Lowered Expectations for President Tinubu and Future Leaders
Former presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, has called on Nigerians to temper their expectations regarding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and future leaders.
Speaking at the 21st Trust Dialogue themed “Tinubu’s Economic Reforms: Gainers and Losers,” Shehu highlighted the challenges faced by ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, emphasizing that he was a victim of the crisis of expectations.
Impact of External Factors on Buhari’s Administration
During the dialogue, Shehu, who served as the ex-Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Buhari, pointed out that Buhari’s administration encountered difficulties due to external factors.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in 2022 significantly affected grain importation, contributing to some of the challenges faced by the former president.
Lessons from Buhari’s Experience
Shehu urged Nigerians to be mindful of the broader context when evaluating a leader’s performance.
He cited Buhari’s decision to ban rice importation, emphasizing that it was driven by the country’s self-sufficiency in rice production.
Despite challenges, Nigeria played a crucial role in feeding West Africa.
Shehu suggested that Buhari’s administration faced a crisis of expectations exacerbated by unforeseen global events, such as the pandemic and international conflicts.
The Need for Realistic Expectations
In light of the lessons learned from Buhari’s tenure, Shehu advised voters to lower their expectations when choosing a president.
He stressed that no leader can address all the nation’s problems, urging Nigerians to avoid setting inhumane expectations.
Shehu emphasized that leaders can accomplish significant feats, but it is unrealistic to expect a single individual to solve every challenge facing a nation.
In conclusion, Shehu’s insights underscore the importance of realistic expectations and a nuanced understanding of the complexities faced by leaders, urging citizens to approach the electoral process with a balanced perspective.
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