Meeting Nigeria’s Leaders Since 1992
Since 1992, I’ve had the privilege of meeting every Nigerian leader one-on-one, except General Sani Abacha. My experiences range from private interviews to a live group media chat with former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Each encounter has been unique, but interviewing Obasanjo stands out as a particularly unpredictable challenge.
In 2004, during an untelevised interview in his Library at the Presidential Villa, I faced Obasanjo’s wrath for questioning his government’s handling of Chris Uba’s political escapades in Anambra State. It took the intervention of his aides to diffuse the tension and save me from a physical altercation.
Handling OPC Questions on Air
A similar heated moment occurred during a live media chat when I asked why he ordered a shoot-on-sight directive against the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC). Obasanjo’s fiery response was swift, accusing me of irreverence and warning me not to bring my column’s boldness to the Villa. He retorted, “If you’re a member of OPC, tell your people that I mean what I said!”
Three Presidents, Three Styles
Over the years, my interviews with subsequent presidents showcased distinct leadership styles:
- Umaru Musa Yar’Adua: Measured, candid, and reserved.
- Goodluck Jonathan: Gentle, approachable, and almost carefree.
- Muhammadu Buhari: Guarded and terse, unless discussions touched personal issues, particularly his relationship with Babangida.
A 2016 interview with Buhari brought out his animated side when I probed his ousting by Babangida, which inspired a headline-grabbing story in The Interview magazine.
Tinubu’s Path to an Interview
Securing a televised interview with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was a journey. Despite pressure from insiders, Tinubu avoided media engagements for 19 months into his presidency, citing the need to prioritize governance. A near-interview was canceled during the #EndBadGovernance protests in October.
On December 18, I was invited to join a seven-member panel for the interview. Though we preferred a live format to foster transparency and spontaneity, the president opted for a recorded session, which ultimately aired as a 90-minute broadcast.
Panel Insights and Unanswered Questions
The panel, which included prominent journalists like Dr. Reuben Abati and Maupe Ogun-Yusuf, prepared 20 questions and covered most of them during the session. However, some intriguing topics, such as Nyesom Wike’s political liabilities, local government funding, and the president’s assets declaration, didn’t make it to the broadcast.
Tinubu’s responses were revealing. He praised Wike as a “performing minister” and explained the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government autonomy, emphasizing the constitutionality of direct funding. On state police, he predicted a negotiated solution in the nation’s interest. Regarding his asset declaration, Tinubu stated he had fulfilled his legal obligation and hinted at the possibility of publicizing it in the future.
Conclusion
While the interview wasn’t live, it offered valuable insights into Tinubu’s presidency and leadership philosophy. One interview may not satisfy the public’s curiosity, but it’s a step toward bridging the gap between Nigerians and their president.
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