President Bola Tinubu is finally stepping up to address the nation in his first presidential media chat since taking office. According to a statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the much-anticipated chat will air at 9 p.m. on Monday, December 23, through the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).
In a rather formal tone, the statement urged all television and radio stations to hook up to the broadcast, ensuring nationwide coverage.
Onanuga said, “The first Presidential Media Chat with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be broadcast at 9 p.m. on Monday, December 23, on the Nigerian Television Authority and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria. All television and radio stations are requested to hook up to the broadcast.”
So, here we are, seven months into Tinubu’s administration, and this is the first time the President has deemed it fit to directly address Nigerians in a structured format. What took him so long? One would think that with all the economic woes, policy backlashes, and rising public discontent, a leader might find it necessary to communicate earlier.
There’s also the question of accessibility. Why limit such a significant event to NTA and FRCN? In an era dominated by digital platforms and diverse media outlets, confining the broadcast to these traditional channels seems outdated. Perhaps it’s a deliberate move to control the media, ensuring the President’s message is filtered through loyal state media.
More importantly, what questions will the President answer, if any? Will he provide concrete solutions to the economic crisis? Will he explain the rationale behind his controversial decisions? Or will he, like many of his predecessors, dodge accountability with vague answers? We’ll get all our answers by 9pm.
