I Will Not Support President Tinubu In 2027 If He Doesn’t Retrace His Steps - Jesutega Onokpasa

Summary

In this interview, JGA Ona, a prominent member of Nigeria’s ruling party, discusses both the achievements and challenges of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He commends the progress made with the Pako Refinery, which marks a significant step in Nigeria’s energy future, but criticizes the political persecution of Governor Y and the government’s handling of appointments. Ona expresses frustration over the country’s economic situation, particularly rising inflation and food insecurity, and vows not to support President Tinubu in the 2027 elections unless there is a shift in leadership style. Despite his dissatisfaction, he separates his politics from family ties, expressing support for Tinubu's son.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Paco Refinery has commenced crude oil production, marking a significant step towards energy independence and economic growth in Nigeria.
• 😀 President Bola Tinubu, NNPC board members, and CEO Mele Kyari were praised for their roles in the successful startup of the refinery.
• 😀 Despite claims that the refinery is not fully operational, the speaker urges patience and credits the NNPC for their efforts, stressing the importance of giving time for full functionality.
• 😀 There are concerns regarding the loading of products from the refinery, with some claiming minimal truck activity, but the speaker dismisses these concerns as unfounded, asserting that it takes time for refinery operations to scale.
• 😀 The speaker defends his position regarding Governor Y, stating that his support for the governor is not based on personal favoritism, but rather because he believes the governor has been unfairly persecuted.
• 😀 The speaker criticizes individuals who are willing to betray their friends for political gain, calling them out for hypocrisy and short-term thinking.
• 😀 The speaker expresses deep disappointment in President Tinubu's handling of appointments, particularly for those who insulted party members, and questions the president's strategy for handling loyal supporters.
• 😀 He emphasizes that if the president continues with his current approach, he will not support him in the 2027 elections, expressing frustration at the lack of respect for party members.
• 😀 The speaker also criticized the president's economic policies, particularly regarding the soaring inflation rates and food insecurity, stressing that the government's promises to reduce hunger have not materialized.
• 😀 The speaker shows support for the president's son, Shu, in his potential bid for governor of Lagos, separating the actions of the son from those of the father, and affirming that he is proud of Shu's ambitions.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Paco Refinery's recent milestone?

The Paco Refinery's milestone marks the commencement of crude oil production, signaling a new era of energy independence and economic growth for Nigeria. It is considered a transformative achievement for the country’s energy sector.

How did JGA Ona react to the commencement of crude oil production at the Paco Refinery?

JGA Ona praised the NNPC, President Bola Tinubu, and the refinery's leadership, including Group Managing Director Mele Kyari, for their efforts in achieving this milestone. He acknowledged the importance of the refinery's operation in contributing to Nigeria’s energy independence.

What was JGA Ona’s stance regarding critics who questioned the refinery's operations?

JGA Ona criticized those who prematurely dismissed the refinery’s success. He urged patience, explaining that it takes time for refineries to ramp up production and begin full-scale product distribution.

What criticism did JGA Ona have regarding political appointments under President Tinubu’s administration?

JGA Ona expressed frustration over the appointment of individuals who had previously insulted President Tinubu. He felt that these appointments disrespected loyal party members who had supported the President's rise to power.

What conditions did JGA Ona set for supporting President Tinubu in 2027?

JGA Ona stated that he would only support President Tinubu in 2027 if the President respects the party members, stops disrespecting loyal supporters, and avoids appointing individuals who have insulted him without evidence.

What was JGA Ona’s view on the political persecution of Governor Y?

JGA Ona defended Governor Y against what he saw as political persecution within the ruling party. He argued that the attacks on Governor Y were politically motivated and not based on any real wrongdoing.

How did JGA Ona describe his relationship with Governor Y?

JGA Ona described Governor Y as a close friend and brother, emphasizing that despite political pressure, he would continue to support Governor Y.

What was JGA Ona’s opinion on food inflation and the state of the economy under President Tinubu?

JGA Ona expressed disappointment over the worsening food inflation and economic situation in the country. He criticized President Tinubu's administration for failing to deliver on promises of reducing food prices and improving the economy.

What solution did JGA Ona propose to tackle Nigeria’s food security issues?

JGA Ona advocated for massive investment in agriculture, believing that it could help address food insecurity and reduce food prices. He suggested that if agricultural investments were prioritized, the country could begin feeding its population more effectively.

How did JGA Ona respond to criticism that he was only defending Governor Y because of their personal relationship?

JGA Ona refuted the claim, stating that his support for Governor Y was based on principle, not personal gain. He emphasized that Governor Y had not been proven guilty of any offense and that he would stand by his friend regardless of political consequences.