
*Reality:* Despite efforts to drive wedges between regions, ordinary Nigerians overwhelmingly desire a 'One Working Nigeria'. A small minority may agitate for separation, but the prevailing sentiment is collective belonging and commitment to a united Nigeria. A government that exploits divisions for political gain sacrifices true cohesion. Unity can only flourish when policies are inclusive and responsive to all Nigerians' diverse aspirations.
*11. WOMEN'S INCLUSION IN GOVERNANCE â (10%)*
*RHA Promise (under Social Inclusion & Political Empowerment):* Advance women's participation and economic inclusion.
*Reality:* Although a handful of women hold government positions, overall gender inclusivity remains disappointing. Token gestures cannot substitute for substantive policies that empower women in governance and economic life. We urge enforceable quotas, expanded access to finance, and gender-responsive budgeting to ensure women's contributions are fully recognized.
*12. CIVIL SOCIETY â (10%)*
*RHA Promise (under Strengthen Institutions):* Safeguard democratic participation and free association.
*Reality:* Civil society bears the brunt of an administration that has systematically undermined key democratic institutionsâmost notably the judiciary. Political interference weakens the third arm of government, leaving NGOs and activists hamstrung in their efforts to hold the state accountable. This erosion of checks and balances stifles dissent and the civic engagement essential to a vibrant democracy.
*13. OPPOSITION PARTIES â (10%)*
*RHA Promise (under Strengthen Institutions):* Safeguard democratic participation and free association.
*Reality:* In an environment where dissent is often met with state hostility, opposition partiesâincluding the BOOT Partyâhave shown commendable resilience. Despite operating with limited resources and facing significant challenges, we have steadfastly advocated for transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance. Our efforts to mobilise the citizenry and present viable alternatives underscore our unwavering commitment to the core values of democracy, even amidst adversity. Moreover, the ruling APC continues to pose a significant threat by incessantly attempting to co-opt opposition members and stifle dissent.
*14. DEMOCRACY UNDER THREAT â (10%)*
*RHA Promise (under Federalism & Decentralization):* Amend the national governance structure to afford states greater autonomy.
*Reality:* The imposition of an unelected ex-military 'state administrator' in Rivers State exemplifies an administration drifting toward authoritarian shortcuts rather than democratic solutionsâwhat we at the BOOT Party have described as âan echo of dictatorship.â This undemocratic measure is a stark symbol of government failure; it directly undermines state and local governments autonomy and bypasses the crucial checks provided by our judicial system. As highlighted following Attorney General Prince Lateef Fagbemi's press briefing, such unilateral decisions subvert the rule of law and erode public trust in our democratic institutions. This approach is unsustainable and must be reversed if we are to restore true democratic governance.
*15. LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY â (30%)*
*RHA Promise:* Enhance governance structures to ensure efficient and transparent service delivery.
*Reality:* While greater local autonomy could improve service delivery, some governors have threatened to resist. The federal government's recent imposition of an unconstitutional âstate administrator' in Rivers State sends the wrong message about genuine devolution.
*16. FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL â (45%)*
*RHA Promise:* A diversified, resilient economy that spurs investment, reduces unemployment, and spreads wealth equitably.
*Reality:* Though this policy holds promise, its ex*****on has increased deprivation and work-poverty, especially among the poorest Nigerians. The federal government has not ensured that additional funds, available to state and local governments as a result of this policy, are ring-fenced for poverty alleviation to mitigate the policy's impact.
*17. LOOKING AHEAD*
After two years, the Tinubu administration has largely dashed Nigerians' expectationsâfailing to inspire confidence and deliver on its 'Renewed Hope' mandate, especially as government attention now divides between governance and preparations for the 2027 general election. Beyond this mid-term assessment, today's challenges reflect a deeper governance malaise. The BOOT Party remains resolute in calling for a complete recalibration of policiesâfrom energy, health, and education to security and economic management. We envision a Nigeria where transparency, accountability, and genuine citizen empowerment form the cornerstones of public policy. We call on all Nigeriansâregardless of party allegianceâto join us in demanding reforms that restore hope through inclusive economic policies, respect for rights, effective security strategies, and accountable leadership. Only then can Nigeria fulfil its promise as the 'Giant of Africa.'
Yours sincerely,
Sonny Adenuga, Twitter:
National Chairman
Because Of Our Tomorrow (BOOT) Party
https://boot.org.ng/reboot/Tinubu_Two_Years/
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