Former member of the House of Representatives, Usman Bugaje, has expressed his doubts about President Bola Tinubu’s control over his administration, citing recent appointments that have raised questions about his leadership.
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These concerns arise following the withdrawal of appointments and controversial nominations that have cast a shadow on the effectiveness of the presidency.
President Tinubu’s decision to appoint Imam Kashim as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) faced backlash, with many critics highlighting Imam’s perceived lack of experience. Subsequently, the appointment was withdrawn. Similar criticism surrounded the nomination of Maryam Shetty as a minister, which was also withdrawn before her Senate screening. Additionally, the appointment of Ola Olukoyede as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has drawn criticism regarding his qualifications for the position.
Usman Bugaje views these incidents as evidence that President Tinubu may not be fully in control of his government. Bugaje remarked, “I can tell you one thing. Clearly, what we have seen is evidence of the fact that the President is not in charge. Someone else is in charge. Now, it is for him to figure out if he wants to really be in charge.”
He further criticized the administration for disregarding the concerns of Nigerians and flouting legal norms, stating, “This government does not have any sense of shame. I am afraid to say so. You would feel ashamed to get certain things done, and then clearly, there is an element of contempt for citizens. You just do things the way you want and how you want irrespective of the rules and regulations.”
Despite being disappointed by President Tinubu’s leadership, Usman Bugaje highlighted the potential he once saw in Tinubu as a leader known for his intellectual curiosity. However, he expressed his dismay at what he perceives as a loss of that potential, stating, “I have worked with him. I was in the Action Congress (AC), and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) so I have the privilege of having to work with him, and I am honestly disappointed. Because I expected – he’s a person who I know that would always have a book around him reading – he would always be able to engage, but all that magic has evaporated. I don’t see it.”
Bugaje also lamented the growing challenges faced by Nigeria, suggesting that the leadership has not effectively addressed the country’s problems. He noted, “We are not able to solve any of our problems. Every Nigerian problem you know – that you see – every day – it gets worse.”
The concerns raised by Bugaje regarding President Tinubu’s leadership come amid ongoing debates about the effectiveness of the administration and its capacity to address the pressing issues facing Nigeria.
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