”E Lo Fokan Bale”: A Promise Unfulfilled by Blessing Afolabi

The phrase “e lo fokan bale” became a rallying cry during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign, capturing attention nationwide. Alongside other expressions like eleyi, emi lokan, and ama gbe wa le, it became part of the everyday language, embraced by a hopeful electorate.

But what does “e lo fokan bale” mean? In Yoruba, it translates to “keep calm.” Tinubu used it to reassure Nigerians that, despite current hardships, relief was on the way. He pledged to address the fuel scarcity and economic challenges left by the previous administration, suggesting that better days were imminent under his leadership. He specifically promised to reduce the high cost of fuel, a campaign tactic that resonated with citizens still reeling from the policies of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

During Buhari’s tenure, various fiscal and monetary policies, such as the cashless policy and changes to the naira, increased the hardship faced by everyday Nigerians. As a journalist, I closely tracked the Buhari administration’s performance, comparing it with that of former President Goodluck Jonathan. Buhari’s regime stands out as one of the most challenging since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

Had Nigerians recalled the origins of Buhari’s administration, perhaps they might have approached Tinubu’s campaign with caution. Tinubu, then a key opposition figure, led the charge to unseat Goodluck Jonathan, promising that his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), would end insecurity, lower fuel prices, achieve exchange rate stability, and secure constant electricity. He criticized Jonathan’s leadership, vowing that if given the opportunity, he and Buhari would deliver a new, prosperous Nigeria. However, none of these promises were fulfilled under Buhari, raising serious doubts about Tinubu’s own capability as president.

Some argued that Tinubu, with his experience as the former governor of Lagos—a state he developed with limited federal funds—could work wonders at the national level. However, these hopes dimmed after his performance at the Chatham House forum, where he frequently deferred questions to his aides. His rationale, that he would delegate tasks to experts in key areas, left some wondering if he was prepared for the presidency at all. Nigerians, meanwhile, applauded this approach, perhaps unaware that it suggested a lack of a concrete plan, anyway I got to a conclusion that Nigerians are more bias when it comes to tribe and religion rather than merit, hence the Yoruba lokan and Yoruba ronu slogan.

Upon assuming office, Tinubu removed the fuel subsidy on his first day, plunging many Nigerians into economic hardship. The issue wasn’t the removal itself, but the lack of a clear strategy to ease the transition. Without a comprehensive plan, fuel prices soared, sparking a chain reaction that affected food prices, transportation, and the overall cost of living. The poor suffered the most, as companies downsized and jobs were lost due to rising production costs. Kidnapping and other crimes surged as desperation set in, creating a climate of fear and instability.

Additionally, many Nigerians, seeing no hope for change, have sought refuge abroad, leaving their homeland in search of better opportunities. The naira’s exchange rate has continued to deteriorate, and while the Central Bank attempts various interventions, these efforts seem more like trial and error than a sustainable economic policy. The widening gap between rich and poor is evident, and political appointments appear to reward loyalty rather than merit.

How did we arrive at this point? It’s clear: by failing to choose leaders who prioritize the welfare of the people. Where do we go from here? That choice is ours to make. If we continue down this path, the future looks bleak, not just for us but for generations to come. Our once-proud nation now faces ridicule from neighboring countries who used to admire us.

Nigerians, it’s time to wake up. We must put aside past mistakes and focus on electing leaders who have both integrity and a genuine commitment to our country’s progress. The 2027 election is approaching; let us not fall into the same trap. Our future depends on it.

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Blessing Afolabi (BlessMas)

Digital Journalist, Ogbomoso, Oyo State

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 08064531175