In a fiery outburst during his visit to Bauchi State, Senior Pastor of Omega Fire Ministries, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has laid the blame for Nigeria’s current hardships squarely at the feet of the electorate. According to Suleman, the misfortunes currently facing Nigerians are a direct consequence of the choices made during the 2023 presidential election.
Suleman, who was in Bauchi for a two-day event dubbed the “Recovery Conference 2025,” took aim at the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of lacking the vision necessary to steer Nigeria out of its economic quagmire.
“Nigerians are reaping what they sowed,” Suleman told reporters after a meeting with Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, at the Government House. He emphasized that the country’s struggles were a reflection of the collective failure to make informed decisions at the ballot box.
“Before the election, we cried out, we screamed, we yelled,” Suleman said, referring to the pre-election warnings by various public figures and religious leaders. “But Nigerians didn’t listen. Now, we are left to deal with the consequences of their choices.”
Suleman reserved particular criticism for President Tinubu’s candidacy, accusing the newly-elected president of having no clear manifesto. “The man who came into leadership had no manifesto—just a sense of entitlement with his ‘it’s my turn’ mantra,” Suleman remarked, describing the president’s campaign as lacking substance.
Nigeria’s Oil Sector in Ruins
One of Suleman’s primary concerns was the state of Nigeria’s oil sector, which he described as being “plundered” under the current administration. The man of God expressed grave concerns about the future of the industry, predicting that it may take the country decades to recover from the damage done in the last year.
“The oil sector has been plundered. In the next 10 to 15 years, I don’t think Nigerians will recover from the damage. Now, all we can do is pray,” Suleman lamented, highlighting the neglect and mismanagement that has plagued Nigeria’s key revenue generator.
Suleman’s assessment of the situation comes on the back of multiple reports documenting the widespread corruption and inefficiency within Nigeria’s oil sector, a situation that has only worsened since the fuel subsidy removal in mid-2023. Experts have warned that without a drastic overhaul, the oil sector could continue its downward spiral, with long-term implications for the nation’s economy.
Call for Reflection Ahead of 2027 Polls
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Suleman urged Nigerians to reflect on their past decisions and take greater care when choosing their leaders. He warned that if the people continued to make poor electoral choices, the country might be doomed to a future of suffering and instability.
“If they’ve suffered enough by then, perhaps they’ll make better decisions,” he remarked, adding a note of caution for future voters.
This statement resonated with a broad spectrum of Nigerians, many of whom are frustrated with the country’s economic turmoil, rising inflation, and the widening gap between the rich and the poor. In the wake of the 2023 elections, which were marred by allegations of irregularities and widespread discontent, many Nigerians have been left grappling with the harsh realities of Tinubu’s leadership.
Bauchi Governor Echoes Concerns
Governor Bala Mohammed, who had accompanied Suleman during his visit, also expressed concern over the current administration’s policies. Mohammed, a member of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has been a vocal critic of President Tinubu’s leadership.
“I do not have any personal grudge against President Tinubu. But the policies being implemented are destructive,” Governor Mohammed stated during the press briefing. “Tinubu’s policies don’t have a clear vision and are taking us down a dangerous path.”
The Bauchi governor was particularly critical of the ongoing tax reforms, which he argued lacked national foresight and would only serve to burden Nigerians further. Mohammed has been outspoken in his criticism of the president’s economic policies, arguing that they are causing more harm than good.
“I don’t have anything against the president but respect,” he emphasized, adding that his concerns stem from the potential damage the policies could do to Nigeria’s future. “The country is being short-changed, and someone needs to speak up,” he continued.
A Divided Nation?
The remarks from both Apostle Suleman and Governor Mohammed reflect a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction with the current administration. Many Nigerians, especially those in opposition parties and civil society groups, have voiced similar concerns about President Tinubu’s leadership.
