Presidency Responds to Bishop Kukah, Describes Tinubu as a Prepared Reformer

The presidency has countered remarks by the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, who described President Bola Tinubu as an “accidental leader.”

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasized that Tinubu is well-prepared for the presidency and is committed to driving significant reforms across the country.

“President Tinubu is not an accidental leader,” Onanuga said. “He has demonstrated preparedness for this office and is working hard to ensure the country undergoes a positive transformation.”

Onanuga highlighted Tinubu’s proactive reforms in critical sectors, including taxation, the oil industry, education, and business development. He pointed to the administration’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and improve the overall business environment.

“Reforms take time; they are not quick fixes,” he added. “The president understands that people may be affected during these changes, and he is committed to providing support to ensure no one is left behind.”

Onanuga dismissed the notion that Tinubu assumed leadership without preparation, emphasizing his reform-driven governance and readiness for the role.

Bishop Kukah, however, had criticized Nigeria’s leadership during a keynote speech at the inauguration of Start-Rite School’s new building and the 4th Amaka Ndoma-Egba Memorial Lecture in Abuja. He described many of the country’s leaders, including Tinubu, as unprepared for the demands of modern governance.

“Most of them assumed power without the necessary preparation, particularly in a world where leadership demands are constantly evolving,” Kukah remarked. He warned that this lack of readiness hampers Nigeria’s ability to tackle complex political and economic challenges effectively.