After the discussion at the Cambridge Africa Roundtable, Anthony Kila asserts that Sam Omatseye has a profound understanding of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. On Saturday, January 19, 2024, Nigeria and its affairs took center stage at the Westminster College Hall of Cambridge University, where members and guests gathered to explore the present and future of Africa’s most populous nation. True to tradition, the event featured an abundance of champagne and canapés.

The theme of the conversation was “Nigeria Reforms: Road to Redemption or Perdition? Conversations with Sam Omatseye.” Two key aspects shaped this high-profile event. First, the members and guests believed that to truly understand Nigeria’s current policies, one must know the man whose name is behind them—the President himself. Understanding his character as a politician and state administrator is paramount to comprehending his policies.

The second key aspect is Sam Omatseye’s unique insider perspective on President Tinubu. Omatseye, the chairman of the editorial board of The Nation newspaper, possesses a personal and professional familiarity with President Tinubu, allowing him to articulate the President’s thoughts and vision effectively.

In the unavoidable absence of Dr. Cristiano D’orsi, I stepped in as the moderator. Acknowledging the audience, I noted my long acquaintance with Sam Omatseye, mentioning our previous encounters on television and our shared membership in the esteemed League of Nigerian Columnists.

As anticipated, the event was intense, informative, and surprisingly entertaining. Following a formal introduction typical of Cambridge’s style, Omatseye took the stage, beginning his remarks by emphasizing the media’s role in democracy, particularly in Nigeria. He poignantly noted that the October 2024 CARt event coincided with the anniversary of Dele Giwa’s death—“Exactly 38 years today, Dele Giwa, a great editor, columnist, and champion of free speech, was taken from us by a conspiratorial military elite. In the comfort of his home and a breakfast with a colleague, he innocently opened a letter that led to his last words: ‘This must be from the president.’ He opened the letter and was engulfed in a cloud of smoke.”

This introduction served as both a tribute to Giwa and a segue into Omatseye’s own experiences with criticism for writing an article titled “Obituary.” A seasoned journalist, Omatseye adeptly navigated a potentially hostile audience by sharing his personal story, effectively fostering empathy.

During his presentation, Omatseye detailed how Bola Tinubu ascended to the presidency, encapsulated in his book titled “Beating All Odds.” He illustrated how Tinubu’s journey to securing the party ticket and winning the election—against both opposition and party insiders—has shaped him into a resilient and independent leader unafraid to implement significant reforms.

I raised concerns about the hardships imposed by these policies, to which he responded, “Yes, that’s true, but if we do not endure this painful process now, things will only worsen.” For Omatseye, the challenges Nigeria faces today stem from the disarray left by the previous administration. When I expressed my lack of sympathy for President Tinubu, arguing that he sought the role willingly, Omatseye quickly countered that the President doesn’t require sympathy. “He will surprise you with results soon,” he remarked, eliciting laughter from the usually somber audience. While acknowledging the current difficulties, Omatseye pointed out that investors see potential in Nigeria, citing the oversubscription of recently issued Nigerian bonds as evidence.

According to Omatseye, claims that the Tinubu administration is merely taking orders from the IMF and World Bank misinterpret the country’s circumstances. He characterized Tinubu as someone who confidently and authoritatively articulates his vision. Omatseye believes that the administration’s strategies align coincidentally with the solutions proposed by international entities, terming it “a coincidence or necessity.” He noted that none of the candidates who contested against Tinubu in 2023 presented better alternatives to the prevailing policies, reminding the audience that all major contenders pledged to eliminate the fuel subsidy during their campaigns.

To fully grasp Tinubu’s character, Omatseye emphasized his grassroots upbringing and professional background. “It’s crucial to understand his biography,” he explained. “He was raised by his mother, Chief Abibatu Mogaji, a prominent market leader and grassroots champion. This early exposure to community organizing shaped his understanding of ordinary citizens.” Simultaneously, Tinubu pursued studies in accounting in the United States and worked for prestigious corporations, eventually serving as treasurer for Mobil Nigeria. This duality—rooted in both mass mobilization and capitalist ideology—allows Tinubu to navigate and integrate seemingly contradictory worlds.

In Omatseye’s own words, “Do I contradict myself? Yes, I contradict myself. I am large. I contain multitudes.” Tinubu’s political journey reflects a similar navigation between diverse influences.

Regardless of one’s stance on Sam Omatseye, his ability to advocate for the Tinubu administration is commendable. Many would agree that he stands out as a prominent voice in defense of the current administration.