See reactions as survey reveals 62% optimism in President Tinubu’s administration

Recent findings from a survey conducted by a Lagos-based public perception consulting and strategic communication firm, CMC Connect LLP,  in partnership with Analysts Data Services and Resources (ADSR), indicate that 62 per cent of Nigerians believe the country is on a path of progress under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.

The survey which was drawn from 1,714 participants across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, sought the opinions of citizens on the initial 60 days of President Tinubu’s administration, as well as expectations.

According to the report, while 38 per cent of respondents expressed reservations about the country’s forward momentum under the current administration, a significant 62 per cent held the view that the nation would make strides under President Tinubu’s leadership.

“By and large, respondents are less satisfied with the first 60 days of the current administration, but they are more optimistic about the country moving forward under the current administration,” part of the report stated.

The survey delved into various aspects of the administration’s actions and decisions during its first 60 days and respondents were asked to state their degree of satisfaction or dissatisfaction.

One notable area of satisfaction was the suspension of Godwin Emefiele as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor and Abdulrasheed Bawa as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Respondents also expressed endorsement for both the incorporation of redesigned naira notes and the discontinuation of electricity subsidy, but were concerned about potential energy cost implications with the removal of the subsidy.

The survey further revealed substantial dissatisfaction with the arrangement of the ministerial list, and mixed feelings about the unification of exchange rates.

The survey also revealed substantial dissatisfaction with the arrangement of the ministerial list, emphasizing the importance of a diversified and representative cabinet.

Favourable reception greeted the planned opening of more land borders and the distribution of fertilizers and grains to farmers and households.

Respondents showed support for the appointment of Service Chiefs, dissolution of governing boards of government agencies, introduction of the Nigerian education loan fund.

“The suspension of the import tax change levy on certain vehicles, the introduced green tax on single-use plastics, and excise duty escalation on locally manufactured products,” received public approval, according to the survey report.

However, many critics argue that the survey might not accurately represent the diverse opinions held by Nigerians, considering the multitude of socio-economic challenges facing the country.

Some citizens believe that the survey might not have fully captured the complexities of Nigeria’s current state and the various concerns citizens hold.

A digital entrepreneur Elvis Nosakhare, known as @nosakhare_elvis on Twitter, questioned the survey’s credibility and methodology.

In a tweet posted under the handle iNexus, Nosakhare expressed skepticism and requested transparency regarding critical information related to the survey.

He wrote, “Can we see the data, or at least let us know when this survey was done and the demographics that were covered? Important information like this should be clear for all to see. Can anyone corroborate when this survey was done or if they were a part of it? When was it done?”

Additional online polls conducted independently have revealed contrasting viewpoints from those reflected in the CMC Connect LLP survey findings.

In a country grappling with numerous socio-economic issues, including unemployment, inflation, security concerns, and infrastructure deficits, some Nigerians find it hard to reconcile the reported optimism with the daily challenges they experience.

The survey’s findings led to conversations about the methodology employed, the selection of participants, and the overall credibility of such studies in accurately portraying public perception.

Additionally, two other separate polls conducted online indicated that a significant number of Nigerians did not share the optimism reflected in the CMC Connect LLP survey findings.