My Dear Fellow Nigerian,
I have carefully read your letter, and I appreciate the remarkable difference in its tone. Unlike many public commentaries that are driven by anger, insults, or personal attacks, your letter is largely courteous, respectful, and focused on issues rather than personalities. Even where you strongly disagree with the direction of government, you have expressed your convictions in a manner that encourages dialogue. For that, I thank you.
I also appreciate your obvious passion for Nigeria. Citizens who love their country enough to write, criticize, recommend solutions, and hold leaders accountable are indispensable to any democracy.
You have referenced the philosophy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, one of Nigeria’s greatest statesmen. His contributions to education, governance, and regional development remain an important part of our national history. Every administration can draw valuable lessons from leaders who built institutions and invested in human capital.
You have raised fundamental questions about restructuring, true federalism, devolution of powers, education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, security, and institutional reforms. These are not issues that can be settled by emotions or slogans. They require constitutional processes, broad national consensus, and cooperation among the Executive, the National Assembly, State Governments, traditional institutions, civil society, and indeed every Nigerian.
As President, I do not possess the constitutional power to rewrite the Constitution by executive proclamation. Constitutional restructuring belongs to the Nigerian people through their elected representatives and the constitutional amendment process. Nevertheless, every genuine proposal that strengthens national unity, improves governance, and advances prosperity deserves careful consideration.
You also spoke about insecurity and the administration of justice. Let me assure you that the safety of Nigerians remains one of the highest responsibilities of this government. Criminality, irrespective of who commits it, must be confronted within the framework of the law. We will continue strengthening our security agencies while ensuring that justice is served according to our Constitution.
You challenged me to build institutions instead of personalities. That is a challenge every leader should embrace. Strong nations are built on strong institutions, respect for the rule of law, accountability, economic productivity, and citizens who play their respective roles faithfully.
Permit me, however, to challenge you in return.
Nation-building is not the exclusive responsibility of the President. The Nigeria you desire cannot be built from Aso Rock alone. It must also be built in our homes, our communities, our businesses, our schools, our places of worship, and in our daily conduct.
I invite you to become more than a critic.
Become a nation builder.
Pay your taxes honestly.
Obey the law even when no one is watching.
Reject bribery and corruption in every form.
Refuse to glorify ethnic and religious division.
Support local businesses.Mentor young Nigerians.
Participate actively in elections.
Hold leaders accountable with facts and civility.
Protect public property as though it belongs to your own family.
Teach patriotism by example.
If every Nigerian demands integrity from government while also practicing integrity personally, our nation will move faster than any administration alone can achieve.
History remembers leaders, but history also remembers citizens whose sacrifices transformed their countries. The great nations of the world were not built solely by visionary presidents; they were built by millions of disciplined, hardworking, law-abiding citizens who chose responsibility over excuses.
I accept constructive criticism because democracy flourishes when citizens speak responsibly and governments listen attentively. I may not agree with every conclusion in your letter, but I respect your right to express it.
Let us continue this conversation—not as adversaries, but as partners who desire a stronger, safer, more prosperous, and more united Nigeria.May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria”
Ably represented/penned by Bishop Erivin of Benin – a diehard supporter of PBAT.