Prominent journalist and Arise News presenter Rufai Oseni has expressed dissatisfaction with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s performance during his first presidential media chat held on Monday.
Oseni acknowledged the importance of the media chat as a positive step but criticized the delay in engaging the public, particularly after two major economic policies—the removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira—had already caused significant hardship for Nigerians.
Speaking on Arise News’ Morning Show on Tuesday, Oseni described the president’s responses as inadequate, suggesting Tinubu lacked a full understanding of the critical issues addressed during the session.
“It took the president 18 months to engage with Nigerians, and in that time, two policies have already severely impacted the well-being of the people. After watching the chat, I’m even more concerned about the future of Nigeria,” Oseni stated.
He also criticized what he perceived as the president’s dismissive tone when responding to questions, noting that Tinubu missed the opportunity to advocate for the controversial Tax Reform Bills, which many fear could further burden Nigerians.
Oseni questioned the president’s claim that his cabinet ministers were performing effectively, arguing that this assessment does not reflect the realities on the ground.
The journalist’s remarks underscore public concerns about the president’s communication style and the broader impact of his administration’s economic policies on the populace.