Olufemi Adegbulugbe
These are deeply troubling times and disturbing developments from Nigeria. I watched with shock a video clip where the two sons of Mr President were ranked in order of protocol, ahead of Ministers and Government officials, during the State visit to Qatar.
Both Seyi and Yinka were the first to be introduced to Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamid, even ahead of the Minister of foreign affairs. I know many imbecilic Nigerians will defend this indefensible, but it will not stop some of us from speaking out.
When Tinubu was sworn in as President on May 29, 2023, i said Paul Biya has arrived Nigeria. I was mistaken. It was Gnassingbe Eyadema of Togo that arrived Nigeria on May 29, 2023. (Both Eyadema and his son ruled Togo for 48 years). Again, many Nigerians will say Nigeria is not Togo. I advice you to focus on the disturbing signs and red flags.
I am seriously disturbed because the subject matter is not just about Nepotism. It has to do with the structural fabric and foundation of Nigeria. If these acts of nepotism by Tinubu continues unchecked, it has the potential to fragment Nigeria or lead Nigeria to another civil war.
Tinubu appointed his son-in-law as DG, FHA. He appointed his brother as a Minister, his son attended FEC meeting before he was stopped, his son turned a presidential jet to Air-Uber and now, 2 sons practically led the Government delegation to Qatar. All the ministerial portfolios related to finance and economy were shared among a particular ethnic group.
This is not the Nigeria we want, and Nigeria cannot continue like this. Tinubu said he will cut cost of governance by limiting his entourage on foreign trips to 20 persons. The entourage to Qatar included 3 members of the Tinubu immediate and extended family, 35 members of main body who arrived in 2 separate jets and an advance team estimated at 40 persons who also flew in a separate jet. All in all, 3 jets from the presidential fleet landed in Qatar, with about 70 persons, excluding flight crew of 15 persons for 3 aircrafts.
Is there nobody advising our President, or he is just surrounded by only sycophants and hypocrites. The Minister of Foreign Affairs should resign for breach of protocol and gross disrespect to his office.
And i would like to ask or repeat the question posted by Dr Reuben Abati, who asked “Are the sons of the President not gainfully employed?”.
And i also want to remind Sade, Seyi and Yinka that they are adults and not dependents of the President. They should focus on their own careers. It will not surprise me if Bola Tinubu nominates Seyi Tinubu to succeed him in 2027. It will be a battle we will fight against and defend Nigeria from an emerging Emperor and perhaps Pharaoh, God keep us alive till then!
- Olufemi Adegbulugbe first published this article on March 4, 2024.
