Atoyebi Links Public Silence Over Orire Rescue, Stock Market Gains to Nagging Negativism

The Convener of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group, Bamidele Atoyebi, has attributed widespread public skepticism over recent positive developments in Nigeria to what he described as humanity’s longstanding tendency to doubt unexpected breakthroughs, submitting that disbelief often gains more traction than evidence.

In a statement titled “Orire Rescue, Nigeria Stock Market And Why Unbelief is Popular,” Atoyebi cited the rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Orire and the recent performance of the Nigerian stock market as examples of developments that were met with widespread suspicion despite official explanations and publicly available data.

Atoyebi noted that following the rescue of the abducted pupils, social media was flooded with claims that the operation was staged or that ransom had been paid secretly.

He said the Presidency later explained that security forces arrested eight suspected kidnappers, neutralised several others and deployed psychological tactics, including tracking and detaining relatives of the kidnappers, which eventually compelled the criminals to surrender the children.

He argued that despite those explanations, many Nigerians remained unconvinced.

The Comrade also referred to the Nigerian Exchange’s recent performance, which he said briefly ranked among the world’s best-performing stock markets, surpassing South Korea. He noted that while international financial institutions and market indicators acknowledged the improvement, many Nigerians dismissed the figures, insisting that economic progress could only be judged by improvements in their personal finances.

Atoyebi maintained that while it is reasonable for citizens to measure economic success by their living conditions, rejecting institutional or macroeconomic progress outright could prevent people from recognising emerging opportunities.

He wrote that new businesses are emerging, foreign investors are taking positions and individuals who recognise the direction of ongoing reforms are already positioning, taking advantage of those developments.

To support his argument, Atoyebi drew parallels from biblical history, saying skepticism has consistently accompanied major turning points throughout history.

He cited the account of Moses sending 12 leaders to spy out the Promised Land, noting that although all of them witnessed the same fertile land, only Joshua and Caleb believed it could be conquered while the remaining ten focused on the perceived obstacles.

He also referenced the biblical account of the famine in Samaria, where the prophet Elisha predicted that food prices would dramatically fall within a day. Atoyebi recalled that the king’s chief officer publicly doubted the prophecy, questioning how such a turnaround could happen, but the prediction later came to pass while the officer did not live to witness it.

The writer further referred to the story of Thomas, one of Jesus Christ’s disciples, who refused to believe reports of the resurrection until he physically saw and touched Jesus’ wounds.

Beyond religious examples, Atoyebi pointed to South Africa’s post-apartheid economy as another illustration of skepticism limiting opportunities. He argued that while many South Africans remained doubtful about emerging economic prospects during the country’s transition, entrepreneurs from other African countries recognised opportunities in the informal economy, invested in them and eventually established dominant positions in several sectors.

He suggested that the failure by many locals to recognise those opportunities later contributed to economic frustration and xenophobic tensions.

Turning to Nigeria’s political and economic reforms, Atoyebi said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has maintained focus on long-term structural reforms despite widespread criticism and public skepticism.

He recalled that during the final weeks before the 2023 presidential election, many political observers believed the combined effects of fuel scarcity and the naira redesign policy would derail Tinubu’s electoral prospects.

Atoyebi said he did not share that view, arguing that Tinubu’s eventual victory reflected what he described as a longstanding political strategy and vision.

He further argued that Nigeria is undergoing structural economic changes, including efforts to expand government revenue, reduce financial leakages and strengthen the country’s economic foundation.

Atoyebi urged Nigerians to assess available data, identify sectors experiencing growth and position themselves to benefit from ongoing reforms rather than allowing social media narratives to shape their outlook.

He concluded that history often favours those who recognise opportunities during periods of uncertainty, adding that belief in a nation’s future requires looking beyond immediate hardship to long-term transformation.