Ene Obi, former Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, has urged President Bola Tinubu to improve his leadership, stating that Nigerians deserve better governance.
Obi, during a discussion on News Central TV’s Breakfast Central, emphasised that regardless of how Tinubu assumed office, he now holds the responsibility of leading the country effectively. She expressed concerns over the state of democracy in Nigeria, noting that many citizens are frustrated with the current system.
“What we are asking the president to do is do something better. You have the mantle now, whether you entered illegally or legally, in whatever form, you are occupying the seat of Nigeria,” she said.
The former director referenced the recent legal actions against activist Omoyele Sowore, who is now facing a 16-count charge, an increase from the initial four.
She also highlighted the prolonged detention of protesters, including the “Abuja 11,” who were incarcerated for weeks without trial after demonstrating against bad governance. A similar situation occurred in Kaduna, where 12 activists were held for 10 weeks before the charges were eventually dismissed.
Obi questioned why peaceful protesters were being charged with treason and criticised the government’s approach to handling dissent.
“How can you be charging people who are protesting against treason? I mean, against who is the one, who should even charge the people? Should it be the Nigerians that will be charging the people or, you know, the Nigerian government that will be taking people to court?” she asked.
She also addressed the controversial extension of the Inspector General of Police’s tenure, arguing that such actions undermine the rule of law.
“… under the Police Act… when it is time for somebody to retire, the person retires. But in this case, you are giving somebody extra time.
According to her, if the government values the IGP’s contributions, alternative roles could be assigned rather than extending a tenure that should have ended by law.
“If you think you like the IGP so much, you can give him another assignment. After all, you are the president, you are the one in charge,” she said.
Obi expressed disappointment in the declining presence of opposition voices in the country, stating that civil society and ordinary citizens have been left to challenge the government alone. She called on political leaders to hold the administration accountable and demand improvements in governance.
“And the voices of opposition are really going down in this country,” she said. “… where is the voice of opposition? You just left the civil society, the citizens to fight for themselves. Where are the voices of those who should be there? Who should be asking the president, what you are doing is not good, correct it?”
Obi urged President Tinubu to lead with fairness, ensuring a democratic environment where all Nigerians can participate without fear. She reminded him that, as president, he is responsible for the welfare of all citizens and must govern in a way that fosters national unity and good governance.
“You are a president of all Nigerians… Because it is a Nigerian that will occupy that seat, but lead the people well. Let’s have a democratic environment where everybody is participating,” she said.
