Editorial Opinion
Tinubu Meets NLC, TUC Leadership, Assures On Portharcourt Refinery
President Tinubu’s decision, contrary to the advise of his media and political advisers not to meet with leaders of the NLC and TUC, took the winds out their sails.
Irrespective of whatever any one may think about the leadership qualities of president Tinubu albeit his ‘error’ on removal of fuel subsidy in May 29, 2023, he seized the initiative from the leaders of the NLC/TUC, this strategic move sets him apart from his aloof, taciturn predecessor, Buhari, in the management of crisis.
By that single move, Tinubu won my respect and admiration. That’s how a good leader should confront challenges, not by delegating representatives.
Notwithstanding, it’s not yet ‘uhuru’, especially as he promised Nigerians that the Portharcourt refinery will start production in December 2023.
Unlike the proverbial 70 years old bachelor who had been single all his life, waiting for another 4 months for the arrival of the wife that he has completed her marriage rites, for Nigerians, December is just a wink of eye away from now, and they will be ever prepared to wait for the delivery of refined petroleum products.
Interestingly, we should not be quick to rejoice that the decision of the NLC/TUC to suspend their protest does not mean the ‘war’ is over. Rather, Nigerians should be circumspect, irrespective of the assurances of president Tinubu that the Portharcourt refinery will start refining production in December 2023 because, like the proverbial old hunchback man, who has been carrying his hunch for quite a long time, we should not automatically expect it to disappear.