During a recent Democracy Day program on Channels Television, political activist Usman Bugaje didn't mince words, suggesting that President Bola Tinubu seems increasingly out of touch with the everyday struggles of Nigerians. He believes this disconnect stems from a circle of "sycophants" who are allegedly shielding the President from the harsh realities faced by the general population.
Bugaje, a former lawmaker, expressed his concern that if President Tinubu truly understood the suffering of ordinary citizens, he would be "ashamed of himself." He claimed that the President, "wallowing in the comfort of the Villa," speaks in ways that show a lack of awareness about the true state of the country. This, Bugaje argued, is a significant departure from the President he once knew.
The activist also highlighted a worrying trend of "prosperity without production," stating that Nigerians are no longer swayed by eloquent speeches but are instead demanding tangible results. He criticized the current state of Nigerian democracy, asserting that it has failed to fulfill its basic promise of improving the lives and welfare of its people. Bugaje lamented the widespread insecurity and economic hardship, pointing to the plight of kidnap victims, unemployed youth, and struggling small business owners as clear evidence of the nation's deepening challenges.
In Bugaje's view, any government that fails to provide fundamental welfare and security for its citizens loses its moral authority to be considered democratic. He even cited statistics to back his claims, describing the current condition of Nigeria as "disgraceful."
