Public affairs analyst Mahdi Shehu has expressed approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reported choice to pause the contentious promotion of his Aide-de-Camp (ADC).
Characterizing the move as both a timely and positive development, Shehu took to the social media platform X on Wednesday, the 17th of December, 2025, to share his thoughts. He suggested that the President’s decision reflects a capacity to heed external advice, particularly following warnings that a unilateral promotion could trigger friction within the military’s established ranks.
Regarding the military appointment, Shehu remarked:
“It has just been reported that Tinubu has shelved the unilateral promotion of his ADC. That is commendable. Even though it was reported that some retired Generals “CAUTIONED HIM” on the implications of his SUFFOCATING PROMOTION”
While praising the President’s restraint in military matters, Shehu pivoted to a more critical stance regarding economic policy. He urged President Tinubu to apply the same second-thought logic to the impending tax reforms scheduled for implementation on the 1st of January, 2026.
According to Shehu, the Nigerian populace has been burdened by a relentless series of levies since the current administration took office, with little to show for it in terms of social welfare. He asserted that:
“The only thing Nigerians can testify to about Tinubu’s taxes is the reckless spending and increase in the personal leisure and comfort of those within and around the corridors of power.”
Shehu further argued that the public remains unconvinced of the utility of these fiscal measures, noting that “Nigerians do not see any positive impact from the serial and painful taxes they are forced to pay.”
The commentator did not mince words in his description of the proposed tax laws, labeling them as unjust, undemocratic, and destructive to the nation’s social fabric. He characterized the reforms as a direct assault on the stability of families and the survival of local businesses.
In a direct appeal for a policy reversal, he stated: “It is still not too late, nor an act of cowardice, for Tinubu to consider withdrawing the tax law that will take effect from 1st January, 2026.”
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Warnings of “Enemies” and Divine Intervention
Shehu cautioned the President against the counsel of those favoring the tax expansion, suggesting that such advisors are working against the interests of the First Family and the nation at large.
“Anybody pushing Tinubu to continue with the implementation of the said tax regime is a first-class enemy of Tinubu, Remi, Nigerians and Nigeria,” he declared.
The analyst concluded by noting that the frustration on the ground has reached a spiritual level, with many citizens seeking divine relief from the current economic trajectory.
“Whether he withdraws it or not, millions of Nigerians are praying for God’s intervention from the impending new tax disaster. Luckily, God does not turn away the prayers of His servants under deliberately imposed trauma.”