In a vivid demonstration of leadership by example, former President Goodluck Jonathan made headlines when he publicly promoted cassava bread as a means to boost cassava production and reduce the cost of bread.
In an iconic moment, Jonathan took a public bite of cassava bread, signaling his commitment to agricultural reform and the empowerment of local farmers.
The move, while symbolic, carried a strong message of self-reliance and innovation in the face of economic challenges and realities.
Fast forward to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is navigating a nation grappling with high petrol prices following the removal of fuel subsidies.
In a bid to alleviate the pressure on Nigerians, Tinubu has advocated for the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cheaper and cleaner alternative to petrol. However, a glaring contradiction arises in his approach.
While championing the CNG transition, Tinubu recently purchased a 6.2-litre armored Cadillac Escalade, powered by a V8 petrol engine, as part of his official fleet.
Critics have questioned the optics of this move, arguing that it undermines the credibility of Tinubu’s CNG advocacy.
The president, as the chief promoter of the CNG initiative, is expected to lead by example, just as Jonathan did with cassava bread.
In a public statement, stakeholders in the energy sector and concerned citizens have called on Tinubu to convert his Cadillac Escalade to run on CNG.
“Leadership is about setting an example. If President Tinubu truly believes in the CNG revolution, he should start with his personal fleet and direct all government ministries, departments, and agencies to follow suit,” said an energy expert.
The transition to CNG is a crucial step in reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel and lowering the financial burden on citizens.
With abundant natural gas reserves, Nigeria is well-positioned to leverage this resource for economic stability. However, the success of this initiative depends on visible commitment and action from the leadership.
The public is also urging the federal government to provide incentives for CNG conversion and invest in the infrastructure needed to support this transition.
Without accessible and affordable options for ordinary Nigerians, the CNG push may remain an unattainable dream for many.
Tinubu’s administration has taken steps to promote the CNG initiative, including plans to introduce buses powered by natural gas to reduce transportation costs.
However, the symbolic act of converting the president’s fleet to CNG could serve as a powerful message of solidarity with the Nigerian people.
Jonathan’s cassava bread initiative remains a lesson in the power of symbolism in leadership. Tinubu now has an opportunity to emulate this approach by making his commitment to CNG visible and actionable.
As the nation watches, the president’s actions will determine whether the CNG revolution becomes a reality or another missed opportunity.
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