Political activist and former lawmaker, Usman Bugaje, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu, claiming the Nigerian leader is disconnected from the suffering of ordinary citizens because he is surrounded by sycophants who shield him from reality.
Bugaje made these remarks on Thursday during Channels Television's special Democracy Day programme titled 'Nigeria's Democratic Journey: An Inter-Generational Conversation on Building a Better Nation,' which commemorated 26 years of unbroken democratic rule in Nigeria.
"It looks like the President has been completely encircled by sycophants. They don't allow him to see the realities, they don't tell him the truth. But if he knew what was happening in society, he would be ashamed of himself. As far as I know him, I never thought he would allow this situation," Bugaje stated.
The political activist further alleged that Tinubu is "wallowing in the comfort of the Villa, talking in ways that show he doesn't even know what is happening in this country. If he knew, he would not be doing the kind of things he's doing now."
Democracy Failing Its Purpose
Bugaje lamented what he described as "prosperity without production" in Nigeria, emphasizing that citizens are no longer impressed by eloquent speeches but demand tangible results. He accused the current Nigerian democracy of failing to serve its fundamental purpose of uplifting citizens and ensuring their welfare.
The former lawmaker highlighted the plight of kidnap victims, unemployed youth, and struggling small business owners as evidence of the government's failure. According to him, any administration unable to ensure basic welfare and security has lost the moral authority to call itself democratic.
While citing statistics to support his claims, Bugaje characterized the country's current state as "disgraceful."
This criticism comes as Nigeria marked Democracy Day, celebrating the transition from military rule to civilian governance that began in 1999.
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