In a powerful speech delivered by Dr. Moses Paul of the Free Nigeria Movement, the activist criticized the recent trend of naming public institutions, infrastructure, and military facilities after sitting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.“It is profoundly disappointing to witness the alarming trend of naming public institutions, infrastructure, and military facilities after a sitting president. This act runs counter to established principles of honor, service, and public morality. The recent decisions to name critical institutions after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including barracks, airports, and other facilities, reflect a troubling disregard for historical preservation, respect for our fallen heroes, and the collective legacy of the Nigerian people,” Dr. Paul stated.Particularly highlighting the renaming of a military barracks in Asokoro after the president, Dr. Paul described the act as “egregious.” He emphasized that military barracks symbolize sacrifice and discipline, stating, “Naming such an institution after a sitting president, while Nigeria has countless soldiers who paid the ultimate price for our security, is a direct affront to their memory. It disregards the values of humility and honor associated with the armed forces and diminishes the legacy of those whose selfless acts secured our freedom.”Dr. Paul also reminded Nigerians of the historical significance of names like “Dodan,” which originates from Dodan Hill in Burma, where Nigerian troops fought valiantly during World War II. Renaming such historically significant sites, he argued, erases vital aspects of the nation’s military history and disrespects the sacrifices of past heroes.The decision to rename Minna Airport after President Tinubu also came under fire, with Dr. Paul pointing out that it ignores the legacy of former leaders from the region who contributed significantly to Nigeria’s unity. “This renaming disregards their service and the tradition of honoring those who have completed their tenure and left a lasting legacy,” he said.Furthermore, the naming of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex and a new polytechnic in Abuja after the sitting president was labeled as “self-adulation disconnected from the realities facing Nigerians.”Dr. Paul called on the federal government to reverse these decisions, urging leadership to focus on uplifting the lives of citizens rather than engaging in premature self-glorification. “The true measure of leadership lies not in how much one’s name is inscribed on buildings or plaques, but in how much one’s actions positively transform the lives of the people,” he concluded.The Free Nigeria Movement has vowed to continue advocating for governance that respects Nigeria’s history, honors its heroes, and prioritizes the needs of its citizens.
