Let’s talk about the sweet symphony of promises by politicians and the harsh reality of economic outcomes, this time by the Presidents. This is about four leaders who took office around the same period. We have the flamboyant American, the Argentinian economist, the “Dictator”, and our very own… well, let’s just say “globetrotter.”
The American Showman: Trump’s Trillions
First, we have Donald Trump. Within his first six months, whispers (and some rather loud pronouncements) suggested he had secured over $7 trillion in investments for the United States. Now, whether these investments materialized, or were simply the hot air of a man who could sell ice to an Eskimo, is a debate for another day. But let’s give him this: he knew how to talk a big game. He is ruling a nation of roughly 400 million souls, with a relatively lean, mean, deal-making machine of 25 ministers. Efficient, if nothing else.
Argentina’s Austerity: Milei’s Measures
Then, there’s Javier Milei of Argentina. Taking office with a chainsaw in hand, he promised to slash government spending and “dollarize” the economy. His approach is less about securing investments and more about radical economic shock therapy. Whether this will lead to economic salvation or a spectacular crash remains to be seen. He also presides over a country of around 45 million people.
Burkina Faso’s “Dictator” with Developmental Drive: Traoré’s Tangible Changes
Now, let’s talk about Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso. He is often labelled a dictator, but lets look at his achievements. He nationalizes gold mines, and takes control of the nation’s resources. He rejects IMF and World bank loans, and reduces the salaries of ministers and parliamentarians, whilst increasing the salaries of civil servants. He has invested heavily in agriculture, and infrastructure, builds processing plants, and increases crop production. He expelled French troops, and banned French media, and improved the healthcare of the nation.
Nigeria’s Globetrotter: Tinubu’s Travelogue and… Well, What Else?
And then, we have our dear president. Two years into his tenure, and after a whirlwind of international tours that would make a seasoned travel blogger jealous, the investment tally sits at a rather… modest… $2 billion. For a nation of 200 million, one might expect a bit more bang for all those frequent flyer miles.
And, his cabinet. Over 50 ministers and 300+ aides! One can’t help but wonder if they’re running a government or a small city. Perhaps they’re all just very, very busy? Busy doing… well, something… mining online propaganda machines, and creating more poverty.
The contrast is stark, isn’t it? While others are making headlines with bold economic moves or, at the very least, grand pronouncements, our leader seems to be collecting passport stamps and… well, that’s about it.
Now, let’s compare the “dictator” Traoré and the “democrat” Tinubu. Traoré, in his supposedly authoritarian way, is nationalizing resources, building infrastructure, reducing reliance on foreign powers, and improving the livelihood of his people.
Meanwhile, our democratic leader is… traveling. A lot. And, well, that’s about it. One is building plants, the other is building up air miles. One is cutting ministerial salaries, the other is adding to his entourage. One is rejecting foreign loans, the other is… well, let’s not go there.
It’s a curious contrast, isn’t it? The “dictator” seems to be delivering tangible results, while the “democrat” is delivering… well, speeches and press releases by aides like Bayo Onanuga and Sunday Dare.
Going by the words of Nyesom Wike; “If e didn’t dey, e didn’t dey.” In plain terms, if it ain’t there, it ain’t there, especially after the propaganda-acclaimed Deloitte accounting consultant has so far showed he is all about globetrotting. Some might say our president’s travels are merely a grand tour funded by the public purse, with little to show for it. Others, more charitable souls, might suggest he’s playing a very long game, one that involves a lot of sightseeing.
But let’s be real. Two years in, and the investment returns are… underwhelming. The economy, meanwhile, continues its own special brand of samba, a chaotic dance of inflation and hardship.
So, as we watch the American showman, the Argentinian radical, the Burkinabé “dictator”, and our own globe-trotting leader, we can’t help but ponder the age-old question: what’s the point of all the travel if the investments don’t follow? Perhaps the answer lies in the sheer joy of the journey itself? Or maybe, just maybe, “e didn’t dey” after all.
