President Bola Tinubu's recent mischaracterization of a World Bank loan as a federal grant to states is not just a simple slip of the tongue—it's part of a disturbing pattern of misinformation emanating from the highest office in the land. This latest incident, where the President claimed credit for "releasing" N570 billion to states for livelihood support, only to be contradicted by governors from both the ruling and opposition parties, is a stark reminder of the growing credibility crisis facing this administration.
In a time when Nigerians are grappling with severe economic hardship, the President chose to present a pre-existing World Bank loan as a magnanimous gesture from his government. This deliberate distortion of facts is not only misleading but also deeply insulting to the intelligence of Nigerian citizens. It raises serious questions about the integrity of the information being disseminated by the presidency and its officials.
The ease with which falsehoods are peddled from the nation's highest podium is alarming. Whether it's misrepresenting economic figures, overstating policy impacts, or, as in this case, taking credit for initiatives that predate the current administration, the Tinubu government seems to have developed a habit of bending the truth to suit its narrative.
The string of misleading claims began almost immediately after Tinubu took office. His Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, falsely announced the lifting of a UAE visa ban on Nigerians and the resumption of Emirates flights—a claim swiftly debunked by the UAE government itself. This was followed by the erroneous assertion that Tinubu was the first African leader to ring the closing bell at NASDAQ, ignoring the fact that Tanzania's President had done so over a decade earlier.
The administration's cavalier approach to facts extended to domestic appointments, with false claims about "firsts" that a simple fact-check could have prevented. Even more alarming was the premature or false announcement of a $600 million investment from Maersk, damaging Nigeria's international credibility.
This culture of misinformation undermines the very foundation of democratic governance. How can citizens make informed decisions or hold their leaders accountable when they cannot trust the words coming from the President himself? The irony is palpable—a government that campaigned on transparency and renewed hope is now eroding public trust through its own actions.
Moreover, this incident highlights a worrying disconnect between the federal government and the states. For the President to be so misinformed about the nature and source of funds going to states suggests either a shocking level of incompetence or a willful disregard for accuracy in public statements.
The Nigerian people deserve better. They deserve a government that respects them enough to tell the truth, even when it's not politically expedient. They deserve leaders who understand that trust is the currency of effective governance, and that every lie told chips away at the social contract between the government and its people.
Tinubu and his administration must put an immediate end to this dangerous game of misinformation. The challenges facing Nigeria are too grave, and the stakes too high, for the luxury of spin and falsehoods. It's time for the President to demonstrate true leadership by committing to honesty and transparency in all communications with the public.
The credibility of the presidency is not a trivial matter. It's essential for the functioning of the country’s democracy and the trust of the international community. Tinubu must recognize that the path to effective governance lies in transparency and integrity, not in the shallow victories of rhetorical manipulation.
