Media Pressure Made Me Stubborn at First— Tinubu Speaks on Early Days in Office

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has acknowledged that intense media scrutiny and public commentary shaped his early days in office, admitting that the pressure initially made him somewhat stubborn as he navigated the first phase of his administration.

Reflecting on leadership and decision-making, the Nigerian leader revealed that reading newspapers each morning is a habit he rarely misses. He described it as an “addiction” that keeps him closely connected to public sentiment and the ongoing national conversation.

According to the President, he begins his day by scanning newspaper headlines, paying careful attention to the language and tone used to describe national issues. While he may not read every article in full, he said the headlines often provide a clear sense of the country’s mood and the issues that matter most to Nigerians.

Tinubu admitted that the strong criticism from sections of the media and opinion leaders during the early months of his presidency influenced his initial responses. The intense spotlight, he said, created pressure that shaped how he reacted at the time.

Despite this, the President stressed that leadership ultimately demands courage and a willingness to take responsibility for difficult decisions.

He noted that governance often requires timely action, warning that failing to make the right decisions when they are needed most could amount to a failure of leadership.

While acknowledging the important role of public opinion and the media in a democratic society, Tinubu maintained that leaders must remain focused on taking decisions they believe are necessary for the country’s long-term progress, even in the face of criticism.