By Abiodun Alade
In a political environment often defined by partisanship and self-interest, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce’s recent public endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda stands out for its candour and conviction. Known for his “common sense” philosophy and his belief in pragmatic governance, Ben Bruce once again demonstrates his consistency as a patriot who prioritises progress over politics.
The senator highlighted key areas where he believes President Tinubu has shown courage and clarity of purpose. “I have known President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu since 1998,” he wrote, describing the President as a leader driven not by applause but by results. It is a rare show of confidence at a time when the nation continues to grapple with the short-term pains of bold economic reforms.
Ben Bruce’s message goes beyond praise; it underscores the importance of visionary leadership in moments of national uncertainty. His argument is simple but powerful — Nigeria, for the first time, has a president who truly understands finance and economic management. By deregulating key sectors and confronting structural distortions, Tinubu is laying the groundwork for sustainable growth, even if the immediate effects are difficult for ordinary citizens.
The senator also draws attention to improvements in national security coordination and economic management under the current administration. He commends the professional leadership of the Central Bank, the deregulation of the petroleum sector, and ongoing efforts to restore investor confidence. His words echo a sentiment that the reforms, though tough, are necessary foundations for long-term prosperity.
Beyond the economy, Ben Bruce applauds the government’s infrastructural drive — roads, ports, airports, and housing projects that reflect a tangible commitment to national renewal. In his words, these projects are not just “concrete and steel,” but the “arteries through which growth and opportunity now flow.” It is a powerful metaphor that captures the transformative potential of sustained infrastructural investment.
Perhaps most notable is Ben Bruce’s declaration of joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), a move he frames not as partisan alignment but as a stand for progress. In doing so, he reinforces the principle that good governance should be supported across political lines when it serves the nation’s collective interest.
While his statement has stirred conversations — both of agreement and scepticism — it undeniably injects a tone of optimism into Nigeria’s public discourse. His belief that Tinubu’s leadership will deliver “phenomenal growth” within eight years speaks to a rare faith in Nigeria’s potential to reinvent itself.
At a time when public confidence in governance is fragile, voices like Ben Bruce’s serve as bridges between political divides and as reminders that national progress requires not only criticism but also collaboration and courage.
In essence, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce’s position is a call to look beyond politics — to see reform not as punishment, but as the necessary price for a prosperous future. Whether one agrees with his assessment or not, his stance reinforces an important truth: that patriotism sometimes means standing with difficult decisions when they are made for the greater good.
*Abiodun, a political and communications analyst writes from Lagos
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