Tinubu’s broken shackles symbol now a political relic – Atiku’s aide

In a sharp rebuke of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has delivered a damning critique.

In his piece, De-cap-itated! released on Monday and made available to The Guardian, Shaibu drew a striking parallel between Tinubu’s once-celebrated political symbol, the “Emilokan” cap with the broken shackle, and the infamous swastika of Nazi Germany.

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Historically, the swastika symbolised good fortune across various cultures, but its adoption by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime transformed it into a symbol of oppression. Shaibu argues that the same fate has befallen the Emilokan symbol, which once stood for freedom, human rights, and economic prosperity during Tinubu’s campaign but now represents authoritarianism and political deception.

The “Emilokan” mantra, which translates to “it is my turn” in Yoruba, was a rallying cry for Tinubu’s supporters during the 2023 presidential election. It symbolised Tinubu’s promise to bring his Lagos success to the entire nation. Campaign caps adorned with a broken shackle symbol became popular, representing a commitment to better governance and shared prosperity.

However, according to Shaibu, the reality of Tinubu’s presidency has betrayed these promises. “The Emilokan mantra is not about shared prosperity but a rabid appropriation of state assets for personal gain,” he stated, criticising Tinubu for allegedly exploiting Lagosians and accumulating personal wealth at their expense. Shaibu further claimed that Tinubu’s supporters, once enthusiastic, now feel disillusioned, as the Emilokan caps have become a symbol of political disappointment.

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In his critique, Shaibu also addressed comparisons between Tinubu and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, an iconic Nigerian political leader known for his progressive policies. Shaibu dismissed these comparisons as “political impersonation fraud,” asserting that Tinubu’s administration has been far more focused on personal enrichment than on collective progress.

“Everyone now knows that Tinubu is not Awolowo,” Shaibu declared, accusing the president of misleading the public with false promises of good governance and economic growth.

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Shaibu’s critique highlights the deepening disillusionment with Tinubu’s leadership, as the Emilokan symbol—once a beacon of hope—has become a stark reminder of missed opportunities. Shaibu concluded by suggesting that just as the swastika was banned from public display after World War II, the Emilokan caps have become relics of a failed political dream, representing not progress but oppression.