Jide Kosoko Unleashes Fury on Tinubu Detractors: 'Allow Him Finish His Job!'

Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko has publicly challenged Nigerians who are voicing complaints about hunger under President Bola Tinubu's administration, urging them to reflect on their circumstances before the current president took office. The 72-year-old actor, an ardent supporter of President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), made these remarks during an interview on the 'Talk To B' podcast, hosted by actress Biola Adebayo, which was released on YouTube.

Kosoko firmly insisted that President Tinubu is performing commendably despite widespread criticism regarding his government's economic management. He implored Nigerians to grant the president the full duration of his tenure to implement his agenda. A key part of Kosoko's argument is that Nigeria's current economic woes are not solely attributable to the present administration but are partly the cumulative result of past governments' failures to adequately plan for the nation's burgeoning population and their reluctance to address critical issues like the petrol subsidy.

The veteran actor maintained that "things are not as bad as some people made us understand," highlighting that many individuals are still finding ways to achieve financial success. He emphasized that financial prosperity is not a guaranteed outcome for everyone simultaneously but largely depends on individual effort and initiative. "People don’t queue to make money; everybody works for their money and business. It is not turn by turn," Kosoko asserted, suggesting that personal diligence is paramount.

Further, Kosoko directly questioned the legitimacy of some hunger complaints, implying that a segment of those expressing dissatisfaction might have lacked meaningful sources of livelihood even before Tinubu's presidency. He provocatively asked, "Before Tinubu came, what were they doing? What were they eating?" This line of questioning aimed to shift perspective on the root causes of economic hardship being experienced by some citizens.

Addressing the contentious issue of petrol subsidy removal, Kosoko admitted that leaders of his generation had previously failed to end the subsidy regime. He framed the current administration's decision to remove the subsidy as a necessary, albeit painful, confrontation with economic realities that had been postponed for too long. "The free money being used to satisfy you and me needs to be taken back for us to face reality. The reality is that we are not buoyant enough to start enjoying what we are enjoying," he explained, suggesting that previous consumption patterns were unsustainable.

In his defense of the government's approach, Kosoko highlighted initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as practical interventions designed to alleviate financial burdens on families. He argued that programs like student loans could free up household income that would otherwise be spent on education, thereby providing indirect economic relief. He encouraged beneficiaries of such government programs to share their positive experiences to foster a better understanding of the policies' impact.

Kosoko passionately urged Nigerians to remain patient and allow President Tinubu to complete his programme, dismissing the opposition as having little constructive to offer. He stated that criticism should serve to identify areas for improvement rather than to undermine the government's efforts entirely. Looking ahead, the actor expressed confidence that Tinubu would ultimately overcome the nation's challenges and called for his re-election in the 2027 presidential polls.

He also cautioned against judging the government solely on direct distribution of food items, advocating instead for an assessment based on its long-term policies and investment initiatives, which he believes will yield sustainable benefits. Kosoko referenced former Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala's positive remarks about Nigeria's economic direction as a credible endorsement, adding that partnerships with Western leaders and investors would be crucial for economic recovery.

Acknowledging the current hardship, Kosoko reiterated that confronting these economic challenges now, rather than postponing difficult decisions, is essential for future generations. "The suffering we should have suffered in the past is what we’re all suffering now," he remarked, emphasizing the need for collective endurance. He concluded with an appeal for cooperation and hope, believing that President Tinubu is "cleaning up people’s mess" and will guide Nigeria to a "promised land," but only with the active participation and patience of its citizens. He also pondered the importance of Tinubu's successor continuing these vital, albeit challenging, reforms.