Tinubu’s leadership test: The urgent need for Nigeria’s advisory body
In the year since President Bola Tinubu took office, Nigeria has been engulfed by a confluence of economic turmoil and social unrest.
The removal of the fuel subsidy and the devaluation of the naira have triggered a severe economic shock, driving up the prices of essential goods and services and exacerbating the hardship faced by ordinary Nigerians.
Amidst mounting protests, which have led to tragic loss of lives and significant property damage, one crucial democratic institution remains strikingly absent from the national dialogue: the National Council of State.
Despite President Tinubu’s efforts to engage with various stakeholders—including governors, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the diplomatic community—he has yet to convene the Council of State, a body uniquely positioned to provide valuable counsel during such national crises.
The National Council of State is not just a ceremonial entity but a constitutionally mandated advisory body that includes former Presidents, Heads of State, former Chief Justices, current governors, and key federal officials. This esteemed group represents a wealth of experience and insight that could be critical in navigating Nigeria’s complex challenges.
The fact that President Tinubu has not sought the guidance of this body over his first year in office raises significant concerns about his administration’s approach to governance and its willingness to utilise all available resources in addressing the nation’s pressing issues.
While President Tinubu has outlined efforts to tackle hunger and inflation, these measures have yet to provide meaningful relief for the average Nigerian. The recently concluded protests highlight the urgency of the situation; citizens are not simply voicing discontent but are pleading for concrete solutions to their very real problems.
The destruction and loss resulting from these demonstrations emphasise the potential for social unrest to escalate if decisive and effective action is not taken. It is imperative for the Tinubu administration to not only address immediate economic and social grievances but also to engage fully with the National Council of State. This step could provide much-needed strategic guidance and foster a more comprehensive approach to resolving the nation’s crises.
A meeting of the National Council of State could offer a vital platform for candid discussions about Nigeria’s current predicament and potential solutions. This body, composed of leaders with decades of experience spanning periods of economic instability, political transition, and social upheaval, possesses a depth of knowledge that could be instrumental in navigating the current crisis.
Drawing on this wealth of experience could greatly aid in devising effective strategies to address the nation’s challenges. Convening the Council would also signal a strong commitment to inclusive and consultative leadership, showcasing a readiness to consider diverse perspectives and utilise the full spectrum of national leadership expertise.
The Council could play a crucial role in fostering national consensus on necessary but difficult economic reforms. While the removal of fuel subsidies and currency devaluation may offer long-term benefits, they have led to significant immediate hardships. The Council, with its broad representation, could help explain the rationale behind these policies and recommend measures to alleviate their short-term impacts.
Additionally, the Council’s discussions could tackle other urgent issues such as security concerns, electoral reforms, and economic diversification strategies. Although its recommendations are not binding, they carry substantial moral and political weight, which could help overcome deadlocks on contentious matters.
Critics may argue that convening the Council could delay urgent actions, but the potential benefits far outweigh any temporary setbacks. The insights and recommendations from such a meeting could expedite effective solutions by garnering broader support and leveraging extensive expertise.
As Nigeria faces a critical juncture marked by economic difficulties and social unrest, it is essential to utilise every available tool for effective governance. President Tinubu has an opportunity to demonstrate true statesmanship by convening this Council and actively seeking its counsel. Doing so would not be a sign of weakness, but rather a demonstration of strength and wisdom – an acknowledgment that the challenges facing Nigeria today require the best efforts and ideas of all its leaders, past and present.
We opine that the time has come for President Tinubu to call upon this august body. Nigeria’s future may well depend on the collective wisdom and experience that only the National Council of State can bring to bear on the pressing issues of our time.
The National Council of State stands as a unique institution embodying the collective wisdom of Nigeria’s leadership across generations and political divides. Its engagement could be pivotal in steering the country through these turbulent times.
The nation watches and waits, yearning for leadership that is both decisive and humble enough to seek guidance from those who have previously shouldered the responsibilities of office. A meeting of the Council of State is not merely advisable; it is crucial for navigating through these turbulent times and steering Nigeria toward greater stability and prosperity.
