President Tinubu’s domestic shuttle: Why it matters, by Fredrick Nwabufo
President Bola Tinubu has been emphatic about the pivotality of Nigeria — to the full extent of its vast endowments, potential, rich cultural heritage, and complexities — in his policy thrust.
He speaks Nigeria, lives Nigeria, and carries its core to every rostrum, every stage — whether domestic or foreign.
In governance, the public interest, Nigeria’s interest, is often the common denominator in the plans and actions of his administration. From the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Consumer Credit Scheme, Livestock Development Programme, agricultural initiatives, youth development programmes, the development commissions, and many others, the expansiveness and national outlook of the leadership psyche is patently apparent.
During his campaign for president between 2022 and 2023, President Tinubu traversed the country speaking to the hearts of Nigerians across the aisles. And as President, he has continued to reach out to all Nigerians across zones, persuasions, and backgrounds.
He has visited over 15 states, and some of them multiple times, since assuming office. He is not cloistered and far removed from the people he leads. He continues his accustomed bridge-building classics even while in office — as expected.
This year alone, he has visited three states in the South-East, Enugu, Anambra, and Imo, which he is visiting on Tuesday, September 30.
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One filament runs through these visits, and that is unity, solidarity, peace, and progress.
Earlier in the month, he visited Kaduna State, where he commiserated with the family of the late President Muhammadu Buhari. He also attended the wedding of Senator Abdulaziz Yari’s son. He had visited Katsina, Benue, Nasarawa, and some other states this year.
President Tinubu takes in the buoyant Nigerian energy and feels the pulse of citizens everywhere he goes. His trips around the country are not a partisan orchestration or performance, but a conscientious effort to listen to the people, receive feedback, console the bereaved, mourn with those who mourn, and celebrate with those who celebrate.
Naturally, the job of a president is both Commander-in-Chief and Comforter-in-Chief. He is that unifier. Under his banner is where citizens find sanctuary. He deals justly and fairly with everyone. President Tinubu embodies the essence of a renaissance President. He understands that righteous quest to be seen and to be heard and to partake in the collective patrimony by every Nigerian. Hence, he deals honourably with every grouping — whether north, south, east, or west.
What he gives to Paul, he gives to Saul, and what he gives to Abraham, he gives to Ibrahim.
President Tinubu’s recent domestic shuttle is simply bringing the presidency to the people, or rather bringing Aso Rock to its proprietors — Nigerians.
Fredrick Nwabufo is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement
