BY AMARIKE AKPOKE
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In the vibrant world of Nigerian street parlance, the phrase “no fall my hand” is a plea for reassurance and success, a call to not disappoint when the stakes are high. For President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who faced his first presidential media chat with the entire nation watching, this was the unspoken charge. And by many accounts, Mr President ‘failed to fall the hands’ of his 13-man media aides. The Jagaban of Borgu delivered a vintage performance, meeting the high expectations of a populace eager for transparency and leadership.
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Yet, beyond the well-earned praise for breaking the jinx of presidential media aloofness and for the polished delivery of his message, the deeper thrust of the occasion reveals critical areas where the President and his administration still face significant challenges. President Tinubu may not have “fallen the hands” of his media team, but when it comes to fully addressing the immediate needs and concerns of Nigerians, there is a sense that he has yet to deliver the transformative relief they crave.
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Tinubu’s media chat was undoubtedly a masterclass in political communication. The 13-man media team, led by Bayo Onanuga, ensured that the event was carefully curated to reflect the President’s hallmark confidence, clarity, and decisiveness. For a leader known for his ability to navigate complex issues and articulate a vision for progress, the chat was an opportunity to showcase his statesmanship, and he seized it. By directly addressing questions on subsidy removal, tax reforms, borrowing, and security, Tinubu provided a window into the rationale behind his administration’s policies. His candour and insistence that tough reforms were necessary for long-term economic stability were hallmarks of his performance. On this front, he not only met but arguably exceeded expectations, leaving critics and supporters alike with the impression of a leader who is in control of his narrative.
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However, the effectiveness of a media chat is not measured solely by its presentation but by the substance of the responses and the tangible actions that follow. While Tinubu’s performance may have reassured some of his leadership prowess, it did little to address the immediate pain points faced by Nigerians. The President’s unwavering defense of his economic policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and ongoing tax reforms, did not offer solace to a populace already weighed down by inflation, job losses, and declining purchasing power. His confidence in the long-term benefits of these measures, while logical, appeared disconnected from the lived realities of many Nigerians struggling to make ends meet. For citizens who tuned in hoping for immediate relief or a shift in policy direction, the chat fell short. Tinubu’s doubling down on his administration’s approach may have left many feeling unheard, their suffering framed as an unavoidable sacrifice for a better future. In this sense, he “fell the hands” of those who expected more empathy and tangible support.
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The paradox of Tinubu’s media chat lies in its simultaneous success and failure. While it succeeded as a well-executed communication exercise, it underscored the urgent need for policies that address the immediate needs of Nigerians. Breaking the media chat jinx was a victory for transparency, but it also highlighted the administration’s challenge in translating its vision into actionable solutions. The burden now lies on Tinubu and his team to balance their long-term economic goals with the immediate realities of the people. While reforms may be necessary, their implementation must be accompanied by measures that cushion the impact on vulnerable populations. This includes sustainable social safety nets (not palliative-driven economic measures) and targeted interventions that stimulates the economy in a manner that jells with the broader objectives of the administration.
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The success of Tinubu’s media chat is also a testament to the competence of his media handlers. The Bayo Onanuga-led team ensured that the President was well-prepared and poised, effectively showcasing his strengths as a leader. Yet, their role extends beyond orchestrating a successful media chat. Going forward, they must work to institutionalize regular communication between the presidency and the public, ensuring that Nigerians are kept informed and engaged. Moreover, the media team must refine its messaging to strike a balance between articulating long-term goals and addressing immediate concerns. The administration’s narrative should reflect not only its vision for the future but also its empathy for the present struggles of Nigerians.
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Finally, President Tinubu’s media chat was a historic moment that demonstrated his administration’s commitment to transparency and dialogue. It was a victory for his media team and a showcase of his strengths as a leader. On this front, he failed to “fall the hands” of those who believed in his ability to deliver a vintage performance.
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Nonetheless, the chat also highlighted areas where the administration must do better. Nigerians are looking for more than explanations; they need solutions that address their immediate challenges. While Tinubu’s confidence in his policies is admirable, it must be matched by tangible actions that provide relief to those most affected by the economic reforms. In the end, the success of this media chat will be judged not just by its execution but by the results that follow. Tinubu has set a precedent for engagement, but the real test lies in delivering on the promises and expectations he has articulated. For now, he has passed an important milestone, but the journey toward meeting the needs of Nigerians is far from over. It has just begun. Bon voyage!, as the French would say.
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AKPOKE, a public affairs analyst writes from Enugu
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