Tinubu’s New Year Address: Revealing Unseen Depths and Glimpses of Hope, By John Egbeazien Oshodi

President Tinubu’s New Year address exudes optimism and a commitment to national progress, yet it falls short of delving into the profound troubles embedded in Nigeria’s current reality. While eloquent, the speech lacks direct acknowledgment and resolution of critical issues, leaving a lingering sense of unspoken depths beneath the surface. President Tinubu acknowledges the discomfort caused by decisions like the removal of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange reforms. He recognizes public concerns about the rising cost of living, high inflation, and underemployment. The president reminds citizens of the mandate given to him, focusing on revamping the economy, enhancing security, and leading the nation towards greatness. He ties these goals to the core message of his Renewed Hope campaign.

Expressing joy and gratitude for the past year, President Tinubu acknowledges the challenges faced and highlights the peaceful transfer of power as a significant achievement, emphasizing the need for gratitude to Almighty God. However, the unaddressed issues create a nuanced backdrop to the nation’s journey, revealing hidden struggles that require attention.

President Tinubu recognizes the discomfort caused by decisions like the removal of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange reforms. He acknowledges public concerns about the rising cost of living, high inflation, and underemployment, tying these challenges to the core message of his Renewed Hope campaign. However, the absence of a commitment to tackle corruption may foster a perception of impunity, hindering efforts to build a transparent and accountable government and potentially creating a sense of injustice.

An evident gap in the address pertains to the unattended issues within the education system. Describing a divided landscape characterized by insufficient funding, subpar classrooms, a shortage of qualified teachers, and an unhealthy learning environment. These shortcomings carry notable psychological consequences, inducing frustration, despair, and a perception of inequality among students and teachers. Tackling these educational challenges is imperative for cultivating the nation’s future prospects, establishing an environment conducive to learning, growth, and empowerment.

Similarly, the unspoken challenges of executive suppression and intimidation of the judiciary, along with pervasive corruption, cast shadows over the democratic landscape. The lack of direct acknowledgment leaves citizens questioning the government’s commitment to the rule of law and the autonomy of essential democratic institutions. The profound psychological impact creates an atmosphere of uncertainty, fear, and potential disillusionment with the democratic process.

Domestic violence against women and children, a persistent concern, finds no explicit mention in the presidential address. The silence perpetuates a culture of impunity, allowing these violations to persist unchecked. The psychological trauma experienced by survivors, coupled with the lack of official acknowledgment, deepens the wounds, hindering the nation’s progress toward a more inclusive and compassionate society.

President Tinubu does not explicitly acknowledge the role of civil society organizations as a vital voice for democratic reform. There is no mention of efforts to enhance the capacity and resources of civil society organizations to ensure their effective engagement in governance, fiscal accountability, and transparency initiatives.

The address lacks a specific commitment to strengthening the collaboration between the government and civil society in addressing democratic challenges.

President Tinubu’s New Year address lacks explicit references to crucial aspects of the electoral process, highlighting a gap in addressing key challenges. The improvement of electoral processes, organizational development of political parties, and the independence of the electoral commission are critical for fostering a healthy and democratic political environment.

One significant omission is the absence of a direct commitment to enhancing the electoral process. Issues such as open vote-buying, electoral violence involving thugs, and compromised police during elections are pressing concerns that require explicit attention. A robust commitment to transparent and fair elections, coupled with measures to address electoral malpractices, is essential for the credibility of the democratic process.

The speech does not touch upon the need for organizational development within political parties. Strengthening political parties is crucial for ensuring a vibrant and competitive political landscape. President Tinubu’s administration could consider outlining initiatives to promote internal democracy, accountability, and transparency within political parties.

President Tinubu’s New Year address overlooks the critical issue of road safety in Nigeria, including the high incidence of fatal accidents. To address this, a comprehensive plan with a focus on enhanced road infrastructure, strict traffic rules enforcement, and promotion of responsible driving is necessary. Implementing modern rules, including rigorous drug and alcohol testing, is imperative to underscore the government’s commitment to citizens’ lives and rebuild public confidence in road safety.

Additionally, investing in road infrastructure improvements is crucial to prevent accidents caused by poor road conditions. President Tinubu’s approach can significantly contribute to creating safer roads and reducing accidents. However, the current speech falls short in addressing these crucial aspects.

The speech overlooks critical issues related to restrictions on free expression and media, such as violence against journalists and the enforcement of laws limiting expression, including criminal libel and blasphemy laws.

President Tinubu’s New Year address overlooks the silent crisis of water and sanitation challenges coupled with pollution in Nigeria. The struggles of communities facing inadequate access to clean water, proper sanitation, and the harmful effects of pollution are not mentioned. This omission leaves the environmental and health impacts unaddressed, contributing to a sense of neglect and exacerbating existing disparities.

One notable gap in the discourse centers around the unattended challenges within Nigeria’s healthcare system. The speech neglects prevalent issues such as inadequate funding, crumbling infrastructure, and a shortage of crucial resources. The psychological impact on citizens contending with healthcare disparities exacerbates concerns, instilling a feeling of vulnerability and immediacy. The unspoken plight of mortality and deaths, shaped by healthcare challenges, constitutes an underlying current necessitating acknowledgment and a robust strategy for a healthier, more resilient nation. Additionally, there is an imperative need to address the predicament of wasting away retirees from public service and corporate sectors, individuals with disabilities, calling for the development of a social security and an effective retirement payment system.

Brain drain, a silent exodus of talent seeking opportunities abroad, remains conspicuously absent from the presidential discourse. The departure of skilled professionals raises questions about the nation’s potential for growth and innovation. The unaddressed issue of brain drain casts a shadow over the country’s intellectual landscape, contributing to a sense of loss and missed opportunities for progress.
The president’s omission of state-sponsored vigilante groups and extrajudicial killings raises significant human rights concerns with profound psychological implications. This neglect violates fundamental rights, instills fear, erodes trust in institutions, disrupts social cohesion, normalizes violence, undermines democratic values, contributes to instability, and risks harming the country’s global reputation. Addressing these consequences necessitates accountability for perpetrators, comprehensive efforts to rebuild trust, and strengthening institutions to prevent future abuses.

The president’s failure to address police and security brutality raises significant human rights concerns. Instances of abuse, violence, and impunity within the law enforcement system undermine citizens’ trust and confidence in the government. Psychologically, the fear and trauma resulting from such brutality can have far-reaching consequences on the well-being of individuals and communities.

Addressing police and security brutality is crucial not only for upholding human rights but also for fostering a sense of security and justice among the populace. The president’s acknowledgment and commitment to addressing these concerns would contribute to rebuilding public trust and ensuring a fair and accountable law enforcement system.
Judge or forum shopping, the practice of strategically selecting a court for legal cases, undermines the impartiality of the judiciary, leading to unequal access to justice, legal inconsistency, and potential overburdening of specific courts. This practice erodes public confidence, has economic consequences, and diverts legal resources from focusing on the merits of cases. Curbing judge shopping is crucial for upholding the integrity and fairness of the legal system, ensuring equal access to justice, and maintaining public trust in the state’s judiciary.

In the president’s speech, the critical issues of housing challenges, homelessness, and exploitative practices by landlords remain unaddressed. The absence of acknowledgment regarding these pressing concerns raises questions about the government’s commitment to ensuring affordable housing and protecting citizens from unfair practices. The impact of rising homelessness and the burden of high rental costs on the well-being of the population requires urgent attention and strategic interventions to create a more inclusive and equitable society. Addressing these issues is essential for fostering social stability, reducing inequality, and promoting the overall welfare of the citizens.

President Tinubu’s New Year address introduces commendable initiatives for ministerial accountability, particularly the emphasis on periodic evaluations and the requirement for ministers to be physically present in office. This forward-looking vision sets a high standard for performance, signaling a commitment to transparent governance and results-driven administration. The call for regular assessments fosters a culture of excellence, while the insistence on physical presence demonstrates an understanding of the importance of engagement, collaboration, and direct oversight in achieving optimal governance outcomes.

Attacks on judicial independence undermine essential checks and balances in a democracy. The judiciary’s role in upholding the rule of law and individual rights is critical. State interference with legal professionals raises concerns about legal proceedings and citizens’ rights. Psychologically, these attacks create fear and uncertainty among legal professionals, deterring them from challenging the government. This impacts citizens’ trust in the legal system and hinders the pursuit of justice. It would be valuable for the president to address and reaffirm the importance of an independent judiciary in his speeches.

A focus on decentralizing institutions, including law enforcement, corrections, and the judiciary, marks a significant stride toward a more responsive and inclusive governance system. This approach recognizes diverse needs, fostering tailored solutions. In law enforcement, it empowers local authorities for community-oriented policing, promoting collaboration and trust. Decentralized corrections allow regional entities to manage prisons and rehabilitation programs. In the judiciary, decentralization ensures justice reflects local values. Granting autonomy to state and local governments empowers them to address unique challenges efficiently. In summary, a deeper emphasis on decentralization represents a commitment to a governance model that respects diversity, empowering local entities for a more equitable Nigeria.

In navigating Nigeria’s challenges, President Tinubu’s New Year address emphasizes unity and collaboration for progress, offering hope for a more resilient nation. Acknowledging historical roots, it calls for strategic solutions. His plea for unity, even across political opponents, ethnic, and religious boundaries, signals a commitment to collective responsibility beyond divisions, fostering national stability and progress.

While recognizing the speech’s limitations in addressing everything, it prompts an honest reflection on omissions, considering Tinubu’s relatively short tenure since May 2023, inspiring hope for future efforts.

A balanced approach is vital. The call for unity, collaboration, and decentralization lays the groundwork for a resilient Nigeria. The analysis underscores the importance of sustained efforts for a rejuvenated, equitable, and thriving nation.

Acknowledging administrative limitations, an effective governance strategy prioritizes key concerns, implementing systemic changes. Transparent communication about the government’s awareness and commitment is essential, requiring detailed policy documents, regular updates, and public engagement.

As Nigeria looks to the future, a holistic approach is indispensable, delving into the root causes of persistent issues. A psychologically astute governance strategy strives for a comprehensive understanding, ensuring impactful, inclusive, responsive, and considerate initiatives. This collective effort, coupled with the acknowledgment of the short duration in office, paves the way for a rejuvenated, equitable, and thriving Nigeria.

I confess that my Yoruba might be a bit rusty, being an Esan native. However, I vividly recall your spirited use of the phrase ‘Emi l’okan’ during the presidential campaign, symbolizing ‘it is my turn.’ Now, sir, it’s your moment! Bring the greatness you promised to Nigerians, spread joy and progress, and may the Almighty bless you with good health, a long tenure, and guide your team to fulfill the prophecy of ‘Emi l’okan.’

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, who was born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, to a father who served in the Nigeria police for 37 years, is an American-based police and prison scientist and forensic, clinical, and legal psychologist. A government consultant on matters of forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA; and a former interim associate dean and assistant professor at Broward College, Florida. The Founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation, Center for Psychological Health and Behavioral Change in African Settings. In 2011, he introduced state-of-the-art forensic psychology into Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, where he served in the Department of Psychology as an Associate Professor. He has taught at various universities and colleges including Florida memorial University, Florida International University, Broward college, Lynn University, and a contributing faculty member at the Weldios university in Benin Republic, Nexus International University, Uganda, Nova Southeastern University and Walden University in USA. He is a Human Rights Psychologist with a focus on African related environments. joshodi@nova.edu