**Date:** September 4, 2023
*Abuja, Nigeria*:
In his first 100 days in office, President Bola Tinubu has exhibited a willingness to adjust course in response to public outcry on several occasions. Here are five notable instances where President Tinubu made U-turns after facing public opposition:
**1. Exclusion of Niger Delta Ministry:**
– Initially, there were strong indications that the Niger Delta Affairs Ministry had been scrapped in the cabinet portfolios.
– The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) warned against scrapping the ministry, and public outcry followed.
– In response to the outcry, President Tinubu redeployed a minister to the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Development and made a minor amendment to its nomenclature.
**2. Asokoro Traffic Gridlock:**
– President Tinubu’s frequent commutes between his private residence in Asokoro and the Presidential Villa caused traffic congestion and inconvenience for commuters.
– A viral video highlighting the traffic scenario garnered attention.
– While the exact reason for President Tinubu’s relocation is not confirmed, the traffic issue seemed to have been a factor in the decision.
**3. Replacement of Maryam Shetty:**
– Maryam Shetty’s nomination as a minister elicited mixed reactions, with some questioning her experience.
– Two days after her nomination, she was replaced with Mariya Mahmoud, reportedly due to social media criticisms and public doubts about her credentials.
– The APC National Chairman acknowledged the role of social media in the nomination’s reversal.
**4. Nationwide Broadcast on Subsidy Removal:**
– Removal of fuel subsidy led to a significant increase in petrol prices and widespread hardship.
– Public anger and discontent grew, with some expressing regret for voting for President Tinubu.
– In a nationwide broadcast, President Tinubu acknowledged the hardship faced by Nigerians and expressed empathy, promising measures to ease the burden.
**5. Replacement of NDDC Nominees:**
– After the appointment of NDDC board members, protests erupted in Ondo and Cross River states over some nominees.
– President Tinubu announced the immediate replacement of nominees from these states in response to protests and discontent.
