By Bamidele Paul Atoyebi

Nigeria has the potential to achieve anything being done with technology globally, and we can even do it better and sustain it. It surprises me that we don’t have engineers capable of building sophisticated military weapons that would command respect from the West, East, African Union, and beyond. Is it due to a lack of funding, human capital, or a conducive environment?

Why are we not discussing AI at the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology? What exactly is holding us back in this country?
The core issue lies in people who lack the political and social will. Even if you have a godfather in politics, don’t choose one who is regressive, selfish, or incompetent.

Look at leaders like Nyesom Wike, Olubunmi Ojo, Dele Alake, and the Finance Minister. They have shown both political and social will, fully aware that any failure will affect the nation. In essence, the poorly behaved appointees are telling the nation that they aren’t employable, that they lack competence, and that they don’t understand what it means to add value.

As Bamidele once said, “If you’re sacked or asked to resign to avoid disgrace, the damage to your name and CV is entirely on you and your family.”

Nigerians should not only hold past presidents accountable but also scrutinize former ministers, governors, directors general of various agencies, commissioners, heads of security agencies, former army chiefs, and police inspectors general, among others.

Using certain minister as an example. He was well-known on X (formerly Twitter) as a vocal critic of government policies and those tasked with implementing them. Now, given the chance to act, he finds himself unable to implement the very ideas he once championed. People on X now call him “Enu dun ro fo,” meaning it’s easy to criticize when you think you can do better but lack the will to act when given the opportunity.

The best lesson to learn from President Tinubu is the importance of political will. He can implement any progressive policy, whether it was already in place or initiated by him.

No matter how challenging a policy may be, if it is progressive and beneficial to the citizens, he will act on it. Some examples include the floating of the naira, the removal of fuel subsidies, and the push for local government autonomy. While some may argue that President Buhari initiated the subsidy removal, it was President Tinubu who dared to announce and enforce it. Even President Buhari, a retired army general, couldn’t publicly confront the issue as PBAT did. President Tinubu recognized the fuel subsidy as a scam against the masses and stood firm in his decision. He doesn’t mind being the ‘fall guy’ because his primary goal is to serve the country and push it forward.

On the floating of the naira, it’s important to note the allegations that FX cabals are among the most powerful and dangerous groups in Nigeria and also, that many politicians are involved in manipulating the economy for their personal gains. Yet, President Tinubu boldly floated the naira on the day of his inauguration, and it remains floated to this day. He doesn’t worry about the backlash; he is focused on doing what’s necessary for the nation.

Local government autonomy is another major achievement under President Tinubu. This is a landmark step. He didn’t care whether governors would feel alienated or resentful, as long as it brought happiness to Nigerians. It’s worth remembering that President Buhari attempted this but failed due to opposition from governors. The key difference between former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Tinubu is political will.

President Tinubu built his political team from the ground. I remember following his political journey from a young age and taking him as my political mentor, even though I never met him. As a 12-year-old boy that grew up in Afon, a village in ASA Local Government in Kwara State, it was Lai Mohammed who introduced many of us to Tinubu, even though his political base was still small and he didn’t have widespread support at the time.

President Tinubu’s leadership is grounded in a strong political will, which is critical for driving Nigeria’s progress. His ability to make tough decisions, implement difficult policies, and push forward despite opposition sets him apart. His focus on serving the country, even at the risk of being criticized, shows that he prioritizes Nigeria’s future over personal gains. This is why I fully support him and believe that under his leadership, the country will move forward and achieve its potential. His determination is what gives me confidence that better days are ahead for Nigeria.

Bamidele Atoyebi, an award winning philanthropist and card carrying member of the All Progressives Congress, is a social worker, criminologist, maritime administrator, miner, and serial entrepreneur.