A well-known public affairs analyst, Mahdi Shehu, has once again sparked widespread discussion following his recent comments directed at Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. According to Shehu, the President’s recent reshuffling of the country’s service chiefs was not inspired by genuine concern over rising insecurity but rather by his fear of an alleged coup and a desperate attempt to secure his political power.
Shehu Questions Tinubu’s Motive for Security Shake-Up
Shehu made the claims in a post shared on his official 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, where he expressed disappointment over what he described as the President’s “panic-driven” decision-making. He alleged that the service chiefs’ dismissal was an act of self-preservation rather than a well-thought-out response to the persistent insecurity plaguing Nigeria.
“This is not about insecurity or leadership renewal,” Shehu wrote. “Tinubu reshuffled his service chiefs out of fear — fear of a coup, fear of losing control, and fear of the same power play he mastered for decades.”
Scriptural Insight and Accusation of Selfishness
The outspoken analyst drew inspiration from James 3:16, which reads: “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” He used this verse to illustrate what he believes is the selfish nature of political leaders who prioritize personal survival over the welfare of their citizens.
He wrote: “Man’s greed and political survival instincts are timeless and ever-apparent. President Tinubu’s latest move confirms this scriptural truth — that selfish ambition brings disorder and chaos.”
Neglect of Worsening Security Situation
Shehu further criticized Tinubu for allegedly ignoring the wave of insecurity ravaging various parts of the country. He listed several states — including Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, Yobe, Borno, Benue, Taraba, Kogi, and Nasarawa — where citizens have continued to face devastating attacks from bandits, insurgents, and kidnappers.
“Mass kidnappings, killings, and entire villages wiped out did not move the President to act,” Shehu lamented. “It took the rumor of a coup to make him suddenly realize that the security system needed fixing. This isn’t leadership; it’s survival politics.”
Fear of Coup, Not Concern for Citizens
Shehu emphasized that the President’s reaction to the alleged coup rumors was immediate and driven by panic. He described the supposed coup plot as “shrouded in secrecy and confusion,” noting that Tinubu acted only when his own hold on power seemed threatened.
“The so-called coup — officially denied but informally confirmed — exposed Tinubu’s fear. He was quick to act not because Nigerians were dying, but because his seat was shaking,” Shehu claimed.
Harsh Critique of Economic Leadership
In addition to his security criticisms, Shehu also took aim at Tinubu’s economic team, calling them “wizardly” and ineffective. He expressed frustration that despite millions of Nigerians living in abject poverty and hunger, the President has shown no sign of removing or reshaping his economic advisers.
“With over 139 million Nigerians suffering, one would expect a change in the economic leadership,” Shehu wrote. “But as long as personal survival takes priority, the suffering of the people remains background noise to those in power.”
Conclusion: A Reflection on Leadership and Selfishness
Shehu concluded his lengthy post with a philosophical reflection on human nature and governance. “Man is indeed selfish,” he wrote. “He clings to power even in the face of glaring failure — until he is consumed by the earth itself. Tinubu’s recent actions are a testament to that unchanging truth.”
His remarks have since ignited massive reactions across social media platforms, with many Nigerians divided between those who support his fearless critique and others who accuse him of political bias. Nonetheless, the conversation highlights growing public frustration with the state of governance and leadership accountability in the country.