The once vocal, profoundly emotional response to Tinubu’s victory by disenfranchised and dissatisfied youth living in Nigeria and across the world – is beginning to fade. And in some instances, challenged.
LONDON: This week’s telephone conversation between Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the President of the European Council, Charles Michel is a clear signal that less than two weeks in office Nigeria’s new President has unintentionally succeeded in remodelling his international profile.
A couple of months ago, the popular press of the global north (motivated by misinformed and extremist social media accounts) was absolutely convinced that Tinubu’s inauguration would be stopped by the courts or if it were to take place that Nigeria would burn.
‘Those who hoped the presidential race would be an inflection point for the country have been disappointed’ read one subheading in the British Guardian newspaper, but there was no hint of disappointment in the face of a smiling Sir Tony Blair, when he stood shoulder to shoulder with Tinubu and his aides during a courtesy visit early last month.
The former British prime minister said that the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, which he founded, would be a willing partner of the Tinubu administration, especially in prioritising its goals and delivery.
In a personal letter to Tinubu, The UK’s current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wrote; “Together, we can expand our partnership further, including by strengthening our trade and investment relationship for the mutual prosperity of both our countries through an Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership.”
This enthusiasm to strengthen ties with Nigeria was also echoed by Michel during his phone call with the President this week.
The European Council President pledged commitment of the bloc towards stronger cooperation and partnership with Nigeria, based on mutual respect and common interests. He pointed out that the country is important to the EU and the international community.
In the past few days and weeks, similar sentiment has been expressed by the US, China, Russia and India. Wise, as we are of course dealing with Africa’s largest economy.
Strategy aside, the change in tone towards President Tinubu on the global stage is noteworthy.
World leaders and their foreign ministries tend to listen cautiously to the utterings of a dissatisfied diaspora as by default, citizens residing outside of their country, tend to provide the most accurate insights of what is happening on the ground back home to their host government.
Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election was bitterly fought and unearthed deep wounds that made emotions appear as fact.
The once vocal, profoundly emotional response to Tinubu’s victory by disenfranchised and dissatisfied youth living in Nigeria and across the world – is beginning to fade. And in some instances, challenged.
The fact is, Aso Rock has a new tenant and Nigeria is an incredibly attractive market in an increasingly competitive new world order. Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not to be shunned.
For some time now, investors have been exploring various paths for a return to Nigeria, and the swearing in of Tinubu in the nation’s capital, has given them a meticulously curated map that has been decades in the making.