Odita Sunday 
OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA, BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR
Dear Mr. President,
I write to express my profound admiration for your illustrious career, which has been a beacon of hope for many Nigerians, including myself.
As a writer for CHECKOUT MAGAZINE in 2010, I penned an article that extolled the virtues of your administration’s tax regime in Lagos State, under the stewardship of the then Chairman, Tunde Fowler.
Little did I know that my words would catch your attention, paving the way for an audience with you in the grandeur of your London residence.
Your erudition, pragmatism, and visionary leadership left an indelible mark on my psyche, earning you the moniker “Jagaban” – a testament to your ability to navigate the complexities of Nigerian politics with ease.
I saw in you a role model, a leader who grasped the intricacies of systems theory, and one who recognized and harnessed the talents of individuals, regardless of their background or ethnicity.
Your commitment to democracy, even in the face of adversity, was a shining example of courage and conviction.
Your tenure as a leader was marked by inclusivity, as you reached out to individuals from diverse ethnic and regional backgrounds, offering them positions of responsibility and empowering them to contribute to the growth of the nation.
Your residence at Boudillon, Ikoyi, became a veritable Mecca, a place where aspiring politicians and leaders would converge to seek your counsel and blessings.
The advent of democracy in 1999 presented an opportunity for Nigeria to transition from military rule to a more participatory governance model.
You played a pivotal role in this process, serving as a robust opposition leader, which, in turn, fostered a healthy democracy.
The ruling party was kept on its toes, and Nigerians were presented with a viable alternative, thereby ensuring accountability and responsiveness.
However, I note with concern that your influence began to winkle as the Buhari administration implemented policies that, in my humble opinion, have contributed to Nigeria’s current economic woes, particularly the collapse of the Naira.
Your decision to run for the presidency, once again, was met with widespread enthusiasm, as many Nigerians believed that you possessed the wherewithal to address the country’s myriad challenges.
Regrettably, today, Nigeria finds itself at a precipice, with crumbling infrastructure, rampant banditry, an ailing power sector, and a populace grappling with economic hardship.
The fabric of our democracy is fraying, as opposition parties are systematically dismantled, and institutions are co-opted to serve the interests of the ruling elite.
In light of the foregoing, I humbly implore you, Mr. President, to reconsider your role in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
It is imperative that you allow the democratic process to unfold unencumbered, enabling opposition parties to participate freely and fairly in the electoral process.
By doing so, you will be bequeathing a lasting legacy, one that will be etched in the annals of Nigerian history as a testament to your commitment to the growth and development of our beloved nation.
Specifically, I urge you to focus on two critical areas: security and infrastructure. Address the anarchy that has gripped parts of the country, and deliver on your promise of providing reliable electricity and rehabilitating our dilapidated roads.
This will not only revive the economy but also rekindle hope in the hearts of Nigerians.
Mr. President, I venture to suggest that a significant impediment to your progress may be the echo chamber of advisers surrounding you, who, with all due respect, may not be providing the most incisive counsel.
It is imperative that you seek out and engage with a diverse array of talented Nigerians, drawn from various fields, to provide a broader perspective and inform your decision-making.
Our nation is replete with brilliant minds, eager to contribute to the resolution of our current challenges.
To achieve this, I humbly suggest the following:
– Establish a National Security Council
– Energy Sector Reform
– Fiscal Regime Review
– Infrastructure Development
– Economic Diversification
– Institutional Reforms
– Inclusive Dialogue
By implementing these measures, you can restore Nigeria’s trajectory towards prosperity and stability.
You have, in your lifetime, achieved the pinnacle of success, Mr. President. What remains is for you to cement your legacy as a champion of democracy, a stalwart who placed the interests of Nigeria above personal ambition.
All the best !
Sincerely,
Laurence Izegbu
07058327544
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