In a notable demonstration of responsiveness, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu recently intervened to stop the implementation of a contentious cybersecurity levy proposed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This move came in direct response to widespread opposition voiced primarily through social media. Tinubu’s quick action highlighted his strong command over his administration and his keen ability to gauge and react to public opinion, a quality that appears to be lacking in Kenyan President William Ruto.
The recent unrest in Kenya underscores a vital lesson for African leaders: crises must be preempted rather than managed after they erupt. The violent protests in Kenya were a result of the government’s delayed response to public discontent, illustrating the dire consequences of disconnect between the leaders and their citizens. This scenario should serve as a warning for leaders across Africa to stay deeply connected with their populace and take decisive actions to address issues before they escalate.
To maintain this essential connection, leaders must avoid becoming isolated from public discourse. It is crucial for them not to be surrounded by aides who filter and sanitize information. President Tinubu’s proactive approach offers a model for engagement: stay active on social media, monitor influencers, watch critical television programs, read prominent newspapers and columns, and listen to grassroots radio stations. Such engagement ensures that leaders remain attuned to the real-time sentiments and concerns of their citizens.
This approach stands in stark contrast to the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Buhari’s notable detachment from the public was highlighted by his minister Rotimi Amaechi’s revelation that “the President does not read.” This disconnect was a contributing factor to the #EndSARS protests, which began on social media driven by influencers like Segun Awosanya (@segalink) and eventually grew leaderless and uncontrollable, resulting in tragic violence.
The potential for similar unrest in Nigeria remains. Current social media activity, particularly from influential figures like Peter Obi, along with the critical stance of media outlets like Arise TV, could incite Kenya-like protests if not managed effectively. Specific attention should be given to historically volatile regions such as Kano and Rivers states to mitigate this risk.
In Kano, the ongoing crisis involving rival Emirs presents a significant threat. President Tinubu should mediate by advocating for judicial, rather than political, resolutions and ensuring that all parties refrain from inflammatory public statements until a resolution is achieved. Offering federal positions as compensation to the losing parties could further stabilize the situation.
In Rivers, President Tinubu must assert his authority to limit interference by political actors like Governor Nyesom Wike. Given the region’s volatility, the potential risks far exceed any political gains from such meddling.
Ultimately, learning from Kenya’s protests necessitates a commitment to proactive governance. Nigeria must act decisively to address public grievances and maintain social harmony. As discontent simmers, especially among those dissatisfied with recent elections, it is imperative that Nigerian leaders heed these lessons to avoid replicating Kenya’s unrest.
