German Newspaper Labels Nigeria’s New President As “The Godfather Of Lagos”

Nigeria, one of the youngest countries in the world, is once again ruled by an old man, “The Godfather of Lagos,” according to a German newspaper, Süddeutsche Zeitung.

Nigeria’s presidential election has once again made international headlines, with Germany’s Süddeutsche Zeitung labeling the newly elected President Bola Tinubu as “The Godfather of Lagos” in a scathing indictment of Nigerian politics.

The article highlights the longstanding questions surrounding Tinubu’s age, the origin of his wealth, and his controversial reputation as a political kingmaker. Despite these concerns, Tinubu emerged as the clear winner in a highly contentious and low-turnout election, leaving many observers deeply troubled about the state of democracy in Africa’s most populous country.

The Süddeutsche Zeitung’s coverage of the Nigerian election is just the latest in a series of reports that have highlighted the worrying trend of old men ruling the country. Nigeria is one of the youngest countries in the world, with a median age of just 18.4 years, yet it is once again being led by an elderly statesman with a questionable reputation.

The newspaper’s labeling of Tinubu as “The Godfather of Lagos” is particularly telling, as it suggests that he wields significant power and influence in the country’s political landscape. This is not a new phenomenon, however. Tinubu has long been seen as a key player in Nigerian politics, using his considerable wealth and influence to back candidates and control key institutions.

Despite his reputation, Tinubu has promised to usher in a new era of transparency and accountability in Nigeria, vowing to tackle corruption and improve the country’s infrastructure. However, the international’s scathing critique suggests that many observers remain skeptical of these promises, given Tinubu’s history and the challenges facing the country.

The article also notes the low turnout in the election, which saw just 24% of eligible voters cast their ballots. This is a worrying trend in Nigeria, where voter apathy and disillusionment with the political process have become increasingly common. The Mandy News suggests that this lack of engagement and trust in the system is a reflection of the wider problems facing the country, including poverty, terrorism, and corruption.