In a sharp critique of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and his signature cap, Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has drawn a striking comparison between the President’s political symbol—the broken shackle—and the swastika, which transformed from a symbol of good fortune into one of oppression.
In his statement titled “De-cap-itated!”, released to journalists on Monday in Abuja, Shaibu likened the broken shackles emblem adopted by Tinubu and his supporters during the 2023 presidential campaign to the swastika, which was co-opted by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime.
Historically, the swastika represented nationalism and good fortune across various cultures. However, its association with the Nazi regime reshaped it into a global symbol of fascism and hatred.
Shaibu argued that the broken shackle, once emblematic of freedom and human rights as promoted by Tinubu, has now devolved into a symbol of oppression under his leadership in Nigeria.
“President Tinubu, during a campaign event in Ogun State where he made the notorious Emilokan remarks—a boastful assertion of entitlement—has turned the broken shackle into a representation of oppression and political recklessness,” Shaibu stated.
The Emilokan mantra, meaning “it is my turn” in Yoruba, was initially embraced as a rallying cry for Tinubu’s supporters, proudly displayed on caps featuring the broken shackle symbol, known as ‘Emilokan’ caps.
Throughout the campaign, these caps symbolized Tinubu’s commitment to safeguarding human rights, revitalizing the economy, and replicating Lagos’ successes nationwide.
Shaibu mentioned that many of the President’s supporters believed in his democratic credentials and potential to transform Nigeria into a thriving economy. However, as he pointed out, the reality has dramatically diverged from those early promises.
“Now, everyone realizes that Emilokan is not about shared prosperity; it is about the ruthless appropriation of state resources for personal gain,” Shaibu remarked.
He went on to accuse Tinubu of amassing personal wealth at the expense of Lagosians, challenging the commonly held belief that his governance spurred Lagos’ economic growth.
“Tinubu didn’t build Lagos; he built his fortune on the hard work of Lagosians,” he added.
According to Shaibu, disillusionment with the Emilokan symbol has spread so widely that the caps, once ubiquitous among vendors and supporters, are now gathering dust.
“The once-enthusiastic vendors who showcased the Emilokan caps at busy traffic lights and prime street corners now find themselves burdened by unsold stock,” Shaibu noted.
Once a popular item, these caps have turned into embarrassing relics for many of Tinubu’s supporters, embodying broken promises and a political regime veering toward authoritarianism.
In his analysis, Shaibu also drew comparisons between Tinubu and the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a legendary figure known for his progressive ideals.
Initially, Tinubu’s supporters likened him to Awolowo, believing he would emulate the iconic leader’s vision of a prosperous and inclusive government. However, Shaibu dismisses this comparison as a “grand-scale political impersonation fraud.”
“Everyone now recognizes that Tinubu is not Awolowo,” he asserted, contending that the belief in Tinubu as a progressive leader has crumbled, especially in light of his administration’s actions, which appear more focused on personal interest than the common good.
“The disappointment with Tinubu’s government transcends the political sphere.”
Shaibu claimed that the Emilokan caps, once potent political symbols, have now become sources of shame for many Nigerians.
Just as the swastika was outlawed following Nazi Germany’s defeat, Shaibu believes the Emilokan caps have morphed into artifacts of “political deception and disappointment.”
For him, the transformation of the Emilokan symbol reflects Tinubu’s broader failure to fulfill his promises. What once embodied hope, freedom, and prosperity has turned into a reminder of lost opportunities and rising disenchantment.
Shaibu concluded his critique by emphasizing that the political reality of Tinubu’s presidency has starkly diverged from the aspirations set during the campaign.
“As Nigeria grapples with the unfolding realities of the Tinubu administration, the fate of the Emilokan symbol poignantly mirrors the country’s current political climate,” he added.
