09/05/2022
THE GREATEST LIVING POLITICAL LEGENDARY - ABAT
Anyone in his right thinking and study of the politics and personalities in Nigeria in the last Two (2) Decades and, particularly, in the last five years, will not find it difficult to stand Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu out as the greatest "Politician-cum-strategist" of his generation. Sure, you read that correctly: Greatest!
It is evidently true that "no politician in recent times" has the breath and depth of his Scalable Influence in Nigeria. Perhaps in order to re-joggle the brains of "those with imperfect memory" OR his detractors, it is pertinent to examine his starring role, leadership style and accomplishment in context.
PRO-DEMOCRACY ACTIVISM
From the time he left the corporate world for politics in 1992, from the word go, it was obvious that he was determined to "fulfil a yearning gap in the leadership of the Southwest - and by extension, Nigeria in general hence, siince 1999, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been a "Pillar of Democracy". Besides, it is true that he has played more roles than any "living" Nigerian since 1993 to ensure the sustanance of Nigeria Unity and Democracy.
Evidently, as a Democrat and Nationalist, he is Distinguished, Formidable and Illustrious.
Consequent of his pro-democracy activism upon the annulment of June 12 1993 Presidential Election, he was not only with those who marched on the streets, but those who provided what "Stasiologists call the sinews of WAR.
[Of] JUNE 12, 1993 PRESIDENTIAL Election STRUGGLES
Its well known that the annulment of June 12, 1993 Nigeria Presidential Election win by Chief MKO Abiola and the consequent fresh militarization of the Nigerian politics, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu became a "founding" member of the famous pro-democracy group, the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) which, for several years, engaged the military for the very soul of Nigeria. Subsequently, Tinubu suffered many arrests and detentions, harassments and constant threat to his life, forcing him to flee Nigeria for his personal safety. He however, did not give up the struggle as he joined NADECO abroad and continued the agitation for restoration of democratic Governance and the rule of law in Nigeria. Then he was shuttling between UK and Benin Republic. At a point, his daring wife, Oluremi had to "invoke a family clause that exists in America to fight for her husband to join her before they granted him a "Special" priviledge to leave UK to join the family in United States. From there, he fired salvos at the military. He inspired other pro-democracy groups at home and abroad, whose activities led to the Civil rule in 1999. Below are other offerings from the "Soldier of Democracy" :
☄️ Aside being the "closest Confidant" to MKO Abiola, he was on Campaign train with him to 22 States of the Federation, needless to also add that he was the very brain behind the EPETEDO Declaration).
☄️IBB once declared him "persona-non-grata" because of the roles he played as "Chairman Senate Committee on Finance" as well as the "Leader of the Opposition" who led the "G-Mandate" comprising of 30 Senators... organized to execute the June 12 Mandate... before Gen. Abacha suddenly came on the scene with excuse that there would be a change of government, which which would be in favor of June 12, because they were tired of the Shenanigans of the Shonekan ING. ***So unknown to many Nigerians, "there were Two Faces to JUNE 12!
☄️ His Lagos House was "bombed" and passport was
"Confisticated" and deposited with a High Court (The presiding Judge then was the incumbent Emir of Ilorin, Sule Gambari...forcing him to flee Nigeria (disguised in huge turban and babanriga into Benin Republic on motor bike) for his personal safety.
***Let me quickly bring in a side note here: NADECO's personality and tenacity was found nowhere else. They have the ability to Unify and Rally like none other...and their ability to unite against a common threat spells disaster for anyone daring to stand against them...not even barbaric Executions, Imprisonment, or the Torments of Soldiers could hold them under restraint. It was the seeds of their gentle protests or more elegantly "Struggles" that caused the Military Junta's to relinquish power in 1993! NADECO Chieftain, Col. Tony Nyiam (rtd) lovely piece "In June 12: Kola Abiola got it wrong" sums it:
"In spite of my personal disagreement with Asiwaju, I cannot be a witness to Kola Abiola's ungratefulness to the lowest depth, we need set the records straight. Like MKO had commended Sen. Bola Ahmed TINUBU's role in support of June 12 cause, apart from Prof. Wole Soyinka, who contributed through his leadership of NALICON and gave us a link to the leaders of Norway, Canada, followed by Gen. Alani Akinrinade and of course, the leader of all of us, Chief Anthony Enahoro, no one else had contributed more than Asiwaju. At a point Asiwaju sold his personal London Properties for the struggle! In fact,the last one to be sold was the one which his uncle, Wale Tinubu's father and former Police Commissioner, gave him to manage which while he was on exile. The real operative activities against Sani Abacha were enormous. From Wester Europe and North America, Tinubu was involved. Tinubu "organized" and 'Funded' the training of our men, SAS Agents. Tinubu funded my trips to meet with Y. Mussevini in Uganda, to take advantage of MKO's goodwill. Mussevini was ready to train our Corps. Tinubu was more than reliable during the pro-democracy action against Gen. Abacha's dictatorial rule. That reliability is unchangeable. If you doubt me, ask the present governor of Ekiti state, Dr. Kayode Fayemi. Most of the funding for "Radio Kudirat" came from Tinubu through Ola Soyinka, son to Prof. Wole Soyinka! And I can say Tinubu's other son can bear witness to that. The international eminent Professor, Segun Gbadegesin, can testify to Tinubu's support for those operations in United States of America."
☄️ Till date, Tinubu was the sole "initiator" of JUNE 12 REMEMBRANCE in Southwestern States and thereafter,
☄️ He was the underground "Facilitator" of his (Abiola GCON) being POST-HUMOUSLY recognized as former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In all of these, he paid dearly for a cause, which Nigeria as a nation are benefiting from till today. The former Secretary-general of the Commonwealth. Emeka Anyaoku, described it thus:
".... Asiwaju is a true champion of democracy and good Governance. He has paid his dues - and has an assured space in the pantheon/plagues of Heroes of Democracy. Tinubu is an effective advocate and committed Activist for the return of democracy to Nigeria - and restitution of MKO Abiola's mandate, and he was among the chosen few that speak truth to power."
SOUTHWEST EMANCIPATION
Politically today, the Yoruba race is saddled with the gracious personality of TINUBU. In private and public offerings, the 'Legendary' Tinubu is quick in realizing that "Leadership" is not only something done 'to' the people, but something done 'with' the people. It is not just possible, as Yoruba indigene, to escape his 'influence or radical' giving. In fact, to state that the Yoruba land would have been different and probably more successful region (politically) today without the "effective" leadership of his breath of 'Vision' ; nugget of 'Wisdom' as well as the capacity to think in an 'Original' way - would be tantamount to day-light robbery! Before now, Tinubu has transposed himself into an amiable personality of "Social Crusader" and succeeded in establishing a LEGACY: Consensus Re-builder of pro-Yoruba Existentialism. Besides, as firm believer in 'asthetics', he has continue to display contagious "passion" in tackling the under-development of his geo-political region... into beautiful symphony of elegance, and scoring arrays of 'firsts' via innovative developmental schemes.
Without doubt, today, Tinubu's EMPIRE is writ large, covering almost the whole of the old Wester Region, the same landscape over which the legendary Awo made his mark and left indelible prints. Like Awo, Tinubu achievements in "EDUCATION alone as Governor of Lagos State is testaments of his greatness:
It is true that in "Education", there was massive rehabilitation of both Primary and Secondary schools in all divisions of the state via the "Schools Rehabilitation Programme, needless to also add the massive construction of school furniture and equipping the laboratories.
In the followings, Asiwaju "blazes the trail" for public sector, which is presently a "Model" for the country:
*Provision of "Free Education" in all public Primary & Secondary Schools
*Payment of WAEC NECO Fees as well as external examination Fees.
*His regime initiated the first-ever "One-day Governor" program of the state - Spelling Bee Competition - in planting the "reading culture in Secondary School Students. * It is instructive that since inception of the programme in 2001, other ethnic groups have won the competition Six (6) times: Ebuka Anisiobi (2001); Ovuwhore Etiti (2002), Abundance Ikechukwu (2006), Daniel Osunbor (2008), Akpakpan Iniodu (2011) and Lilian Ogbuefi (2012). The Pupils were not denied their scholarships because they are non-Yoruba, rather they enjoyed all benefits as worthy sons and daughters of the Center of Excellence.
*Construction of Millennium Schools
*He was the first Governor in Nigeria to start and made public pronouncement on "Linkage Classes" (2004); an equivalent of Nursery Education. The effect of this foresight, now widely branded "Early Childhood & Care Education, is such that it increases enrollment, retention and completion.
*He was the first Governor in Nigeria to establish (local & international) Scholarships Grants - from Primary to Tertiary Institutions - in any field.
And like his Idol, Papa Awolowo, he has already had his fair share of "HEROICS! Contesting the Military is one. Surviving Afenifere is another. He gallantly resisted President Obasanjo's 2003 Holocaust and fought the same Obasanjo to a standstill over the issue of his creation of additional 37 Local Councils in Lagos. Rising out of the ashes of AD, like the Sphinx, and advancing to build a massive political 'Realm' that he now presides over today is another plus, needless to also add the most recent triumph of leading the PROGRESSIVES Elements of the NORTH and SOUTH to occupy the Center as once "Predicted" by Papa Awolowo himself.
[Of] REGIONAL INTEGRATION BEYOND YORUBA BORDERS
To be sure, Yoruba integration is a desirable project and it should be pursued. Today, the conflation of the expansion of APC's fortunes with a Yoruba Agenda has continued to positively affect the party's national stature, not necessary portraying it as Yoruba party, but as a "Progressive party" to rally other parties to common goal. After all, there is nothing wrong in combining Yoruba nationalism with a Progressive Federalist, Egalitarian and Democratic politics. Asiwaju Tinubu is a staunch believer in "level-pegging". Before now, he had been hailed for initiating the idea of regio al integration, which had returned the region to its glorious days. The truth is, we are yet to see a Nigerian that had expe ded so much Energy and Resources, Intellectual capability and capacity to free his people. I am not talking of the Southwest alone. Tinubu has continued to display statesman ship, Leadership at highest level. But via his "Vision and Support", Southwest states, the Yoruba-controlled regions elected or imposed 'Governors' as some would want us to belive, have been forging ahead in Unison...charging governments of the Southwest states of Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Lagos, EKITI, Osun and, by extension, EDO to ensure more economic integration among them to improve the socio-economic development of the regions. (see The Nation Newspaper "ACN, Regional Development: Southwest Govs. Charts Common Agenda. March 17, 2012.)
[Of] RESURGENT AND DYNAMIC SOUTHWEST REGION
In 1992, his political career began on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), where he was a member of the SHEHU MUSA YAR' ADUA-led faction of the defunct Peoples Front. *He was elected into the Senate from Lagos West Constituency - scoring the highest number of votes all over the country - the largest Senatorial District in the country. As Senator, he was the "arrowhead" of other Senators seeking an end to military rule, needless to also add that he was the "Leader of the Opposition."
In 2003, while other Southwest Governors were "crushed" in that year General elections, he was the "only" standing governor that survived the President Obasanjo-led PDP tsunami on the geo-political zone. He later formed "Action Congress (AC) ", a platform on which he provided "Financial Buffers" for the likes of Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) and Dr. Kayode Fayemi etc first political prominence.
BY 2006, the AC had strong presence in the Southwest (with 5 Governors, 15 Senators and 6 State House of Representatives); Mid-west (1 Governor), and North Central Regions (3 Senators). *It's discernable Power-base and presence was more felt in Lagos, Edo, Ekiti, Ondo, Bauchi, Plateau, Niger, Adam awa, Oyo and Osun States.
In 2008, as the Generalissimo of the Southwest region, Tinubu, under the quintessential "Soldiers of Democracy" solely re-claimed Ekiti, Osun, Edo and Ondo States, leading to the resurgence of a "dynamic" Southwest. *In the 21st April 2007 Nigerian National Assembly elections, the AC Party won 32 seats in the House of Representative and 6 seats in the Senate.
In 2010, the Action Congress changed her name to "Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) for wider geo-political spread.
In tribute at his 60th Birthday, former Vice-President, Namadi Sambo, honestly sums Asiwaju thus:
"... We sincerely must commend Asiwaju's role in growing democracy by conscientiously and methodically building the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Although I belong to the other side of the political divide, the great PDP that is a Colossus and has been trouncing all other parties, I cannot but acknowledge that the ACN has become one of the most formidable actors in Nigeria's democratic theater. It offers Nigerias a credible alternative and helps to keep authoritarianism at bay."
By 2011, Tinubu finally liberated Ogun and Oyo States. *Same year, he was centrally "instrumental" to President Goodluck Jonathan's victory in the general elections, just as he was "chiefly" behind his Exit in 2015 Presidential elections.
[Of NATIONAL LEADERSHIP]
"The epic turn from governing a single state to "National Leadership" began even before 2015. Few believed, as Asiwaju did, that the 2015 "mysterious" achievement would "CROWN his Political Accomplishments in Life! Or who could have thought that the "Progressives", via the delicacy and Manual Skills of his "National Leadership", would fulfill the VISION of achieving what the "Oppositions" attempted in 1959/60; 1964, 1979,1983, 1999 and 2011, but could not despite their intellectual capacity, Ideological inclinations and Vision for a better society."
[Of] WHO IS YORUBA Leader?
Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa, as Northwest Coordinator of the PDP 2015 Presidential Campaign Organization once proffered answer when he posits:
"... If the Yoruba vote for Buhari because their Son is the National Leader of the Southwest, then it will prove that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is the Undisputed Leader of the Yoruba. This is because his people have spoken and therefore hearkened to Tinubu's directives."
*In 2015 Elections, not only did Buhari won, the Asiwaju-led Southwest Delivered 4.3million votes, which constitutes 16%!
Justifiably, this triumph has transposed Asiwaju Tinubu to a new pedestal; a well-deserved title: "Asaaju of the Yoruba controlled region" - having rallied it once again into the "Progressives fold, just like Chief Awo did in First Republic, but beyond and more important is: Re-launching the Yorubas to the mainstream. The Yoruba Nation - of course - has already gained from this:
▫️With a "National Leadership" in Tinubu, a solid 'power-base' is now more promising; shielding political predators from other zones in isolating the Yoruba nation, or picking them up in bits and pieces to build their own power base;
▫️With Pro. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) - who married from Chief Awolowo's clan - as "Vice-President", there is already an established 'Synergy' of response and action to issues on the national sphere, and
▫️With established commissions like Developmental Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN), an initiate of Tinubu, which can now function effectively within a prevalent, but an all-inclusive Yoruba land, soon, these progresses would harness different endowments of Southwest.
Sure, the template of politics has changed in Nigeria and political space would continue to evolve and Advance with the Southwest stock not being left behind - any longer.
Confirming the above, Segun Akinbulu, President of Southwest Professional Forum (SOWPROF) once sums it thus:
"... In the campaign of making the Southwest a "role model", we commend the efforts of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed. We urge him not to relent in his efforts to unite the Southwest for the overall interest of Nigeria. One reason why he can lay credence to being a 'true democrat' is his salutory efforts to redifine the concept of party politics in the effervescent terrain called Nigeria. From the Alliance for Democracy (AD) through the Action Congress (AC) to Action Congree of Nigeria (ACN) and now, the game changer tagged All Progressive Congress (APC), his rare managerial acumen of men and materials all come to the fore."
Acknowledging Asiwaju Tinubu dexterity, the revered Chief Ebenezer Babatope once sums it thus:
"... Bola is one phenomenon you cannot ignore. You have to know that Bola Tinubu exists politically and you must concede to him that he has been correct in his analysis - That they are now in POWER, he did a lot to actualize it... If the APC destroys him, the APC will eventually destroy itself. That's all."
This perhaps explains why Chief Ayo FASANMI once proudly declared to the effect that "... Whenever I meet Chief Awolowo, I will give him the news that the 'DREAM' of a 'United Nigeria' under a 'Progressive Party' has come to pass." - Chief Fasanmi (99 years of age) is an Awoist & First Republic Senator.
[Of] NATIONALIST AGGITATIONS.
Before now, Tinubu has achieved a positive apotheosis of political "Art" as he is vaulted onto the National stage by some benevolent destiny. After all, right standing with God cannot be merited; it is a gift from Him based on His unmerited favor. Tinubu once puts it:
"... I am a Nigerian who loves his country and am hopeful about what it can become. I have seen and conducted myself as a Patriot long before I thought of myself as a politician. I shall always walk this line and no other. After all the political calculations are made and the dust of competition has settled, it must be this NATION and its PEOPLE who stand first and foremost. The question becomes whether we stand strong, able to shape ourselves into our best future or will we stand frail and trembling, burdened by the abject failure to surmount the multiple problems confronting us. It's against this backdrop that I assess any action I take."
[Of] Two Party System
In an Era when most politicians lacked the pluck to take the plunge, Tinubu, singularly, is responsible for preventing the creation of a "One-party State" - and thus salvaging Nigeria's DEMOCRACY from dictatorial Inclinations. I dare say no other politician can boast of such progressive achievement.
HE once bore his mind on this:
"... We should work for the legislation that can bring about a Two-party system. This arena or channel of political prostitution must be closed, because political parties are not like cars or houses that people own. Politics is all about intrigues and winning power, just as those in power would want to retain it, using infiltration of your ranks and thwarting your efforts. That is how the Conservatives, particularly the likes of Obasanjo, weakened the Oppositions, starting with his appointment of other parties Chairmen into his cabinet."
[Of] ELECTORAL REFORMS
Tinubu it was who "Revolutionalized; blowing-up the age-old Political Culture of Nigeria politics via" Electoral Reforms" - and thereby institutionalizing the 'first-ever' "Electoral FORENSIC Reform in the World.
Re: Press Release
July 18, 2011 - Tinubu Calls for More Electoral Reforms.
Addressing a gathering of 100 guests at Chatham House, London, Asiwaju Tinubu, speaking on" Democracy and the rebirth of Opposition in Nigeria" said :
"... It must be stressed, however, that the change in the Leadership of INEC is insufficient for the total transformation of the Electoral process in Nigeria. First, the recalcitrant government failed to resolve the issue of the independence of the Electoral Commission. Second, government refused to alter the selection process giving a President unilateral power to appoint the Chairman and its Commissioners. And third, government refused to provide the Commission an independent budget. This means the Commission remained susceptible to political influences because the National Assembly and the Presidency could control the Commission's purse strings for as long as they deemed appropriate."
Describing "Corruption" as bane of development in the country, Tinubu noted that: "Corruption continues unabated and examples abound. There are allegations bothering on the extortion of illicit payments from operators in the downstream and upstream sectors of the oil economy. The outright wastage of financial resources on illegal subsidies that never percolate to the people need to be boldly adrressed by President Jonathan. Mismagement of scarce resources as exemplified in the delegation of the Petroleum Subsidy Funds (about $8 billion per year) to the Ministry of Petroleum instead of the Ministry of Finance leaves the door wide open for Corruption. "
[Of] RESOURCE CONTROL
It was the Democrat in him that saw Tinubu calling for "Resource Control", as Senator against the vociferous voices of those who claim to love the country only when it suits their fancies. Today, the clamor re-echoes with greater verve and frenzy.
[Of] FEDERAL SYSTEM OF GOVT.
Regularly too, Tinubu has also challenged the Presidential System of government as being practiced in the country. He has reiterated that it cannot help us. He has constantly questioned: "Are we truly operating a 'federal system of government? Tinubu has signaled that there are certain things the Federal Government ought not to dabble into if a true federal system is in place - and finally, he has counseled that the Federal Government should only be concerned with the 'concurrent list'. He once queried:
".... Must we continue to make Police a Federal Agency in a Federal System of Government that claim to operate and deny the State's the opportunity to have their own Police Force?
[Of] AUTONOMY
Again, his agitation for "Autonomy" for people at the grassroots is more evident with his introduction of "additional 37 Local Councils Development Areas (LCDAs) in 2002. Notwithstanding the seizure of the Federal Allocations due Lagos State for Four (4) years by the Obasanjo-led regime, his self-sufficiency came to the fore. From all intent an purposes, Tinubu had waded through the storm, providing 'leadership' and creating new/alternative avenues to shore up the IGR of Lagos. The truth is, although the mid-western region was calves out of the old-western region during the First Republic, *in Nigeria History, there is no 'Civilian State Government' - aside Lagos - that has succeeded in creating MORE Local Government Areas.
[Of] STATE POLICE
On the issue of "State Police", not only was he the 'first Governor' to champion the need for such; he had been the most vocal and consistent. Suffice to say that one of the issues that is most dear to people's heart and of which Asiwaju Tinubu is a "Champion" is the establishment by law of local departments of police. Thousands shared in his passion that in order for effective Security of lives and properties to occur, 'Community Policing' is essential. (See Press Release July 26, 1999 - "Tinubu Calls for State Police" AND "Scrap Police Ministry" , says Tinubu, Thursday March 21, 2013.
[Of] PROPOUNDED IDEOLOGIES
Asiwaju Tinubu propounded Ideologies include: "Democratic Arithmetic"; "Counter Cyclical Fiscal Policy," "Progressive Capitalism", etc.
[Of] "Progressive Capitalism", Asiwaju Tinubu stated:
"... In May 2013, at the launch of my book," Financialism-Water from an Empty Well" I pointed out that several of the policy decisions by the Jonathan government were wrong footed. For example, the accumulation of money by the Federal Government is a misplaced objective for these times. Our driving purpose must be to channel idle human and material capacity into productive streams for these items. The Sovereign Wealth Fund, SWF, is wrong headed and at variance with true fiscal federalism. To say we are saving money for a rainy day while everyone is already dren he'd and wading through flood waters makes little sense to me. Like I have always insisted, we must shun the philosophy that says " better to save money and spend the people." I say better to spend money and save the people. We must reform our economy. To do this, we must first reform our philosophy about economic development. What I advocate is not starry-eyed socialism. I see clear-eyed, yet Progressive Capitalism."
ASIWAJU BEYOND NIGERIA SHORELINES
Did Tinubu commands respect and leadership beyond Nigeria Shores?
Often likened to American politician and Catholic influencer, Jame Farley, who orchestrated the Electoral success of politicians including Franklin Roosevelt, without causing dislocations in the American political system, Asiwaju Tinubu, before now, has become a global personality within African and the Diaspora.
Notwithstanding the maiden "African Servant Leadership Award" he won in Ghana, Tinubu has, before now been a friend to, as well been acknowledged by both Africa and World Leaders.
This perhaps explains why, Earnest Koroma of Sierra Leone, at the brief reception on Friday, February 14th, in honour of Tinubu who was visiting the country to accept a "Doctorate of Civil Laws" from Njala University, Freetown said glowingly of Asiwaju Tinubu:
"... We should honor people like you. Governor Tinubu, you have what it takes for such leadership. Some of us are fortunate to be associated with you and we shall deepen our relationship with Nigeria. For somebody like you, Bola Tinubu, who has demonstrated great leadership quality over the years, we are happy to be associated with you. If we are making progress here, it's because of the efforts and contributions of people like you have made. Everything that happens in Nigeria affects us here. Good leadership in Nigeria affects us. We are watching events in Nigeria as it unfolds and at the end, we hope Democracy and the will of the people will prevail. Africa needs leadership. We need to be on the path of "transformative leadership" and that is what you represent. "
Only recently, when a big challenge confronted the "Gambians", Asiwaju Tinubu was "contacted to help solve the issue" during the peaceful battle to restore Democracy in the country. Tinubu resolved the crisis when he authorized his 'private jet' to fly Yahya Jammeh out of Banjul. Jammeh's exit paved the way for the return of President Adama Barrow to take office after he was sworn in on Thursday 19, 2017 in Dakar, Senegal.
Also in Guinea Conakry, Asiwaju Tinubu prowess once held sway, when he played central role in retaining his 'trusted friend', Prof. Alpha Conde in Power in the general elections of October 11, 2015.
The journey to Alpha Conde's re-election began sometimes in May 2015 when he came to Nigeria after the inauguration of President Buhari. After his initial May visit, Tinubu in June 2015 visited Conakry to further access the country's political terrain and the direction of the Presidential Campaigns. Soon after, Tinubu moved into Conakry personally with his team, comprising of just 6 election strategy and planning team and quickly settled down to work with barely 60 days to the elections. Embedded within the Alpha Conde campaign organization, the Tinubu team worked on the political messaging speeches, social media interventionist, election monitoring and countering the opponents and a day review of the campaign etc.
THE GREATEST LIVING POLITICIAN & STRATEGIST
It is even true and stale that Politicians, friends and even 'foes' invokes his name - TINUBU - for political advantage, appointments, contracts and personal glory.
*Asiwaju Tinubu's 'support' for former "Ijaw" President Goodluck Jonathan (2011) against former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari, as well as the support given a "Fulani" Muhammadu Buhari (2015) against the Jonathan-led government has been adjudged as KEY factors in the 'Two-fold' Presidential Electoral WINS against each other in Africa's biggest economy and oil producer!
Gen. Muhammadu BUHARI at the 7th Annual Bola Ahmed Tinubu Colloquium with the theme "Change: How it will work" confirmed this essential truth:
".... Tinubu and others had shown exemplary leadership which is responsible for the the success now credited to the party. Nigerians never thought the 'merger' was possible and rightly so, given the political history of the country. But this "Merger", if there are two people responsible for it, they are Tinubu and Akande. They did it because their Constituencies believe in them."
CONCLUSION
It is indeed rare to find so much affluence, charm and fame combined in a singular frame.
As a pro-democracy leader, Asiwaju Tinubu has always fought for the country and the down-trodden. And after an engaging and impact-filled political career spanning over 2 Decades, it is only reasonably expected that Nigerians would seek to "TAP" from the repository wisdom of knowledge, commitment, zeal, focus, and "HUMANE" disposition of a dogged combatant: The Apamaku of Nigeria Politics.
I make no swank about This... but in spite of any weaknesses in his personality, his untiring roles as an advocate of True Federalism and Democracy; his Philanthropy demeanor and uncompromising stance with the Masses are all great attributes to the cause of Humanity and Justice - and in Glory of God.
But need Asiwaju wait for any "Coronation?
Ha, long before now, the title 'Yoruba Leader' was already conferred on him, going by his tireless leadership and accomplishments and, in some, tributes. The Yorubas - of course - have come to rate him NEXT to their Prophetic leader, Awolowo.
Engr. Ayo Fatola in "Evolution and Revolution in 2015 Presidential Poll" sums it:
"... Tinubu has proved to all and sundry that LEADERSHIP is not just about "position", but about "disposition" to providing direction."
*Arguably, the Yoruba nation might have changed radically in the 21st Century, but little or nothing has changed in the people's "psyche's zero tolerance for TREACHERY, especially when the victim is perceived right and just. Besides, the Yoruba people knew how to seperate politics from "Triviality".
"... Drawing a parallel between existing Yoruba gods and an honest appraisal of the" Tinubu Myth" or personae, he replicates Esu, the deity who lurks around; the necessary Evil. Besides, in Yoruba land, a part of the Food offered any god as 'sacrifice' must be 'seperated' and dedicated to Esu! This mirrors Tinubu's role in contemporary Nigeria Politics. He is the 'indispensible' part of the "Jigsaw Puzzling" that must fit!
As Political 'Deity', Asiwaju has been the 'main issue' in Nigeria polity in the last 'Two Decades' - and the main political question has always been "whether you are with 'JAGABAN or against him."
So, we ask you:
Are you with him or against? We shall leave the answer to your conscience.
!!!
