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Tag: Asiwaju Bola Tinubu

  • On Tinubu and the task of bridging division

    Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has, undeniably, earned the distinction of being an enigma in the politics of the 4th Republic. Admirers and hailers love him with passion. Critics and wailers detest him to the marrow. Love him or hate him, however, you cannot deny him his place in national politics since the turn of the century.

    From his courage to stand against federal might and a presidential mockery of the rule of law, to his dogged struggle for electoral reform, to his persistent effort to form strong coalitions across geopolitical zones, Tinubu is one of the major architects of what is turning out to be a strong two-party system in the country. If we look back at our political history from the first republic to now, when partisan politics meshed with ethnic rivalry, how far we have come is no mean achievement.

    We have come a long way from three regional political parties, AG, NPC, and NCNC, none pretending to speak for the entire nation even though each had a modicum of membership in various regions. The Second Republic did not fare much better, though NPN claimed a stronger national presence than UPN, ANPP or PRP. The 3rd Republic had a militarily imposed two-party system, but we know how that ended. The 4th Republic also started on the same foot, with PDP having more national spread than AD or APGA.

    Of course, there is still worrisome division. The pertinent questions are: what is the nature and cause of our division? How might it be handled? Structurally? Institutionally? Are leaders doing their best to overcome our division?  Exploring these issues is not only a fitting tribute on this his special day, it is also in keeping with the birthday boy’s well-known penchant for deep reflection.

    Our division does not start today or in 2015. It even predates 1999. It goes back to the dawn of colonialism and the strategic interest of the colonizers in a divided country. They sold us the dummy of a Muslim North and a Christian South despite evidence to the contrary. And we played along, always quick to see the peck in the eyes of the “other” while feigning ignorance of the beam in ours.

    We politicized ethnicity and religion beyond reason to the detriment of national integration and national unity. Going by where we were in 1960 compared to our present, it is not out of place to conclude that we are far more disunited. We started off as if we were three countries in 1960. Now it is as if we are more than six nations with each zone in destructive competition with the others.

    But ethnicity is not the worst of our problems. In 1960, we didn’t have mega churches and mega mosques fanning the embers of religious fanaticism. And just as it is with political fanaticism and thuggery, religious fanatics also have their own foot soldiers whose job is the pursuit of revenge on behalf of their God.

    What they will never explain to us is why an omnipotent God needs the help of mere mortals to avenge his enemies. But I assume too much already. Didn’t one half of the clan tell us that Western education, which has championed global technological progress, is a sin, and the other half that we cannot trust our wisdom because it is foolish? Yet neither has jettisoned the products of technology and human wisdom.

    But I digress. On the task of bridging our division, it matters whether we have a national leadership from all sectors-ethnic, religious, business, professional- which (a) is fully invested in the task, (b) does not prioritize an egoistic, sectional, or sectarian agenda, and (c) does not itself include divisive members.

    Politics is by nature divisive. Even if, following Mwalimu Nyerere’s well-founded aversion to multiparty system, we adopt a one-party democracy (an oxymoron) or a no-party system, divisions cannot be wished away for the obvious reason that, in contemporary jumbo states, direct democracy is not a feasible option. But representative democracy requires choice of representatives, and choice of some among many defines division.

    Incidentally, selfless leadership, imbued with the national spirit, with a focus on a legacy, creates strong institutions, which drive the procedure for and the outcome of choice. To some degree, the last time we had that kind of leadership was during the struggle for independence. It didn’t last because division quickly set in.

    We do not now have strong institutions because we lack the leadership needed to create them. We now complain about INEC’s performance. We forget that between 1999 and 2011, elections at all levels were declared as a do-or-die affair from the highest office of the land. With neither PVCs nor card readers, results were just written and declared. With INEC Chairs and Commissioners appointed by the President, they were at his beck and call. Of course, candidates who felt wronged approached the courts; but the system was largely rigged against them. Division is further entrenched by perceived injustice at the polls.

    With the presidential system of government, we have a winner-takes-all structure. While a president with a focus on national unity will use the position to ensure a fair and balanced attention to all sections of the nation, there is no guarantee that every president will have this focus. Therefore, again, strong institutions matter to reduce the risk of fair distribution and just allocation succumbing to the frailties of human nature that favor sectionalism.

    Finally, we have a penchant for crude rudeness, name calling, and ethnic stereotyping, which are the bane of national unity. After almost sixty years of legal nationality, we are anything but a genuine nation with common aspirations, common sense of historical traditions, and common consciousness of belonging. Our founding fathers adopted a federal constitution to allay the fears of various units and ensure cultural democracy while moving the country to higher levels of governance. But with the bastardization of federalism, we now appear to be one nation only in name.

    Whatever wrong one section experiences, it automatically blames on the others. We have moved from a united front to finding solutions to our challenges. There was a time when cross fertilization of ideas prevailed even in bitter political contests. In the late 50s and 60s, despite regionalism, every regional leader focused on education as the best means to development. They learned from one another’s success or failure. Now, this kind of cooperation is limited to zones and hardly does one zone interact with the others. Where would this lead us?

    Bitter partisanship appears to have taken over from ethnic rivalry even though there are still undercurrents of the latter in our party affiliations. Last year, when former President Obasanjo dismissed both APC and PDP, and floated the idea of a new organization, the Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM), we thought he was up to something innovative. He was going to build a new movement that could bridge our division. CNM attracted a lot of takers, adopted a political party, ADC, only for Obasanjo to abandon it and support Atiku, the PDP candidate. That inexplicable move killed the hope of millions for a new beginning.

    Let me round up on the note that I started with. Tinubu’s proclivity for strategic thinking, his courage, and his untiring efforts to work across the divides of ethnicity and religion to build strong coalitions are commendable traits of leadership. That PDP finally had a serious opposition in 2015 is what Tinubu’s bitterest enemies must give him credit for.

    With two strong parties, we will soon begin to see differentiating ideologies. Indeed, the difference in their outlook is already starting to show. While APC favors using the assets of the nation to build wealth for the nation and distribute fairly through social investment programs, PDP would rather privatize those assets and enrich the friends of the party. Parenthetically, Atiku just congratulated Trump for his “exoneration” by Muller. We would not be at this stage if we still had regional or zonal parties competing hopelessly with PDP. For this, we have Tinubu to thank.

     

    Happy Birthday, ABAT. Igba Odun, Odun Kan.

  • Tinubu: The power of Lagos blueprint

    As the All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu celebrates his 67th birthday today, Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU revisits the achievements of the eminent politician, administrator and governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007, which his successors have continued to build on in the Centre of Excellence.

    Twelve years after, Lagosians are full of nostalgia. The welfarist legacy of the Tinubu administration in Lagos State has served as an enduring foundation for successive governments to build on. The achievements of former Governor Bola Tinubu between 1999 and 2007 underscored the power of diligent planning and execution of the famed 24-Year Socio-economic and Political Development Plan.

    The Lagos blueprint also attested to Tinubu’s power of foresight and the import of team work. Lagos, according to observers, has remained a model state because it has evolved a standard that cannot permit deviations by successors. In the successive cabinet of talents are seasoned technocrats who cannot afford to play politics with the development of the state, and the most important factor in success is the judicious allocation of resources.

    Indisputably, the former governor was prepared for the job. He is educated and highly exposed. Also, Tinubu is not a politician without a second address. He had made name in the private sector as a successful boardroom guru. Tinubu left Nigeria for the United States of America in search of the proverbial golden fleece in 1975. He attended the Richard Daley College, Illinois, where he was on the college’s Honours’ List, and later, Chicago State University, Chigaco where he acquired a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, with specialisation in Accounting and Management.

    Tinubu shone like a star in the tertiary institution. In his second year, he was accorded the honour of teaching remedial tutorial classes on part-time basis to the students of the faculty. He was on the Dean’s List throughout his undergraduate years. He received the Outstanding Students’ Award, University Scholar’s Award and Certificate of Merit in Accounting and Finance in his first year. Apart from his academic prowess, he was also a campus politician. He was elected as the President of the Accounting Society in his final year.

    After his university education, Tinubu worked with the America based-accounting firm, Arthur Anderson. Later, he moved to ‘Deloitte Haskins and Sells’, now Deloitte Haskins and Touche for his professional training. The young accountant also received professional training in other prominent firms, including General Motors, First National Bank of ChicagoProcter and Gamble, International Harvester, Fortune 50 Firms, and DEC, the largest communication and utility company in the United States.

    Between 1981 and 1082, Tinubu was a member of the Deloitte team that established the financial system of ARAMCO, the giant oil company. He was even retained by the firm to supervise the implementation of its financial system. However, his employment with the Mobil Producing Nigeria as a senior auditor marked a turning point. He rose to the position of the Audit Manager, and later, Treasurer of the Mobil Producing, Nigeria. Under his leadership, there were prudent financial management, aggressive corporate think-tank for the reorganisation of the company’s financial system and treasury activities, the integration of staff development, cost saving and fraud detection and prevention. The experience made Tinubu to describe himself as a financial surgeon.

    In the Third Republic, Tinubu entered politics as a new breed. Despite being a green horn, his transformation was legendary. He was an outstanding member of the Primose, led By Chief Dapo Sarunmi. As a Social Democratic Party (SDP) senator, he had wanted to serve as Senate President. But, he had to step down for Dr. Iyorcha Ayu. In the National Assembly, Tinubu was not a bench warmer. He was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Finance, Appropriation and Currency. It was distressing to him that former military Head of State Gen. sani Abacha sacked the civilian authorities in 1993.

    Tinubu bounced back in 1999 as governor. Since he had a vision for Lagos State, he planned well, laid a solid foundation for its future and made a difference.  Lagosians recall with fondness the Tinubu years in the Round House, Alausa, Ikeja, the seat of government.  The challenges were daunting. To change the face of the metropolis, Tinubu assembled the best brains in his cabinet. More importantly, he fashioned out a 24-year Development Blueprint, which his successor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), successfully built on.

    Paying tribute to Tinubu during his 60th birthday, Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), In his tribute to the pathfinder during his 60th birthday, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), observed that the former governor tried to reinvent the glorious Awolowo era in the defunct Western Region. He applauded his sagacity and leadership qualities, stressing that “Tinubu remains a major factor in Nigeria’s politics.”

    Tinubu was a dynamic administrator and workaholic. As noted by his Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dele Alake, “Asiwaju Tinubu has no apologies for pushing his health to an edge. He says he applied for the job. He begged Lagosians to give him the job, to give him a place to stand so that he could move their world forward. And if the people identified him as the person for the job, he has no option, but to put in his very best.”

    Also, Tinubu’s media aide, Kehinde Bamigbetan, said: “Governor Tinubu’s philosophy of governance was welfarist. He believes the state must serve the interest of the poor and the underprivileged by encouraging the rich to subsidise the poor. He believes that government, as the agency set up to do this job, must be efficient in raising revenue and dispensing services.”

    Tinubu inherited a Lagos State that was on its knees, although it remained a potentially great state. Lagos roads were an eyesore. According to records, in five years, Tinubu had awarded contracts for 422 road projects, and 308  were completed. His Works and Infrastructure Commissioner, Chief Rauf Aregbesola, later governor of Osun State, was up and doing.

    Road projects completed include Ijegun, Ojo; Oshifolarin, Somolu; Rhythm 93.7, Eti-Osa; Arufa Olugbemi, Ojo; Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island; Agege Motor Road (Idi Oro to Ilupeju Byepass),Mushin and Ojuwoye, Eko Akete, Abaronje-Okerube, Ikotun-Igbado; Alakuko, Ojokoro; and Aniyaloye/Edidi/Adegboyega/Fatai Bello, Ifelodun. Othere were Irede, Amuwo-Odofin; Owuto Ajaguro, Ikorodu; Ekoro, Agbado Oke; Aboru, Agbado Oke odo; Okun Alfa, Ibeju; Agunji Ajiran, Eti Osa West; Old Ota, Ifako Ijaye; Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Maroko-Epe Bye-Pass, Eti Osa West; and Oterubi Ogidan, Agboju.  A memoranda of agreement was signed with reputable construction  companies for the construction of Ajao/Ejigbo Road/Bridge, LASU-Iba-igbo Elerin-Agboroko-Badagry Expressway, and Isheri Osun-Isolo Housing Estate-Ago Palace Way.

    The Lagos Island Central Business District Road upgrading and renewal project were undertaken to give the most crucial economic zone a face lift. The roads were Broad Street/Lagos Western outer Ring Road/ Marina/ Third mainland Ramp; Nnamidi Azikiwe/ cater Bridge; Cater Bridge/ Ereko martins/Balogun and Idumagbo/Third mailand Bridge and inner adjoining roads.

    Tinubu also repositioned the health sector through heavy financial and human capital investment. More General Hospitals were established. The existing ones were rehabilitated. Also, the administration built more health centres at the grassroots. Modern medical equipment were procured for the health hospitals and helath centres. New medical laboratories were also set up.

    The administration introduced free health policy for children below 18 and adults above 65 years. The drugs for patients were heavily subsidized. Under the Blindness Prevention Programme, millions of Lagosians were saved from sight problems. There were free eye surgeries and free glasses (Dingi Bola) were distributed to patients. To reduce the scourge of HIV/AIDS, the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency intensified its enlightenment programme targeted at youths. The administration’s “Roll Back Malaria” programme complemented the Eko Free Malaria Treatment programme under which millions of people were treated. Government also combated the dreadful diseases, including tuberculosis by setting up clinic devoted to the disease and polio through the immunization of millions of children.

    To attend to medical emergencies, the  LASAMBUS scheme was initiated. Dozens of ambulances were provided to ease rescue operations. Tinubu introduced reforms, which led to the decentralization of the Health Management Board, the revatalisation of the Primary healthcare System, the establishment of the Lagos State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency to ensure quality assurance, the establishment of Hospital Services Commission and the promotion of partnerships in health between the government and the private sector.

    In 1999, Tinubu inherited a city of fifth. Refuse disposal was a major headache. The fear of epidemic engulfed the state.  The former governor separated the Ministry of Environment from the Ministry of Physical Planning and repositioned it to combat flooding and coordination of waste disposal operations.

    Also, the administration defended the education sector. Lagos is a mini-Nigeria playing host to citizens from other states of the federation. A discriminatory education policy was incompatible with the spirit of Lagos. Tinubu believed passionately that education was the antidote to poverty. Moreover, his mother, the late Abibat Mogaji, always sent a long list of students to him for financial assistance. Thus, the former governor started paying WAEC and NECO fees and fees for internal examinations. The administration kicked-off the Millennium School Projects as part of efforts to guarantee a conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning in public schools. In 2001, Tinubu returned the missionary schools to their owners, thereby enhancing private participation in the critical sector.

    The administration’s youth development programme led to the annual “One Day Governor” event. The academic competition anchord by the New Era Foundation sponsored by the First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, thre up the young scholars. Also, the former governor converted the dreadful Ita Oko prisoners camp into a youth skills acquisition centre. There was also a programme of women empowerment to enable women cope with the harsh economic realities and make them become . More importantly, women were reoriented towards self-employment.

    In the housing sector, Tinubu administration facilitated access to quality accommodation and succeeded in making the Lekki corridor the fastest growing estates. The former governor lamented the Federal Government’s failed housing policy and the neglect of the housing needs of the former  Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He restructured the Ministry of Works and Housing by upgrading the Housing Department or directorate into a full fledged ministry. The ministry was mandated to provide 5,00 housing units yearly and coordinate the activities of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) and the lagos Building Investment Company for more effective management. More importantly, the sector was repositioned to attract private sector participation.

    There was a turnaround in the fortunes of the LSDPC. Its account was red before Tinubu assumed office. In his first term, the moribund Michael Otedola Low Income Housing was completed. The Jubilee Housing Scheme-q 1,300 units of low income housing designated as Abraham Adesanya Housing Estate, was completed. The project was undertaken directly by the ministry. Also delivered were the Lekki Scheme 1, named after the late Eleko of Lagos, Oba Adeyinka Oyekan, the Oko Oba units, Oregun Estate, Ikeja, Femi Okunnu Housing estate, Leki and the Mile 2 Housing Estate. Also, concerted efforts were made to develop the proposed estates in Gbagada 1 and 2, Ibeshe, Ikeja 1 and 2, Oko Oba/Alaba and Ewu Elepe. There were proposals on “Teachers’ Village,” “Civil servants’ Village” and “Judges Village.” The mortgage system was strengthened and foreign investors were encouraged.

    There were also novel initiatives in transportation, including the development of modern water transportation, BRT and LASTMA.

    Under the visionary administration, Lagos blazed the trail in the Independent Power Project (IPP), which continually supplied 270 mega watts of electricity to the national grid. The project demonstrated the capacity of some states to generate electricity, if the power to legislate on it is on the Concurrent List.  Tinubu electrification project covered over 100 communities. In his first term, 53 rural communities were targeted.  The projects were completed in Egan, Atewolere, Ifesowapo, Aboru, Agbado Ayetoro, Akorede, Isheri Ikosi, Orile Aguntan, Rofo, Borokini, Omologbede, Araromi, Oke Agbo, Erekusu, Logberu, Okegelu and Ebute, Lekki. Others were Origanringan, Onigbolakowe, Oke odo Elemoro, Ipaja Isale odo, Agenuba, Ajelogo, Mutaku, Egansando, Ayanfe, topo and Ikola Agbenaje.

    Tinubu created additional 37 councils, following the legitimate agitations of Lagosians for improved governance at the grassroots. The number of the councils rose to 57. However, the National Assembly  refused to list the councils in the constitution.

    For the former governor, necessity became the mother of invention. When the allocation for Lagos was seized, Tinubu put on his thinking cap. He embarked on a novel and aggressive revenue generation drive, which halted the dependence on federal allocations to the state. In 1999, under the military rule, Lagos was generating N600,000 monthly. Today, the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is around N33 billion.

    For eight years, Tinubu also agitated for a special status, or special economic assistance, for Lagos State. Up to now, it is still a dream.

    Tinubu resolved the succession hurdle successfully in 2007. His successor, Fashola, built on his achievements.

    Tinubu has received many awards. They include the ‘Best Governor of for 2001 by the Nigerian/Belgian Chamber of Commerce, Winner of 2002 Best Practices Prize in improving the living environment (by the Federal Ministry of Works and UN habitat Group), 2000 Best computerized Government in Nigeria (by the Computer Association of Nigeria), 2003 Green Crystal Award for Enhancing the Value of the Environment (by Clean-Up Nigeria (CUN), 2002 Healthcare Award as the best provider of best health services in Nigeria, Presidential Merit Award for technological Development by the Nigerian Society of Engineers, 2001 National Literacy award for outstanding contribution to mas literacy, Co-winner of 2002 Outstanding Alumnus award of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), 2001 Distinguished Alumnus Award by Chicago State University, Distinguished Service Award for Exemplary Leadership by the Lagos State Economic Summit Group, Certificate of Commendation by the national Conference of Black mayors, Silver Jubilee Anniversary Award as Labour Friendly Governor by the National Union of Petroleum and Natural gas Workers (NUPENG) and Award of Recognition by Nigerian Berge Limited for the initiation of the Independent Power project (IPP).

    Tinubu was also conferred with a Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree by the Abia State University.

     

     

  • APC Scandinavia extols Tinubu at 67

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Scandinavian chapter, Ayoola Lawal has joined the thousands of Nigerian business and political class to felicitates with the National Chairman of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the patriotic leader clocks 67.

    Ayoola in his birthday wishes to the Icon of Nigeria’s politics, Ayoola, acknowledged the efforts of Tinubu to keep Nigeria and the people together, noting that he is worthy of emulation in all aspects of life.

    President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode and many more graced the occasion in Lagos.

    According to Ayoola, no Nigeria or Lagosian will definitely be short of something positive to say when it comes to Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He said, “Tinubu can be best described as a visionary economic and political leader. An authentic leader that helps disbelievers and weak minded to embrace the vision, hopeless to develop faith and powerless to overcome weakness”.

    Read also: Tinubu advises Fed Govt on how to fix economy

    “A leader per-excellent, one that his contribution to the advancement and development of Lagos and modern Nigeria democracy can never be over-praised”.

    “He is a living legend and a dogged patriot. He is never a complainer of “victimitis excusitis” virus, a victim but he gets this done. The virtue that Nigerians especially the younger generations critically need to move Nigeria forward in rebuilding the nation of their dream”.

    “I will always repeat the fact and history will ever back me up that “If not for the strong conviction and doggedness of Asiwaju Tinubu that ousted the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from power after 16 years of misrule and clueless leadership, Nigeria could have been history in the league of hopeful nations”.

    “We celebrate your virtuoso, exceptional visionary and inclusiveness style of leadership and, your standout on this special occasion of your 67 birthday anniversary. Bola Tinubu never mails it in but always bring it on”.

  • Tinubu: A kingmaker at 67

    All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is 67 tomorrow. A colloquium with the theme: ‘Work for People’ is holding in Abuja today to mark the ceremony. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the struggles, battles and exploits of the statesman, who has remained relevant in national life, 12 years after vacating office as governor of Lagos State.

    Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Third Republic senator, former Lagos State governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, may have become the main issue in Nigeria’s politics. Twelve years after leaving the corridor of power as governor, he has remained relevant in national life. As he celebrates his 67th birthday this week, the eminent politician is again on the front burner.

    Not only has the annual colloquium in his honour become a powerful tool of political mobilisation, it has also offered the country a veritable opportunity to always reflect on the journey so far and make realistic projections for the future. The theme of this year’s discourse holding at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, is: ‘Next Level: Work for People.’ It underscores the people-oriented ideas, struggles, battles and exploits of the pro-democracy crusader, seasoned administrator, progressive arrowhead, statesman and citizen of the world. It is the 11th edition.

    For his party, it is another time for reassessment and sober reflection. The ruling party survived the plot of retired Generals, who are major political principals and principalities. It won some states. It lost others in the polity. As APC chieftains gather for Tinubu’s birthday, they may have to also brainstorm on the way forward on the sidelines of the colloquium. How will the party handle the election of principal National Assembly officers to avoid the mistake of 2015? Will there be party supremacy and discipline? How will APC resolve the Zamfara debacle? Has post-election reconciliation not become compelling? Will the party henceforth put its house in order?

    In post-Bola Ige era, Tinubu has remained the most outstanding Yoruba political megastar with a large following. Across the six regions, he is being perceived as a rallying point and national asset, whose contributions were critical to the enthronement of the first post-1999 humane and progressive government at the centre.

    Tinubuism encapsulates the time-tested philosophy of service premised on the evergreen Awoist theme of “Freedom for All, Life More Abundant,’ and driven by the permanent and non-negotiable devotion to the creed of progressive welfarism in a polity still struggling to resolve the multiple crises of nation-building, conflicts of political participation, illusion of hope for gainful employment, contradictions in education, insatiable quest for social welfare,  and thirst for the restoration of sanctity of the ballot box.

    The former governor is a man of many parts, although his political profile has now dwarfed his rich resume as boardroom guru, strategic economic planner and socialite. Former House of Representatives member and Senior Presidential Assistant on the Diaspora Abike Dabiri-Erewa described Tinubu as a dynamic leader, consummate politician, consistent democrat, towering progressive arrowhead, seasoned administrator, financial surgeon, great organiser, powerful mobiliser, master strategist, tested and trusted visionary leader, courageous fighter, man of foresight, defender of the oppressed, apostle of rule of law, foremost philanthropist, and man of the people.

    It is incontrovertible that Tinubu is a dynamic leader, who is always bubbling with energy, zeal and enthusiasm. This may have been the bedrock of his successes in his chosen fields of endeavor. There is no evidence to show that he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He has thread the long, narrow and tortious path to limelight, and survived through the dint of hard work and divine grace.  But, the stress and strains of the past, which he had to pass through as a struggler, are hardly taken into consideration by detractors who are envious of his indomitable status.

    Tinubu is a consummate politician. The Lion of Bourdillion understands the language of politics, which, is a great deal of competition and struggle. The ultimate goal is the attainment of power, which in his view, is not served a la carte. His incisive wit, power of foresight and strategic thinking are vital assets. Although the Federal Government waged war against him as governor, he survived. While the political earthquake swept across the Southwest in 2003, Tinubu became the last man standing. If Tinubu had slept on guard in 2003, Nigeria would have become a one-party state under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He resisted the intimidation by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and converted his weak position as an opposition figure to a position of strength. From Lagos, the battle to reclaim the Southwest begun. Ironically, one of the states, Oyo, may have gone back into conservative captivity.

    Tinubu can also be counted among the consistent democrats and progressive arrowheads who have never jumped ship. Having placed his hand on the plough, he has not looked back. As governor, there were occasions when he had to bow to suggestions on governance by his cabinet of talents. The political leader has always honed his skills of negotiation, consultation, and reconciliation. His associates often allude to the fact that he has never claimed to have a monopoly of knowledge. He is always willing to bow to superior arguments.

    As a leader of the progressive bloc, Tinubu’s greatest under the banner of the APC is the installation of a progressive government at the centre in 2015 and 2019. The defining moment was 2015 presidential election.  It is to the credit of Tinubu that the Southwest agreed to participate in mainstream politics and the zone has not regretted it. Unlike under the Jonathan administration, the Buhari administration is giving the Southwest a sense of belonging.

    In the Third Republic, the celebrator became a man of the future. He had taken the politics of the populous Lagos West by storm. He won the highest vote as a senator in 1991 on the platform of the proscribed Social Democratic Party (SDP), defeating Mrs. Kemi Nelson of the banned National Republican Convention (NRC). The bulk of the votes came from Alimoso sub-zone, which has since been referred to as ‘Tinubu country.’ Tinubu shone like a star in the Upper Chamber. Yet, his senatorial career was not insulated from vicissitudes. The all-civilian National Assembly had a military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, to contend it. When the transition programme finally failed as designed by the Evil Genius, Tinubu’s career as a federal legislator was aborted by the Abacha regime, which sacked the elected leadership.

    His boss at Mobil Oil Company, Chief Pius Akinyelure, had advised him to retrace his steps, if politics became hotter. The financial surgeon was the treasurer of the company. But, Tinubu never went back to the boardroom. He returned to the drawing board to politically strategise for the future. He joined the pro-democracy movement, National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), to fight for popular rule. By the time civil rule was restored, the symbol of the struggle, Chief Moshood Abiola, had died mysteriously in detention.

    Although Tinubu wanted to return to the Senate in 1999, fate decided otherwise. He was elected governor on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). As governor, he presided over an administration that was a model between 1999 and 2007.

    To observers, Tinubu became a key player in national politics, following his success at state and regional levels. For him, charity should begin at home. He had a 24-year development plan for the transformation of Lagos State.  Tinubu years in the Centre of Excellence were remarkable for progress. As governor, he jerked up the internally generated revenue from the N600,000 monthly to billions of naira. Today, Lagos can boast of over N33 billion monthly IGR. The implication is that the state can survive without federal allocation. Also, Tinubu fought the infrastructural battle in the city state. He constructed roads, built hospitals and schools, created opportunities for employment and re-energised the transport sector. He initiated the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. The judiciary reforms he introduced were legendary. Tinubu pioneered the payment of NECO and WAEC fees for students.

    The former governor also created additional 37 local councils, based on popular demand. When the allocations to the councils were seized by the Federal Government, his team of experts invented a creative financial engineering that made the councils to survive the federal onslaught. As governor, Tinubu contributed to the debate on the national question as an apostle of true federalism and restructuring. He was also an electoral reforms curator. To him, the sanctity of the ballot box is critical to the survival of democracy.

    Tinubu handed over to Babatunde Fashola (SAN) in 2007. After the expiration of his two terms of eight year I 2015, the lawyer-turned politician handed over to Akinwunmi Ambode, an accountant. On May 29, Ambode will pass the baton to Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    Reflecting on his achievements, the Lagos State APC Governorship Advisory Council (GAC), observed that Tinubu succeeded in raising worthy successors. “What you celebrate today is the reality of unprecedented, steady and consistent progress in the Centre of Excellence, the foundation of which you laid as the first Fourth Republic Governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007.

    “It is gratifying to note that, in this dispensation, you have led the way in raising a crop of quality, devoted, dynamic, focused and result-driven leaders, who have continued to sustain the progressive vision at the state and national levels. Your strength lies in your powers of ideas, risk-taking, courage, resilience, vision of a welfarist society and leadership by example,” it added.

    Read also: Mass failure in General Studies at Sokoto Varsity

    Among the leaders that have been raised by Tinubu are Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), former Lagos State Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Fasola, Ambode, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, Minister of Information Alhaji Lai Mohammed, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola,  one-time Finance Commissioner Wale Edun, Babatunde Fowler of Federal Inland Revenue Service, and Opeyemi Bamidele.s

    Tinubu and other compatriot floated the Action Congress (AC) in 2007. The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) reclaimed the Southwest, although the battle shifted from the ballot box to the court.

    However, 2015 was the turning point. Tinubu’s gospel of strength in unity paid off. Reflecting on the 2015 calculations, one of his associates said he re-invented the theory of the slaughter’s slab to suit the collective aspiration of the opposition. In Tinubu’s view, there will be no going back for the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), led by Buhari, and Prince Tony Momoh,  the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), led by Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, the ACN, led by Chief Bisi Akande and a section of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), led by Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, if they agreed to merge together into a single party.

    The merger, he explained, would lead to the permanent withdrawal of their certificates by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Tinubu, the acknowledged party financier, provided selfless leadership and the quantum of resources for the novel project. He urged his colleagues to take the risk and be optimistic about the future. The struggle heralded President Buhari’s success at the poll and the abortion of PDP’s dream of ruling for the next 60 years.

    Party faithful have also hailed his contribution to the President Buhari’s second term challenge. As the Chief ‘Reconcliator’ and Co-chairman of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, APC won a resounding victory in the just-concluded poll. Also, the party under his leadership retained Lagos State for APC and produced Governor-elect Sanwo-Olu, who defeated Jimi Agbade of the PDP at the poll.

    In politics and private life, Tinubu is reputed for philanthropy. His abode is a Mecca of sorts. He is a cheerful giver, benefactor, godfather and defender of the oppressed.

    Tinubu holds honorary titles from many towns across the country. He is the Jabagan of Borgu Kingdom, Aare of Ile-Oluji and Aare Ago of Egbaland.

    But, there are many aspects of his life that may not be known, until he opens up in his autobiography. When the autobiography is written, it will inspire the future generations.

    Many stakeholders believe that Tinubu still has a lot to contribute to national greatness.

    Paying tribute to Tinubu, House of Representatives member-elect and former Lagos State Works Commissioner Ganiyu Johnson said he is a talent hunter. “Your greatest strength lies in your ability to raise a crop of leaders who are building on the progressive foundation laid by patriotic pathfinders of history,” he added.

    An APC youth, Toyin Balogun, described Tinubu as a source of inspiration to the younger generation. He said: “Your pedigree, sagacity, tenacity of purpose, hard work, resilience, courage and loyalty to worthy progressive causes have continued to serve as sources of inspiration to the younger generation in the vineyard of people-oriented, welfarist politics.”

    Lagos APC secretary Dr Wale Ahmed, who described Tinubu as an oak tree offering protective shield to progressives nationwide, said he has no equal in mentoring and role modelling. Ahmed, a former legislator and Special Duties Commissioner added: “God has equally blessed you with a good wife, Distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu (OON), who share your vision of greater good for the greatest number of our people.”

    To House of Representatives member James Faleke said Tinubu’s name will continue to resonate in he hearts of lovers of democracy, urging other politicians to emulate his virtues.

    Hailing the celebrator, Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa said: “Your consistent struggle, selfless and constant sacrifices over the years have continued to define you as a true and worthy leader. You are indeed, an epitome of hard work, discipline, and patriotism. Without doubt, this generation is highly blessed to have your personality as a great mentor and trail blazer.”

  • Group faults vote of confidence on Ajimobi

    The vote of confidence recently passed on governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state by some leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) after of the ‘abysmal’ performance in the last general elections has sparked off crisis within the party.

    A group, APC reformers described the vote of confidence passed on Ajimobi as self-deceit.

    The group admonished President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Leader of the Party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu not to recognize the Oyo state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi for any appointment for the interest of the party.

    They also faulted a recent vote of confidence passed on Ajimobi by the party stakeholders in the state.

    APC reformers which comprises of APC former political appointees and leaders in Oyo state in a statement signed by its acting secretary, Sulemon Ramoni, described the vote of confidence as a continuation of self-deception by a congress of charlatans that lead to the monumental failure of the party at the just concluded elections.

    The statement reads: “After spending almost eight years in office, the people of Oyo state have passed a vote of no confidence in Ajimobi by ensuring that he lost his unit, ward, local government and the state in the last election.

    “Of what benefit would the decision of his self-appointed leaders and handpicked executive be for the party, democracy and the good people of the state?

    READ ALSO: Prioritise welfare of citizens, Ajimobi tells Ogun governor-elect

    “Mr President and the national leadership of the party including Asiwaju Bola Tinubu should not be misled by the charlatans to consider Ajimobi for a ministerial or any federal appointment which is their motive.

    “Any federal appointment for him will worsen the situation of the party in the state, make reconciliation impossible and lead to more loses in future elections.

    “The party lost the presidential election in Oyo state because it held on the same day with Ajimobi’s senatorial election.

    “The State elections were lost because of his influence and interference.

    “After the 2015 general election, Ajimobi scolded the party chairman, Chief Akin Oke for losing his unit and ward, as a matter of fact he advised him to resign.

    “Some local government caretaker chairmen were also removed by him for losing their constituencies. Now that he has lost woefully, he deserves no reprieve.

    “The APC Reformers advised the national leadership of the party to immediately dissolve the APC executive in the state from the wards to the state and constitute a caretaker committee to rebuild the party.

    “The president was also advised to opt for young, vibrant and progressive minded people from Oyo state for ministerial and other federal appointments instead of the completely rejected Ajimobi and his ilk.”

  • Tinubu: I’m not in Kano

    All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday denied meddling in the proposed Kano State supplementary elections.

    He also refuted the unfounded reports that he relocated to Kano, the state capital, for the polls.

    The former Lagos State governor described those insinuating that he is involved in the preparations for the supplementary elections as liars.

    “Asiwaju is not in Kano and has not been in Kano at any point during the conduct of these elections. The picture that these liars are circulating of Asiwaju and Governor Ganduje is one that was taken last year when the governor visited Lagos,” his Media Adviser, Tunde Rahman, said in a statement last night.

    He said those peddling the rumour know the picture is not true, but “they still use it because their relationship to the truth is an adversarial one.”

    Rahman said Asiwaju has nothing but utmost  admiration and respect the people of Kano and Kano’s brand of progressives politics.

    The statement reads: “Weak and mean politicians turn to rumour and fear mongering because their true appeal to the people is limited and uncertain. These desperate operatives stir resentment of others as a way to get the support of the people. Politicians of this ilk are afraid to stand before the people on their own two feet. They use lies and deception as their crutch. Such is the case with the false stories of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu being in Kano, casting him as a one-man political invasion intending to unduly influence the governorship election.

    “For the record, Asiwaju is not in Kano and has not been in Kano at any point during the conduct of these elections. The picture that these liars are circulating of Asiwaju and Governor Ganduje is one that was taken last year when the governor visited Lagos. The fear-mongers know the picture is old and was taken in Lagos. They still use it because their relationship to the truth is an adversarial one. Scratch a liar and you will find a hypocrite as well.  These people encouraged and cheered when former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and outgoing Senate President Bukola Saraki led a posse of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) figures into Lagos, boasting they were going to “capture Lagos” during the governorship elections.

    “These people did not call Atiku and others to order for interfering in Lagos. Instead, they urged Atiku and others to undertake this misadventure. The All Progressives Congress did not cry and lament that Atiku came to Lagos to swing an election that did not concern him. Instead, we rose to the occasion and relied on our organic and positive relationship to the people. With regard to the impact these PDP operatives had in the Lagos election, let it be said that they came, they saw, they lost and they left with nothing in hand but another defeat.

    “Regarding the people of Kano, Asiwaju has nothing but the utmost respect and admiration. Kano has historically stood as a bastion of progressive politics. Its brand of politics helped inspire the establishment of the APC. Kano has an enlightened electorate that will vote as they believe. Asiwaju hopes that they will disregard the lies and rumors about him and remain faithful to their progressive tradition.

    If the people do so, then they would have voted in their best interests and that is for the APC, the party of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “It is curious that these fear-mongers devote so much attention trying to disparage one man who is not even a candidate, holds no public office and who has not even set foot on Kano’s soil during this election. These politicians are so shameless that they must demonise Asiwaju Tinubu to attract support. Theirs is but a blatant attempt to stoke regional and ethnic resentment and division to accomplish their selfish aims. Such tactics are harmful to the democracy Nigeria seeks to enshrine and goes against the progressive tradition that describes Kano’s politics and that has made Kano a beacon of hope and advancement in our nation.

    “It is expected that a party leader of Asiwaju Tinubu’s standing will encourage his party’s candidates. PDP’s attempt to make something nefarious of this normal pattern is disingenuous. If they truly believed what they were saying, they would discourage PDP members from other states from visiting Kano or offering any form of support. Of course, they do no such thing. But, what is proper for the PDP to do, they say it is a dangerous affront for the APC’s Tinubu to do. We believe their attack against Tinubu is not so much that they fear what he might do but that they fear they lack the support of the people. Thus, they try to portray Tinubu as an interloper as the best way to gain support.

    “Asiwaju will not play this game with them. He believes in a free and fair electoral process, a project to which he has devoted the majority of his adult life to achieve. Let this election be decided on the relative merits of the competing candidates. Do not cast Asiwaju Tinubu as some villain in a plot you have contrived in a feeble attempt to cloak your political weaknesses and uncertainties.

    “Asiwaju is a committed democrat and advocate of free and fair electoral processes. He will neither support nor work to promote anything that will undermine or weaken the electoral system.  He has been at the forefront of the struggle for electoral reforms, justice and equity over the years. He will never do anything that will detract from these fine ideals for which he has strenuously worked. Any reports to the contrary are just the lies and mongering of those whose love and support for democracy are much less than his”.

  • Tinubu real Yoruba leader – Ehindero

    In the interview with Dare Odufowokan, Assistant Editor, the General Overseer of Messiah New Life Ministry Inc., Archbishop Joseph Ehindero, warned those antagonising the National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to desist, saying the former Governor of Lagos State is the true leader of the Yoruba race today. The cleric bared his mind on some other national issues. Excerpts

    WHAT is your reaction to the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari in the Presidential election?

    Buhari’s victory is divinely ordained. His victory was revealed to me months before the election, and my prediction of Buhari’s victory was published in an interview I had with a national daily which came out on Tuesday 18th December 2018.

    Before then, several ministers of God were predicting Atiku Abubakar’s victory but God clearly told me that Buhari will win, and my prediction was published in that interview.

    In 2015,that was how God revealed to me that the then incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan would lose and my prediction equally came to pass as the main opposition leader then who is now the President, Muhammadu Buhari, will win the election. This is to show people that there are still genuine prophets in this country.

    What I want Nigerians to clearly understand is this and it is that Buhari is on a divine mission to salvage Nigeria from the rot of the past. Buhari has a divine mission to fulfill for this nation, and I enjoin Nigerians to support his government.

    I’m not a politician but a Minister of God and whatever I’m saying about Buhari is the revelation that God gave me concerning him. Buhari is an unusual politician, he is not self-centred and from his actions, especially his anti-corruption war, the man wants to restore sanity in this nation. Buhari wants to restore Nigeria’s lost glory.

    What Nigerians must realise is that this nation has been in a mess before Buhari came in as president and now he has done a lot to bring Nigeria back on the path of greatness. It would have been a big tragedy if Buhari had lost to Atiku because Atiku is not the man God wants to use to redeem Nigeria.

    What is your reaction to the court case against Buhari’s victory by Atiku and PDP?

    Atiku is wasting his time. Buhari’s victory is secured. My advise to Atiku is that he should not waste his time. Nothing would come out of his efforts. What I expect him to do is to be sober, and reflective. He should do stock taking, and I’m sure if he does this, he will know that he has been very lucky. He should stop fighting Buhari. He should stop wasting his time and resources. God has a divine mission for Buhari for this period in Nigeria’s history. God wants Buhari to consolidate on his present achievements and Nigerians are enjoined to co-operate with his government.

    Before the polls some prominent clerics predicted victory for Atiku Abubakar but …

    (Cuts in) It is very sad and unfortunate that some highly regarded men of God were also involved as they predicted Atiku’s victory. What God revealed to me was that those eminent men of God who claimed that they saw Atiku being declared winner were not led by the spirit of God to make the pronouncements. They were led by the flesh. Some of these clerics have personal hatred for Buhari and this is wrong. They should not have allowed their emotions to lead them into taking wrong decisions. I’m also not happy that some Christian bodies appear to be taking sides and were openly in a subtle manner canvassing support for Atiku Abubakar. This is very wrong. This is a lesson to all Christian leaders and prophets that they should always allow the Holy Spirit to lead them and not the flesh. It is the same thing that happened to Afenifere leaders. They did not behave like elders by openly supporting Atiku before and during the elections.

    Afenifere leaders have no justification for backing a particular candidate. As elders and leaders, they are supposed to play the role of fathers to all. They are supposed to be neutral. By being partisan and taking sides, they were not promoting the interests of Yoruba people.

    This is why I like Tinubu and give him kudos. If not for him, the behaviour and actions of Afenfere leaders would have jeopardised Yoruba interests. I give kudos to Tinubu. By his actions, he has proved to be the true Yoruba leader. Enough is enough, Afenifere leaders should stay out of politics and behave like genuine leaders who are not partisan and self-centred.

    Now that President Muhammadu Buhari has won re-election, what is your advise to him?

    Buhari should hit the ground running. He should quickly form his cabinet, and set to work immediately. He should take Nigeria to the next level as he promised during his campaigns. First and foremost, he should sustain the on-going war against corruption. Corruption has permeated every facet of our lives, and this is why some Nigerians who are involved are not happy with Buhari’s war against corruption. Buhari should not spare looters. Every loot must be recovered, and looters must not go unpunished.

    Then his administration must also sustain the on-going tempo in the area of infrastructure development like the construction of roads and rail lines that are on-going across the country. It is good that his administration is already shifting attention to the agricultural sector, an area that has been neglected by successive administrations in the country. For those Nigerians that are complaining, they need to exercise patience. Nigeria has been messed up before Buhari took over and he can’t transform the country overnight. Buhari is not a magician. I believe that if Nigerians co-operate with him, he will be able to take Nigeria to greater heights.

    For those politicians that are newly elected and those that will be going for their second term, what’s your advise to them?

    My advise to them is very simple: They should see politics as an avenue to serve people. They should not be self-serving or self-centred.

    I also want to advise our politicians not to see politics as a do-or die affair. If you lose today, you may win the next time. Politics is like a game; so our politicians should develop the spirit of sportsmanship.

    Our political leaders should not see public office as an avenue or short cut to ill-gotten wealth. In other climes, their leaders use public office to serve people; this is what our leaders should emulate. Many of our leaders have traveled outside the country and they’ve seen how leaders over there serve their people with love and passion; this is what I expect them to do also in Nigeria.

  • My intervention in Oyo APC was for genuine reconciliation, by Tinubu

    •Ajimobi and I are partners, says APC leader

    All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has said himself and Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State are partners, not rivals and that his intervention in Oyo APC is to engender genuine reconciliation and not to hide or supplant the governor.

    The APC leader was reacting to a false report by SaharaReporters that Asiwaju Tinubu was moving to ban Governor Ajimobi from leading APC campaigns in Oyo because of his intervention in the state, holding discussions with some notable leaders and bringing former governor Adebayo Alao-Akala back to the party’s fold.

    Tinubu described Governor Ajimobi as an excellent governor and a faithful member of the APC. “He has brought progress to the state and in serving two consecutive terms, Ajimobi made history in Oyo. He is instrumental to anything the APC can achieve in Oyo”.

    A statement yesterday by Tinubu’s Media Adviser, Tunde Rahman, said Asiwaju Tinubu was only lending his support to the governor’s and APC’s efforts in the state. “They are partners not rivals”.

    He described the report by the online medium as another excursion into falsehood. But he added: “This report goes beyond a lie. It is a vindictive attempt to sow discord because the writer is angered by the APC’s success in the presidential election. Thus, the writer has cast truth aside in his angry desire to inflict some kind of electoral wound on the APC.”

    The statement reads: “SaharaReporters seems unable to mend its ways. Instead of trying to publish what is fair and accurate, it rather grows its tales from seedlings of untruth and calumny. This online newspaper no longer bothers to offer the pretense of seeking the truth. For SaharaReporters, whatever is sensational must be true and whatever is true must be sensational. The real truth is that SaharaReporters no longer cares if its reportage is right. SaharaReporters just cares that it is widely read. It dare not allow veracity to hamper its business model. This is a disservice to ethical journalism which honors truthful, accurate reporting.

    “The report titled: “Tinubu Bans Ajimobi from Appearing at APC Governorship Rallies” is another of SaharaReporters’ excursions into falsehood. The report claims that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu somehow has banned Governor Abiola Ajimobi from attending APC campaigns for Saturday’s governorship election in Oyo State.

    “This report goes beyond a lie. It is a vindictive attempt to sow discord because the writer is angered by the APC’s success in the presidential election. Thus, the writer has cast truth aside in his angry desire to inflict some kind of electoral wound on the APC. However, the writer should refrain from this path of falsehood. It would be better for the writer to come to grips with reality and to accept the fact of the APC presidential victory and the likelihood of APC victories in most governorship elections, including that of Oyo.

    “The mischief that SaharaReporters cites is not between Tinubu and Ajimobi. It is solely in the mind of SaharaReporters. By its unsubstantiated report, the medium seeks to set brother against brother. Asiwaju and Governor Ajimobi have been political brothers and allies for a long time. Their friendship existed long before SaharaReporters came to the scene and will endure long after this self-diminishing online site is no more.

    “Moreover, Governor Ajimobi has been an excellent governor and a faithful member of the APC. He has brought progress to the state and in serving two consecutive terms, Ajimobi made history in Oyo. He is instrumental to anything the APC can achieve in Oyo. The truth is that Asiwaju is not trying to supplant or hide the governor. Instead, Asiwaju is lending his support to the governor’s and APC’s efforts in the state. They are partners not rivals.

    Read also: APC will complete the takeover of Delta on Saturday, says Buhari

    “As such, he has held strategic meetings with some notable groups and important individuals. The heart of the discussions was the need for all to come together to achieve victory for APC in the March 9 governorship poll. At no time did the issue of banning anybody, talk less of Governor Ajimobi, enter into the discussions. We want and need Governor Ajimobi to be a visible figure at the forefront of this campaign during these final decisive days. He will prove pivotal to our hope for victory in the state.

    “SaharaReporters betrayed its abject bias with this report. It makes absolutely no sense to even try to stop a sitting governor from campaigning in that governor’s state. Such a move would only create enmity and hinder, not help a campaign. For SaharaReporters to claim this is to claim that Asiwaju is a political novice. Asiwaju has never barred anyone from participating in a campaign. Why would he now start with Ajimobi in Ajimobi’s own state?

    “In addition to not having such a negative inclination, Asiwaju wields no such power and has no desire to have such power. Ajimobi is a sitting governor who can travel within his state as he pleases. Who can dare stop him? We want him in and at the rallies. Asiwaju’s intervention in Oyo was to engender genuine reconciliation. To exclude this good and able governor would have aborted this mission before it started.

    “Asiwaju views Governor Ajimobi as highly disciplined and a committed and respected party leader, unlike some others who have no respect for party supremacy. The relationship between them remains solid and loyal. And one hundred false reports by one hundred SaharaReporters cannot change that reality”.

  • Tinubu hails INEC, security agencies for peaceful poll

    All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday spoke on the presidential election, saying that President Muhammadu Buhari will win.

    He hailed the peaceful conduct of the poll in many states of the federation.

    Tinubu, who spoke with reporters in Lagos, after receiving some party leaders, said the electoral commission did its best to conduct a peaceful exercise.

    Hailing the security agencies for their patriotism, he expressed satisfaction with their performance of their electoral duties.

    Nothing that the poll results were still being announced he said he was confident that President Buhari will be re-elected.

    “I am confident that President Muhammadu Buhari will win,” he said.

    Read also: Down with kidney failure, defrauded by family friend

    The former Lagos State Governor thanked Lagosians and Nigerians for trooping out to perform their civic responsibilities.

    Also yesterday, Senator Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos central), who was re-elected, thanked the people of her constituency for reposing confidence in her.

    Senator Tinubu polled 131,735 votes to defeat the Peoples democratic Party (PDP) candidate, David Onitiri, who got 89, 170 votes.

    She said: “Thank you for your support through the years. Thank you for your votes. Thank you Lagos Central senatorial District.

  • I have no relation to or interest in Act Technologies —Tinubu

    All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has condemned Sahara Reporters for incorrectly linking him with a company called Act Technologies Limited.

    A statement issued by Tinubu Media Office yesterday said the APC leader has absolutely no relation to, or interest in, Act Technologies Limited.

    “He had never even heard of the company until the PDP (and its cronies in the media) started this campaign of calumny a few days ago.

    “Moreover, Asiwaju (Tinubu) has never been involved in the supply of card readers, voter registration and accreditation frameworks or any other materials or services to INEC. Never,” the statement added.

    According to it, SaharaReporters’ story is but an unfortunate and crude attempt to malign Asiwaju’s name.

    The statement titled ‘Response to Allegations in Saharareporters’ reads: “Our attention has been drawn to a false and reckless story published online by Sahara Reporters wrongfully accusing Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of electoral malpractice and incorrectly linking him with a company known as Act Technologies Limited.

    “If lies were sand, this story would be a desert. Perhaps the only thing this story manages to get correct is the spelling of Asiwaju’s name. However, the story is but an unfortunate and crude attempt to malign Asiwaju’s name.

    Read also: PDP’ll be defeated on Sat, says Tinubu

    “Asiwaju has absolutely no relation to, or interest in, Act Technologies Limited. He had never even heard of the company until the PDP (and its cronies in the media) started this campaign of calumny a few days ago.

    “Moreover, Asiwaju has never been involved in the supply of card readers, voter registration and accreditation frameworks or any other materials or services to INEC. Never.

    “Let us be clear in this matter. If any political party was in control of INEC’s procurement practices in 2014/2015, it would have been the one in control of the federal government at that time.

    “Asiwaju never asked for, nor did he receive, anything or any contract from Jonathan’s government.

    “As incompetent as his administration was, even President Jonathan would not have sat idly by while important electoral contracts were being handed over to his most implacable political foe.

    “As often happens with fiction concocted by amateurs, the application of a little common sense causes the entire story to fall apart.

    “Even the technological aspects of the report are fantastical and unfounded. The whole thing simply makes no sense from a technical point of view. The report only makes sense as part of a concerted effort to attack Asiwaju.

    “Why the PDP and their media boosters fear him so much, we leave for them to answer. But it is odd that they expend so much time and energy manufacturing falsehoods against someone whose name will not even appear on any ballot.

    “This story is simply another effort by those opposed to President Buhari and the APC to justify their plans to distort the elections by alleging that the APC government is illegitimate and was rigged into office.

    “The only problem being that the facts do not support their claims nor their rationale for cheating.

    “These people are incurable. They do not rig because they were once victimised by rigging; they rig because rigging is not only in their blood, it is their blood.

    “Such arrant nonsense has no place in our national discourse.

    “Sahara Reporters has descended to a new low. To publish such an unfounded report is more than shoddy journalism; it is malicious.

    “The publication and its editors should be ashamed.”