Veteran Nollywood actor Hanks Anuku has defended President Bola Tinubu’s administration and called on Nigerians to be patient with the government as it works to address the country’s economic challenges.
Anuku made the comments during an appearance on the HonestBunch podcast, where he argued that many of Nigeria’s current problems existed before Tinubu became president.
The actor said Nigerians were too quick to blame the current administration for the country’s difficulties and urged citizens to also consider the policies and decisions of previous governments.
“Nigerians should be patient with Tinubu because he’s doing great, we’re too much in a hurry,” Anuku said.
He argued that the problems facing the country did not begin with Tinubu and questioned why previous administrations were not being held responsible for some of the challenges Nigerians are experiencing today.
Anuku’s comments come amid continuing public debate over the impact of Tinubu’s economic reforms, particularly the cost of living and the prices of food, transportation and other essential goods. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has previously criticised the administration’s economic policies and argued that Nigerians need relief from rising costs.
The actor’s remarks have generated reactions on social media, with some Nigerians supporting his call for patience while others criticised his defence of the administration.
Anuku’s comments are his personal assessment of the government and do not represent an official position of the presidency. His intervention adds to the wider public debate over whether the government’s economic reforms are producing sufficient benefits for ordinary Nigerians.
President Tinubu and his administration have maintained that the reforms are intended to address longstanding economic weaknesses and place Nigeria on a stronger path to growth. The presidency has also urged Nigerians not to lose hope as the government works through the effects of the reforms.
The debate over the government’s performance is expected to remain prominent as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections, with supporters and critics offering different assessments of the country’s economic direction.