In a time of hardship and political uncertainty, a poignant national commentary recently delivered by media personality Joe Marchemarie cut through the noise with rare urgency. It wasn’t just a closing statement—it was a national wake-up call. Directed at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it challenged the very heart of governance, accountability, and hope in Nigeria. Two years into the Tinubu administration, the country is navigating choppy waters. The “Renewed Hope” agenda that once inspired cautious optimism has been eclipsed by rising inflation, surging fuel prices, erratic electricity, and worsening food and transport costs. The average Nigerian is not just suffering—they are exhausted.

As Joe so aptly put it: “Holding on cannot be the national plan.” Nigerians have endured—some barely hanging on. But when does sacrifice end, and when does relief begin? The government’s promises—lifting millions out of poverty, creating digital jobs, and doubling power generation—were not poetic ambitions. They were campaign commitments. So far, the outcomes remain elusive. President Tinubu is now left with a narrow window—barely a year—before the political season resumes its whispers. The urgency for results has never been greater. Nigerians are watching. Not just the citizens, but history itself. What is needed now is visible action, not recycled rhetoric.

Leadership is not about pleasing loyalists or dancing around sycophants—“those who clap in darkness while citizens cry in daylight.” Nigeria’s president must surround himself with thinkers, doers, and patriots—not merely political allies. Every day must now deliver value. Every policy must improve lives. There is no more luxury of time, and no room for ego-driven decisions.

Marchemarie’s message extended beyond the presidency. He challenged all sectors of our national life:

The media must probe, question, and inform—not from spite, but from duty.

The opposition must not only criticize but also offer alternative solutions.

Civil society organizations must rise, organize, and become the conscience of the nation.

And citizens must abandon docility. Democracy is not a spectator sport. It demands participation.

“Your voice counts. Don’t lose it.” That single line is a clarion call to every Nigerian. Silence is no longer safe. A sleeping citizenry is a danger to any nation, especially one at a breaking point.

For those guided by faith, the appeal is also spiritual: to pray for the land and its leaders. Not blindly, but with hope that sincerity and results will emerge from the corridors of power.

President Tinubu must recognize that the patience of the Nigerian people has limits. If he succeeds, it will be a victory for all. But if he fails, the consequences will be collective—a shared national tragedy. There is still time, but only just. The next chapter of Nigeria’s story is unwritten. Let it not be a chapter of regret. Let it be the moment where bold decisions replaced excuses, and hope was renewed not in word—but in deed. Mr. President, make us proud. Make Nigeria great. And let that effort begin now.

: Dr. Abdulkarim Gidado is a public affairs analyst, educational researcher, and commentator on national development and governance. He writes from Ilorin, Kwara State.

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