Community leader and human rights advocate, Chief (Comrade) Austine Ikubese, has written an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to urgently confront Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, overhaul his cabinet, strengthen democratic institutions and deliver tangible governance reforms before the 2027 general elections.
In the letter titled “Confronting Nigeria’s Security and Governance Challenges—Can the Nation Reclaim Its Future?”, Ikubese said the country was at a defining moment and warned that the decisions taken by the Tinubu administration in the coming months would determine how history remembers the President.
Describing insecurity as the greatest threat facing the country, he reminded Tinubu that the constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property rests squarely on his shoulders.
“Insecurity has become a nationwide crisis, eroding public trust, weakening institutions and threatening the very foundation of our sovereignty,” he wrote. “As Commander-in-Chief, the duty to safeguard lives and secure the nation rests squarely upon you.”
Ikubese urged the President to rely on competent and honest advisers rather than political loyalists.
“You must surround yourself not with sycophants, but with honest, independent-minded advisers who will tell you the truth, however inconvenient. Governance thrives not on flattery but on integrity, competence and accountability.”
The activist acknowledged Tinubu’s decision to approve crude oil sales to the Dangote Refinery in naira, describing it as a courageous policy that helped stabilize the economy and ease pressure on foreign exchange.
He recalled that he had earlier advocated the crude-for-naira arrangement in 2023 and commended the President for eventually implementing the initiative.
Drawing comparisons with the United States after a recent month-long visit, Ikubese said Nigeria could make significant progress if successive governments focused on continuity, proper maintenance of infrastructure and effective public service delivery.
He praised the quality of American road infrastructure and urged the Federal Government to incorporate modern safety features such as reflective road markings, rumble strips and properly maintained rest areas into Nigeria’s highway network.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s political history, Ikubese referenced the economic challenges of the Gowon era, the assassination of General Murtala Muhammed and the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by Chief Moshood Abiola, warning that history should not be allowed to repeat itself.
While acknowledging the enormous burden of governing Nigeria, he said many citizens still believed Tinubu could rise above partisan politics and deliver justice, equity and national reconciliation.
According to him, the President’s democratic credentials as a former NADECO activist place a greater responsibility on him to preserve democracy and restore public confidence.
He challenged Tinubu to ensure that his Renewed Hope Agenda translates into measurable improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Ikubese also dismissed criticisms that the current administration serves only political interests, urging the President to prove critics wrong through people-oriented policies.
Among his recommendations were a comprehensive cabinet reshuffle to remove underperforming officials, credible and transparent elections in 2027, stronger national unity, improved public healthcare, reliable electricity, quality infrastructure and greater accountability in governance.
“Nigerians do not expect miracles overnight. What we yearn for is a decisive break from mediocrity and a radical departure from complacency,” he stated.
He concluded by reaffirming his loyalty to President Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Nigeria, while praying for wisdom, courage and strength for the President to lead the country successfully.
Ikubese said history would ultimately judge the Tinubu administration by whether it chose justice, competence and national unity over politics and complacency.
