Veteran Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko has defended President Bola Tinubu’s administration, insisting that the government is working to address Nigeria’s challenges despite widespread complaints about the cost of living.
Kosoko made the remarks during an appearance on Talk To B, a podcast hosted by actress Biola Adebayo, where he urged Nigerians to compare the country’s current situation with conditions before Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
“Things are not as bad as some people have claimed and they need to understand. Go and check the majority of those people. Before Tinubu came, what were they eating?” the actor said.
His comments came amid continued public debate over rising living costs, fuel prices and the impact of the administration’s economic reforms.
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Jide Kosoko Points to Government Initiatives
During the interview, Kosoko maintained that Tinubu was working to resolve problems inherited from previous administrations.
When asked what evidence ordinary Nigerians could point to in support of the claim that the President was fixing the country, the actor highlighted government initiatives, particularly the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) student loan scheme.
He urged students and other beneficiaries of government programmes to speak publicly about how the initiatives had affected their lives.
Kosoko argued that such accounts could help Nigerians understand the potential benefits of policies that he believes deserve more attention.
He also referred to government plans to support graduates who struggle to secure employment after completing their studies, saying such initiatives should be recognised in discussions about the administration’s performance.
Actor Acknowledges Nigeria’s Challenges
While defending the President, Kosoko did not claim that all Nigerians were comfortable with the current economic situation.
He acknowledged that the country continued to face significant challenges but argued that some of the difficulties were linked to decisions made by previous governments.
According to him, successive administrations failed to adequately prepare for Nigeria’s growing population and the economic pressures that followed.
He also defended the removal of the petrol subsidy, arguing that the previous arrangement placed a financial burden on the country and that the money involved could be redirected towards other needs.
However, the removal of the subsidy and other economic reforms have remained controversial, with many households and businesses facing increased expenses.
Kosoko’s position reflects his belief that the country must endure difficult adjustments while the government works to address longstanding problems.
Kosoko Says Political Ambition Influences Criticism
The veteran actor, who said he had been involved in politics since 1978, also suggested that political ambitions sometimes influence how people assess the current administration.
He argued that some opposition figures were unwilling to acknowledge what he considers progress because of their political interests.
“Those in the opposition know the truth. They know that the man is on the right track, but ambition is affecting their thinking,” Kosoko said.
His remarks are part of the broader public debate over Tinubu’s performance, with supporters pointing to government programmes and economic policy changes, while critics continue to question whether those measures are improving the daily lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Public Reaction to Kosoko’s Position
Kosoko’s defence of the administration has drawn attention because it contrasts with the frustration expressed by Nigerians struggling with the cost of food, transportation, housing and other essentials.
For many citizens, the key question is not only whether the government has introduced new policies, but whether those policies have translated into measurable improvements in household incomes and living standards.
Supporters of the administration argue that reforms are necessary to address longstanding economic weaknesses. Critics, meanwhile, maintain that the burden on ordinary people must be considered when evaluating the success of those measures.
Kosoko’s comments have therefore added another voice to an ongoing national conversation about economic recovery, public accountability and the pace of reform.
Ultimately, the actor believes Tinubu is working to put the country on a better path and has urged Nigerians to consider the challenges inherited by the administration when assessing its performance.
