"SDP Chief Speaks Out: Tinubu's Policies Lack Heart, Says Shehu Gabam"

Shehu Gabam's Take on Tinubu's Leadership: A Call for Compassionate Governance

Let’s talk about what’s been happening in Nigeria, and who better to bring it up than Shehu Gabam, the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). In a candid conversation with Vanguard, Gabam shared his thoughts on President Bola Tinubu’s administration. While Gabam insists he has no personal beef with Tinubu, he’s deeply troubled by the government's policies. He feels these policies lack the empathy and focus on Nigerians' welfare that the country so desperately needs right now.

When we talk about governance, it’s not just about making big announcements or launching flashy programs. It’s about ensuring the safety, security, and prosperity of the people. Gabam pointed out that the administration hasn’t made the kind of progress many Nigerians were hoping for, especially in areas like security and the economy. This is a serious concern because people need to see tangible improvements in their daily lives.

Gabam isn’t buying the argument that the government shouldn’t be held accountable for challenges because they’ve only been in office for a short time. Governance, he says, is a continuous process. Tinubu knew exactly what he was stepping into when he took office—a country struggling with a host of issues. He campaigned on promises to fix these problems, so the expectations were set high right from the start.

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Taking Aim at Tinubu's Fuel Subsidy Move

Gabam didn’t mince words when discussing Tinubu’s decision to remove the fuel subsidy. He described it as a move that was both abrupt and out of touch with the realities Nigerians are facing. The country is already grappling with poverty, insecurity, and a host of other challenges, and removing the subsidy only adds to the burden. This decision, Gabam argues, shows a lack of understanding of the country's needs.

Now, let’s be clear—several presidential candidates had talked about removing the subsidy. But Gabam makes an important point: no leader who truly understands the complexities of Nigeria’s situation would implement such a policy without a gradual, phased approach. It’s about feeling the pulse of the people and ensuring that any changes are made with sensitivity and care. Tinubu, according to Gabam, missed that mark entirely.

“They didn’t say they’d remove it 100%. This isn’t the first time the subsidy has been discussed or partially removed. Every leader who understands their country’s dynamics knows you can’t just rip the Band-Aid off all at once. You’ve got to do it carefully, step by step, so the people can adjust and the impact is less severe,” Gabam explained.

Expectations vs. Reality: Tinubu's Leadership Under the Microscope

Gabam admits that Nigeria’s problems didn’t start with Tinubu, but he had hoped the president would act swiftly to reverse the downward spiral. Instead, Gabam feels the administration has allowed the system to continue derailing. “My expectation was that he would stop it. That was my expectation,” Gabam said, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Despite his disappointment, Gabam shared that he initially believed Tinubu had the potential to outperform his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari. “I’ve always said he would perform much better than even former President Muhammadu Buhari. I said it on air several times. I have nothing against him as a president. But I have everything against the policies they’re pursuing—policies that lack a human face and don’t recognize the dignity of the citizens,” Gabam added.

Security Concerns: Is Nigeria Really Moving Forward?

When it comes to security, Gabam is unapologetically critical. He challenges the notion that the country has made significant progress in this area. While some might argue that there have been improvements, Gabam points out that insecurity continues to wreak havoc, especially in key sectors like agriculture. Farmers can’t go to their farms, and livelihoods are being destroyed.

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In the North-West, the security situation remains mixed. While some states have seen relief, others are still deeply affected by banditry. “It depends on where you’re talking about in the North-West. In Katsina streets, there’s still banditry going on. In Zamfara, it’s still happening, and in other places too. You can exclude Kano and Jigawa, and even some southern states. But in the states where banditry has taken root, it’s been reduced but still persists,” Gabam noted.

Gabam wrapped up his thoughts by reiterating the importance of putting people first in governance. It’s not enough to focus on policies and programs; the government must prioritize the welfare of its citizens above all else. “Governance is about the people. If the people aren’t thriving, then what’s the point?” Gabam concluded.