Professor Usman Bugaje, a former ally of President Bola Tinubu, criticizes the recent Man of the Year award, arguing it cannot erase the suffering endured by many Nigerians.
Bugaje, who once served as the National Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), expressed disappointment in Tinubu’s leadership, describing a shift from a progressive politician to a leader with monarchical tendencies.
In an interview on Arise News on Thursday, Bugaje reflected on his past interactions with Tinubu during their time in the ACN.
“The Tinubu I knew was a man of ideas, surrounded by books and open to dynamic discussions,” he said.
“Now, I see someone who seems to have abandoned progressiveness and is leaning toward autocracy.”
Bugaje also criticized President Tinubu’s approach to the controversial Tax Reform Bill, arguing that it was not properly presented to the National Assembly.
He pointed out procedural lapses, claiming that the bill was not listed on the Senate’s order paper when introduced.
“How can a bill be described as sacrosanct when it hasn’t followed proper legislative procedures?” Bugaje asked.
He warned that bypassing due process creates public distrust and undermines the credibility of governance.
The former ACN leader urged the government to prioritize food security over taxation reforms, highlighting the country’s significant grain deficit and the adverse effects of recent floods and insecurity on agricultural production.
“In 2023, Nigeria faced a grain deficit of 30 million metric tons. This has likely worsened due to floods in states like Maiduguri, Jigawa, and Zamfara, as well as escalating insecurity,” Bugaje stated.
“Without food security, there can be no peace. Taxation and reforms are secondary to ensuring Nigerians have enough to eat.
Bugaje extended his criticism beyond Tinubu, addressing the broader political leadership Nigeria has seen in the past 25 years.
He described a lack of vision and accountability among leaders, citing an absence of data-driven policies and future-oriented strategies.
“When government officials speak, they lack figures and a grasp of previous efforts. There is no clear vision,” he said.
Bugaje emphasized that addressing core issues like food security, transparency, and strategic planning is essential for any administration to succeed, regardless of accolades or intentions.
While Bugaje acknowledged that awards such as Man of the Year are within the rights of organizations to bestow, he questioned their relevance in the face of widespread hardship.
“For many Nigerians, Tinubu’s presidency has been marked by suffering, not achievements,” he concluded.