SIR: Ahead of 1979 presidential polls, the late sage, Awo 70 years, was an indefatigable never-say-die presidential aspirant, honest, transparent and well prepared based on indubitable track records of public service as former premier, federal minister of finance among others in the quest for nation building.
Awo was the most qualified for the Herculean job of presidency. Indeed, all constellations, prognoses coupled with human factors seemed favourably disposed to Awo’s election being a formidable and redoubtable political stalwart made up of sterner stuff at ripe age of 70 years.
This was in contrast to the abysmal moral failing and poor outing of some youths who blundered into politics and thereafter, hastily ran the country and the economy under.
Without being immodest, the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) who now dons the garb of the septuagenarians can aptly be described as a political tactician and strategist imbued with high intelligent quotient, adept party organizer and a shrewd mobiliser of men and resources to maximize profit in the political arena.
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was destined through selfless and fearless political exploits in the defunct Action Congress to alter political scenario and mocking narratives in the country. Regardless of the asses that bray in the camp of malevolent political foes, he has through the grace of God attained 70 years with unique outstanding contribution to humanity especially in the socio-economic and political landscape.
It is pertinent to highlight some of his humble and sacrificial yeoman services to good governance and nation building. The political colossus started as an intrepid young political activist on leave of absence as a professional accountant/treasurer in the Mobil Nigeria, a multinational corporation. He was elected as Federal Republic Senator under the platform of a progressive party, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) 1991-1993. Later in the dark days of General Sani Abacha, Tinubu was in the forefront of revalidating the annulled June 12 Presidential polls won fair and square by the late business mogul MKO Abiola which forced him into self-exile. On his return, he was elected Lagos State governor under the aegis of defunct Alliance for Democracy / Afenifere (1999-2007).
In all, Tinubu deployed resources and personal liberty for the growth of justice, equity and liberal democracy in the country.
Now to the crucial issue of the moment. Charity must begin at home. According to the late sage, Awo, was of the well-considered opinion that one must be able to distinguish himself in diligent service in the home front before proceeding forth to contribute or render such services outside the home front.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu as former Lagos governor has paid his dues as a tested and pragmatic political leader-servant in Yoruba nation par excellence.
It is worthy of note that he has not reneged or deviated for a fleeting second from the intricate, thorny and chosen path of progressivism and welfarist ideology which he imbibes courageously. With every sense of responsibility Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu can become the next president if his party, APC fields his well-deserved candidature. He deserves our full support and prayers in every nook and cranny of the country.
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Ayodele Fagbohun, Akure, Ondo State.