By Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)
The Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has captivated and wowed the world with his remarkable speech at the United Nations 78th General Assembly in New York, USA.
9News Nigeria has critically analysed his performance and presentation at the UNGA78, scoring him well above 80%; but however, it is imperative as well, to highlight the issues that would lead to good governance and assuage the suffering of the Nigerian ‘major population’, the poor. This is because, “Action,” they say, “speaks louder than the voice.”
President Tinubu’s captivating speech at the 78th United Nations General Assembly has garnered significant attention and sparked intense debate, both locally and internationally. This article, therefore, aims to analyze the key points and underlying messages conveyed by President Tinubu during his address. We will delve into the content, context, and implications of his speech, while also considering the claims made by critics regarding the inconsistency between his rhetoric on the global stage and his policies at home.
Tinubu’s Political Virtue
Before dissecting President Tinubu’s speech, it is essential to provide some background information on his political career and the prevailing issues in Nigeria. As a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, Tinubu has been a key player in shaping the country’s trajectory. However, his policies, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies, have come under scrutiny for their impact on the welfare of Nigerian citizens.
President Tinubu’s Opening Remarks
President Tinubu began his speech by congratulating the newly elected President of the General Assembly and expressing gratitude to his predecessor for his stewardship. He also commended the United Nations Secretary-General for his efforts in addressing global challenges. Tinubu emphasized that this was his first address before the General Assembly, signifying the significance of the occasion.
Africa’s Perspective on the Year’s Theme
President Tinubu acknowledged that Africa has faced numerous challenges due to failures in governance and exploitation from abroad. He stressed the need for this year’s theme to hold particular relevance and importance for Africa. Tinubu highlighted the historical context of the United Nations, emphasizing how nations came together after World War II to rebuild their societies and establish a global system focused on solidarity and harmony.
Africa’s Call for Partnership
Tinubu highlighted Africa’s call for a commitment to partnership and enhanced international cooperation to achieve the 2030 agenda and Sustainable Development Goals. He underscored the importance of global institutions and other nations recognizing African development as a priority, not just for Africa itself, but also for their own interests. Tinubu emphasized the need for direct investment in critical industries, increased exports, and meaningful debt relief to foster economic growth and job creation in Africa.
Democratic Governance and Stability
President Tinubu advocated for democratic governance as the best way to guarantee the sovereign will and well-being of the people. He condemned military coups and any political arrangements that perpetuate injustice. Tinubu mentioned Niger as a current example of a nation facing political and economic challenges, expressing his commitment as Chairman of ECOWAS to help re-establish democratic governance in the country.
Combating Violent Extremism in Africa
The President highlighted the ongoing battle against violent extremism in the African region. He emphasized the need for international cooperation to arrest the flow of arms and violent individuals into West Africa. Tinubu expressed his determination to disband extremist groups in Africa and underscored the importance of strengthening the commitment of the international community to combat this threat.
Securing Africa’s Mineral-Rich Areas
Tinubu drew attention to the exploitation and pilfering of Africa’s mineral-rich areas, citing the Democratic Republic of the Congo as an example. He called for increased international support to prevent the continued pillage of the continent’s resources, which often leads to conflict and instability. Tinubu highlighted the need for member nations to work together to deter their firms and nationals from engaging in the illegal exploitation of Africa’s riches.
Addressing Climate Change in Africa
President Tinubu acknowledged the severe impact of climate change on Nigeria and Africa as a whole. He highlighted the desert encroachment in northern Nigeria, coastal flooding in the south, and the devastating floods during the rainy season. Tinubu emphasized the importance of fighting climate change on Africa’s own terms, aligning climate change initiatives with economic development efforts. He proposed projects such as a Green Wall to combat desert encroachment and the distribution of gas-burning stoves to protect forests while promoting employment in local water management and irrigation projects.
Key Themes of President Tinubu’s Speech
President Tinubu’s address at the United Nations General Assembly touched upon several crucial themes. It is important to analyze each theme individually to gain a comprehensive understanding of his message.
Global Cooperation and Diplomacy
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of global cooperation and diplomacy in addressing pressing global challenges. He highlighted the need for collaboration on issues such as climate change, terrorism, and economic inequality. Tinubu stressed that no single nation can tackle these problems alone and called for collective action.
Sustainable Development Goals
Another prominent theme in President Tinubu’s speech was the commitment to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He underscored the significance of eradicating poverty, promoting gender equality, and ensuring access to quality education and healthcare. Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s dedication to these goals and pledged to work towards their realization.
Peace and Security
President Tinubu addressed the issue of peace and security, particularly in conflict-ridden regions. He emphasized the need for peaceful resolutions, dialogue, and mediation to prevent and resolve conflicts. Tinubu called for increased efforts to combat terrorism and promote stability in regions affected by violence.
Climate Change and Environmental Conservation
The threat of climate change and the need for environmental conservation were key topics in President Tinubu’s speech. He acknowledged the importance of adopting sustainable practices, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and preserving biodiversity. Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and its efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Nigeria’s Objectives and Africa’s Role
In his concluding remarks, President Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to peace, security, human rights, and development, aligning with the guiding principles of the United Nations. He expressed hope for a prosperous and democratic living space for African people, emphasizing that Africa should neither be an appendage nor a patron but an equal partner on the global stage. Tinubu called on the rest of the world to walk with Africa as true friends and partners, recognizing the continent’s potential and the key role it plays in shaping the world’s future.
Critics’ Perspective: Inconsistencies with Domestic Policies
While President Tinubu’s speech garnered global attention and praise, critics argue that his rhetoric on the international stage does not align with his policies at home. They point to the removal of fuel subsidies as a prime example of this inconsistency. The fuel price hike resulting from the removal of subsidies has led to increased suffering for poor Nigerian citizens.
Critics have raised concerns about potential inconsistencies between his statements and his policies at home.
Tinubu’s speech resonated with many as it touched upon crucial global issues and emphasized the need for cooperation and collective action. However, critics argue that his rhetoric on the global stage is inconsistent with his domestic policies, such as the removal of fuel subsidies that contradicted his stance on poverty eradication and sustainable development.
The removal of fuel subsidies has triggered a rise in the cost of living, with the prices of essential goods and services surging. This has disproportionately affected the most vulnerable segments of society, exacerbating poverty and inequality. Critics argue that Tinubu’s speech on poverty eradication and sustainable development contradicts the adverse impact his policies have had on the poor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, President Tinubu’s address at the 78th United Nations General Assembly provided valuable insights into Nigeria’s perspective and Africa’s concerns. While the speech highlighted the need for international cooperation, democratic governance, combating violent extremism, securing Africa’s resources, and addressing climate change, critics have raised concerns about potential inconsistencies between Tinubu’s words and actions within Nigeria. As the world closely watches Nigeria’s political landscape, only time will tell how President Tinubu’s speech will translate into concrete actions and policies within the country.
It is essential to continue monitoring President Tinubu’s actions and policies in the aftermath of his speech to ascertain whether his rhetoric aligns with tangible measures taken at home.
Keywords: #PresidentTinubu #United Nations #UNGA78 #UnitedNationsGeneralAssembly #Africa #Partnership #Democracy #DemocraticGovernance #Governance #ViolentExtremism #MineralResources #ClimateChange #Criticisms #Inconsistencies #Economy #Global #PovertyInNigeria #GoodGovernance
By Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)
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