Seun Okinbaloye Urges Tinubu: Choose Thinkers Over Loyalists
Seun Okinbaloye, a prominent journalist and host on Channels Television, has issued a pointed and passionate appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to realign his leadership approach as he marks two years in office.
Speaking during his program on Saturday night, June 8, Okinbaloye stressed that if Tinubu hopes to leave a lasting and honorable legacy, he must reject flattery and insincere praise from political loyalists who offer applause behind closed doors while the general population suffers in the open.
He warned that surrounding oneself with sycophants instead of forward-thinking and capable individuals could derail the President’s promises and jeopardize the future of the country.
“Two years have passed—half of your constitutional mandate spent in the throes of reforms, resistance, and deepening hardship,” Okinbaloye said.
“You came into office on a message of Renewed Hope, assuring Nigerians that current sacrifices were like labour pains—that the hardship would be temporary, and joy would follow.
But Mr. President, two years in, the cries have only grown louder, and many are left wondering: when does the joy begin?”
He went on to outline the growing socio-economic challenges under Tinubu’s leadership: inflation at historic levels, skyrocketing food and transportation costs, and worsening energy woes, with petrol prices above ₦700 per litre and erratic electricity supply despite increased tariffs.
According to Okinbaloye, average Nigerians are now spending the bulk of their income just to feed themselves—if they are lucky.
“You promised to lift millions out of poverty, create thousands of digital jobs within 24 months, and double power generation.
These weren’t campaign poetry, Mr. President. These were firm commitments.
And now, with political distractions on the horizon in less than a year, the window to deliver results is narrowing fast.”
He continued by emphasizing the need for a leadership style that embraces not just admiration but also accountability and honest feedback.
“You are President of all Nigerians—the hopefuls who sang your name at the ballot box and the critics who doubted your vision.
Leading a fractured but still hopeful nation requires not just courage, but empathy and wisdom.
Nigeria is at a critical crossroads, with good people enduring bad politics and a struggling economy.”
Okinbaloye concluded with a stark warning and a hopeful challenge: “Mismanage this opportunity, Sir, and we risk slipping into unrest, disappointment, and regret.
But rise to the occasion, and you could be remembered as the leader who brought Nigeria back from the edge.
For that to happen, you must shut out the clapping in darkness and listen to the cries in daylight. Surround yourself with thinkers, doers, and patriots—not just loyalists.”
Seun Okinbaloye Urges Tinubu: Choose Thinkers Over Loyalists