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Tag: Asiwaju

  • Asiwaju: An icon of democracy

    Asiwaju: An icon of democracy

    Today, he stands as strong as the cedar of Lebanon, neither by his knowledge nor his wisdom alone, but also by his keen reflex, his courage and his bull-like determination to pursue a people-driven cause. It is rare in Nigerian politics, a country always in a state of flux, to have a man dominate the space for almost three decades. There are very few of leaders in this category. Some come like a comet, only to fizzle out like the foam from a detergent, some like a temporary whirlwind, only to be still at its short surge. Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu has been on the turf since 1990, unflinching, never waning, but increasing in strength and capacity by every minute of the day.

    The history of the most reputable campaign for democracy in Nigeria will not be complete without chapters devoted to him, so also will the account of the movement to deepen democracy be incomplete without constant references to his name. Asiwaju has become a recurrent decimal on Nigerian political chess game, where he has assumed the status of the indomitable knight.

    As a Senator under the platform of the Social Democratic Party,(SDP), Nigerian history would have been different if Asiwaju had collaborated with the then military junta to scuttle the will of the people and truncate their best expectations. He had offers. He had juicy plates put forth by the anti-democracy capons, being one of the most vociferous voices In the then National Assembly. Rather, he pitched tent with the masses, his private home serving as the launch pad of resistance against the uncountable arrows fired at the pro-democracy coalition, the only group at the time that stood against the tyrannical manipulations of the military class. Considering the enormous arsenal of the military and the marauding network of hawks, his decision at that time, like many of us did, was like standing bare-chested to face a fast moving train that was off track.

    It was an epoch of killings and the nights of long knives. Asiwaju became one of the most remarkable figures in the campaign against the annulment of the June 12 Presidential election and the zeal for the enthronement of democracy.

    Meeting and working with a man in a period of national adversary, is always a relationship that one should treasure and preserve. Our meetings had to be conducted in the darkest recesses, under the trees, in the motor parks, on the shores of the Lagos beach, in the underground garage and sometimes inside the mosques or churches in the bid to avoid the prying nozzles of the enemies. It also required a high level of trust and confidence in each other. Betrayal of him as a leader would mean handing him over for treasonable charges.

    Asiwaju thought me that when you believe in a cause that is just, there should be no going back. From him, I learnt more that you begin to see obstacles only when you take your eyes of your goal. Asiwaju has a will cast in iron, his determination is etched in stone and his clarity of purpose cannot be disputed. He is firm, resolute and dogged.

    In the tortuous history of the 1990s, Asiwaju was convinced that the will of the people would triumph. His family was as at great risk. His businesses singled out for assault and meltdown, his finances isolated for state-sponsored attacks, his home raided and kept under deadly watch, but one thing that could not be taken away from him was his will.

    In the campaign for democracy in Nigeria, he gave his flesh, his soul, his energy, his heart and the totality of his being. His personal resources were invested in the tough campaign against one of the most formidable military institutions in African history. Going into exile became the inevitable option. While abroad, the enemies kept on the pursuit, recruiting covert agents to strike life out of him. For us at the homestead, the heat had reached a boiling point with many seized on the streets, killed or thrown literarily into the lion’s den.

    Raising a global anti-military campaign was not an easy task, especially when you have to do it with virtually no resources. The result was the enthronement of democracy in 1999. It is to the benefit of Nigerians that Asiwaju kept this zeal till date which has helped in many ways to transform Nigeria and institute eternal democratic ethos. It is to the credit of credible leaders like Asiwaju that the future of democracy in Nigeria was defended with their own sweat and blood, to the benefit of all today.

    Asiwaju’s determination to help sustain democracy is legendary. Within the contradictions of the democratic space, Asiwaju continues to stand out as a man of principle. It was no surprise that he was the only State Governor that did not lose the 2003 gubernatorial elections among all the Alliance for Democracy, (AD) State governors. He fought hard like a lion, against the enormous state machine of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) and amidst the cynicism of his peers. The result was that almost all the topmost echelon of the ruling party relocated to Lagos, all eyes on him and all state machinery directed at bringing him unto his knees. He won the battle decisively and convincingly. Since then, he has become the tiny bone choking the throat of reactionary elements across the country.

    I have always had course not to doubt Asiwaju’s deep sense of judgment. Nigeria by 2014 was almost going to the dogs. There was a meltdown. Fear and trembling held the nation in awe. Terrorism was at its prime. Suicide bombers ruled a part of the country. Nigerian slipped into the red light district of mourning and affliction. The ruling party was helpless and hopeless, except to browbeat the people and hide her incompetence under the cloak of bullying.

    When the whistle was blown in 2014, the race seemed so long, the hill looked too high and the task too daunting. How could a new political coalition uproot a political party entrenched for 17 years? How could the mountain be moved? Asiwaju was again singled out as the albatross. He was hunted. His home was seen as the hotbed for radical ideas that would latter humble the ruling hegemony. Asiwaju became a pestilence, a ghost, that hunted the foes from dusk to dawn. Offers came for him to back down, promises made, if only he could leave the stage, but it was too late. His alliance with the masses could not be thrown into the thrashbin. He already had his gloves on, right in the ring, and would not have let down the enthusiastic but toil worn audience, whose liberation from the fetters of iron was tied to the victory against the sham regime. But at the end of the pitched battles, Nigerians, led by the likes of Asiwaju, broke a jinx in Nigeria by defeating the almighty Federal Government in a convincing battle that brought the elephant down on her kneel in one big bang.

  • Asiwaju at 65: The selfless life of a leader

    Asiwaju at 65: The selfless life of a leader

    Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a remarkable political composite with so many dimensions such that it is difficult to paint an adequate portrait of all that he is and all he has accomplished. Authors and commentators have said and written much about this inimitable man, dwelling on his life as an activist, intellectual, administrator, politician, strategist, democracy icon, humanist, family man and more. But I want to attend to just two of the numerous qualities of Asiwaju Tinubu, as a meticulous strategist and a compassionate man. I select these two because this combination rarely enjoys residence in one man. Usually, a person is one or the other but only infrequently is he both.

    I write of these aspects because of the insight I have gained in working with him in the last six months. I shall elucidate this with a few examples; but neither ones gleaned from the political turf, nor those usually seen on campaign trails. It is not about how he emerged the last man standing among the AD governors of the Southwest who were outfoxed by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003, or how he led the way in moulding the political machinery that unseated an incumbent president. The examples derive from moments hidden from the cameras and public glare, from those moments when the true character of a man is most revealed.

    But first, let me make a disclosure. I think I was perhaps destined to work with Asiwaju Tinubu. Here’s the reason. In 1991, while covering political activities for the old Daily Times in Abuja, the newspaper’s Political Editor at the time, Mr. Segun Ayobolu (at present Deputy Chairman, Editorial Board of The Nation), tapped me to be a Media Assistant to Asiwaju Tinubu. At that time, he was the Chairman, Appropriation Committee of the Senate. I was a young reporter with barely two years experience as a journalist. I did not take the job because I felt I needed more time to grow in the profession. But I refused to let go.

    I kept track of Asiwaju Tinubu, particularly his politics. In later years, I would remind him of that offer each time I came around him. Five years ago, when, as Editor of Thisday, the Saturday Newspaper, I interviewed him in commemoration of his 60th birthday, I jokingly accused my friend, Sunday Dare, the immediate-past Media Adviser to Asiwaju Tinubu, of standing where I ought to be. Dare moved to a higher pedestal in September last year as Executive Commissioner at the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja. As fate would have it, I gladly stepped into his shoes, filling a position offered two decades before.

    Asiwaju Tinubu is one of the most humane public figures one can find anywhere. One incident last year sticks so vividly to mind as if it happened yesterday. Around mid-day, he sent for one of his aides to send on a mercy mission to a widow in Kaduna. As it turned out, he had never met nor spoken with the distressed woman. It remains a mystery how she got the telephone number. With no means of livelihood, things had been quite difficult for her and her children since losing her husband, she told him. He asked for her location. Immediately after the call, Asiwaju despatched my colleague to Kaduna to locate the woman, and to assist her should her claim prove true. Help was given and the condition of the woman and children made better.  The point to note: Asiwaju Tinubu’s generosity and selflessness are beyond bounds. I later discovered that hers was not such an isolated case. He has done this for countless people and will continue to do so. He has a caring heart and gives without necessarily knowing the beneficiaries or expecting anything in return. This was the first instance I witnessed. Since then, I have seen numerous instances of such compassion, in the short time I have worked at Bourdillon.

    The Jagaban Borgu is a consummate political strategist. For him, he leaves little to chance. If you intend to succeed, you must plan for it. He is ever prepared, pays attention to minutest detail and works round the clock with clockwork precision. His custom is to work late into the night in his study reading or engaging in a brainstorming session in order to keep abreast of domestic events and world affairs.

    There was an occasion in January that I also recall. It was 3a.m., a time most people are deep asleep. He had not slept much the previous days, yet he was still much awake and alert. We were working on the final draft of a speech he was to deliver later that day in Abuja. He is always fully involved in writing his speeches. He kept scrutinising and fine-tuning the address until it was just right. Eventually, we were done by 5a.m. Only then did he allow himself a brief nap. By 8a.m., he was ready for the trip to Abuja to address students at the National Defence College.

    It was no surprise that the speech Asiwaju delivered was an excellent one. His paper teemed with personal experiences and anecdotes and was delivered to the admiration of the course participants. The crucial point is that Asiwaju is by no means the intellectually passive leader who simply takes what their media aides or speech writers give and head for the podium to begin to read something he hasn’t seen before. Asiwaju’s imprint is always rightly on his speeches because his heart and mind have shaped them word by word, sentence by sentence.

    Asiwaju Tinubu is a workaholic. His days are typically packed with meetings and activities, leaving one wondering how he copes. He has the vigour to go through the tough day then awake to do it all over again. His pace and agility is often confounding. He would move from granting audience to one dignitary to another, from one meeting to another and from one brainstorming session to another, and yet another. As he meets the mighty – presidents, diplomats and prominent leaders from far and near – so too does he grant audience to the lowly-placed, solving their problems and attending to their needs, almost always skipping his meals and forgetting to attend to his own needs.

    As he marks his birthday with another colloquium on another issue that relates to the country’s wellbeing, I join the many who wish him continued good health, renewed physical and mental power and above all the grace of God for all that lies ahead.

     

    • Rahman is Media Adviser to Asiwaju Tinubu
  • Kalu, Daniel eulogise Asiwaju

    Kalu, Daniel eulogise Asiwaju

    Former Abia State Governor Orji Kalu and former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel yesterday described the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as a colossus whose name will remain evergreen in the annals of Nigeria.

    Acknowledging the role played by the frontline politician in the social, economic and political development of the country, Kalu said: “Tinubu is a bridge-builder, a statesman and an outstanding philanthropist.”

    In a birthday message to the APC chieftain, the ex-Abia State governor extolled the virtues of Tinubu, stressing that the latter is the father of modern Lagos, owing to his performance as governor from 1999 to 2007.

    He said: “I join other Nigerians in celebrating Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former Lagos State Governor, as he clocks 65.

    “Having followed your antecedents and accomplishments in life, especially in the political space, there is no doubt that Asiwaju Tinubu’s goodwill will continue to expand beyond the shores of Nigeria.

    “The roles you played in the fight against the annulment of June 12 presidential election and the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria through National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a pro-democracy group, are commendable and worthy of emulation.

    “You have continually sustained your relationship with the masses and as such you remain a formidable force to reckon with in politics.

    “In view of your ideology and exemplary leadership qualities, you are one of the very few selfless and well-meaning Nigerians.”

    Daniel, in his statement, described Tinubu as an indomitable spirit of great mind, insightful opinion, strong heart and exemplary will.

    He said Tinubu’s hard work, dynamism and “out-of-the-box” thinking have received wide appreciation both at home and abroad.

  • Who stands with Asiwaju

    Who stands with Asiwaju

    “He wanted to become the President and never wanted to relinquish regional power, was the world created for him alone?”;”He was a thief too because he was making One kobo on every bottle of Coke?”; “If he was a selfless and prudent leader, why did he build one house at Oke Bola in Ibadan, another one in Apapa-Lagos yet another one in his home town in Ikene?”

    “He was in the cult; he led us astray, he was too rigid, he was an alien, his wife was a witch, he was originally from Dahomey, he was a wizard and too power conscious”.

    The legendary ‘Yoruba Ronu’ exponent late Hubert Ogunnde warned of imminent backwardness in the face of pull-down syndrome and unbridled envy amongst the Yoruba political class. The late ace comedian Gbenga Adeboye and fuji maestro Sikiru Ayinde Barrister also separately described the Yoruba race as one that is wise, intelligent but riddled with disposition of vain expectations from human what even an angel cannot meet.

    During the travail of late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, while the nation burns in agitation for actualisation of the ‘June 12’ mandate, some eminent Yoruba leaders were spotted in and around Aso Rock romancing the late dark-google General to foist any attempt to let Bashorun Abiola off the hook of the ‘khaki boys’. When the business mogul and philanthropist finally died in detention, Yorubas were fast to say “afterall he was an International Thief Thief man according to late Fela Anikulapo”. Abiola was described as a man that sponsored several coups and therefore deserved to die in a coup circumstance. They claimed he had too many wives and children. While Abiola was being honoured globally for laying down his life for Nigeria to entrench a democracy, his kinsmen were busy scoring him low on the pages of history.

    However, nature has way of raising banners before God and men for those who truly distinguished themselves. While Awolowo and Abiola became known and remembered for their roles in our nation, those who envied their historical records had settled in the dust of history. Awolowo and Abiola paid their dues and will forever be remembered among those who have made significant impacts in the political sphere of our country.

    What does Tinubu owe us?

    Indisputably, this era has provided yet another hero for the Yoruba race in the political sphere. The nation unanimously agreed that Tinubu’s expertise dislodged incumbent federal government to install a progressive opposition. Before then, he had held political space consistently as leader of liberation movement with astonishing records evidently.

    Tinubu’s legendary has now surpassed Nigeria’s political space having been recognised as one of the most influential personality in the world and among most powerful political leader on the continent.

    The truism that “no leader is successful until he produces equally competent and successful leader(s)” has been proven to test in Asiwaju’s case. Not only has he produced second successive outstanding Governors in Lagos State, he has equally raised high profile lieutenants that are presently occupying significant political offices across board; all of them equally competent and powerful. What does Tinubu owe us?

    Popular with our brand of politics is the pull-down syndrome rather than rally round a successful one to score a point for our growing democracy. Topmost amongst Tinubu’s political enemies today are his kinsmen and those who have once been favoured by his political dynasty. His political influence is so enormous that he made those who never dreamt of attaining a political feat reach power, this after he must have discovered their leadership potentials which in itself is a great leadership quality.

    The silent gang up is hard to imagine. Tinubu is a politician who recognises political freedom and acknowledged that political space is meant for nothing but for contest and prove-of-strength. Hiding and ganging up strength to fight his popularity is not politics but sycophancy. Let anyone who opposes Tinubu come out from the hiding, declare opposition and allow a contest. As a Jagaban, he has never been afraid of contest. He knows the rules of the game. He contest, he does not fight. A gentleman and generous living legend he is.

    Those who think they can assemble from the back stage to launch political attack against Tinubu need to suspect a more ground breaking onslaught from the loyalists among his reigning political empire. This is not a fight for Tinubu, but a fight for the real progressives who uphold loyalty as guiding principle from day one they enrolled in Asiwaju’s political and leadership institute.

    Personally, I want to believe all rumours linking former Governors of Lagos Raji Fashola, Ekiti Kayode Fayemi, Rivers Rotimi Amechi and present Governor of Ogun State Ibikunle Amosun to the political ambush better remain rumours and rumours for ever. They are gentlemen. Rather than ambuscade, let anyone in doubt flow a political party, establish a lead and show the world how to sustain a political empire.

    Undoubtedly, even Mr President who has a proven integrity and fear of God is not expected to stand against Asiwaju at this crucial moment save for the vultures trying to hijack his political influence to submerge popular opinion such as seen in Kogi and the Senate among other references within the party.

    Every coup against Tinubu has always vindicated him and vindictive of the traitors. As it is, Nigeria sees the Senate under a Saraki and the ongoing polarisation in the national progressive camp simply because a man’s achievements are grossly envied by those who cannot half his records even if they live and do politics for a decade more.

    Tinubu’s many sacrifices are unusual. His contributions to political and national development are unequalled in this generation. His legacies for Nigeria’s democracy will take another decade to see its like. His influence across all industries and strata are not a coincidence. The growth of his political reign has witnessed ingenuity, hard work, commitment to the masses, love for the country, firm believe in team work and exceptional gifts ordained by God. He never fought clandestinely; he does not do illicit pattern. He just owned his game.

    Today, we have an icon that is already a living legend. Those who truly believe Asiwaju is a worthy leader and benefactor should wait for no other time to stand with their leader. I stand with Asiwaju. The forces at the national stage and the domesticated ones in Lagos cannot be greater than the grace of God upon this enigma called Tinubu.

    For the Yoruba race, for sure it takes another century before we see like of Asiwaju again. What do we stand for at the moment? Celebrating our own glory or settling for otherwise which is far less a decision?

    Olulade is a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Epe Constituency II

     

     

  • Asiwaju, the change agent

    Asiwaju, the change agent

    In this tribute to All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of his 64th birthday, the party’s spokesman in Lagos State, Joe Igbokwe, captures the political struggles of the former governor

    In writing this piece, I tried to search online the character of the people you can genuinely call the Change Agents and ways of the change or what makes them what they are. I found out that a Change Agent has a clear vision, he is patient and yet persistent, he asks tough questions, he is knowledgeable and leads by example and he maintains strong relationships built on trust. My findings say a Change Agent lives in future, not the present. Regardless of what is going on today, a change Agent has a vision of what could or should be done and uses that as the governing sense of action. To a large extent, change agents are dissatisfied with what they see around them, in favour of a much better vision of the future. Without drive, change agents can lose their way. A change agent is fueled by passion and inspires passion in others. Change is hardwork. It takes a lot of energy. A change agent has a strong ability to self-motivate. There will be many days when every one around does not understand and will not offer props. The change agents need to find it within themselves to get up everyday and come to work and risk being misunderstood and misappreciated, knowing that the real validation may be far in the future and may be claimed by someone else.

    A change agent must understand people. At the end of the day change is all about people. If you change everything but the people, I doubt you will be effective as a change agent. A change agent has the ability to continue striving toward high and challenging objectives regardless of the circumstances. He has the ability to convince and persuade others about the vision. He can touch minds and hearts and influence without authority. What about the ability to connect the dots? Can you determine what really matters and put together a vision that makes sense, one that others can follow? Can you keep your feet on the ground and see possibilities at same time?

    Now enter Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is one of the greatest Change Agents in Nigeria today, the builder and the motivator of men. To document Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s exploits as Change Agent since the 90s will take more than a three thousand page book on a conservative estimate. His deep involvement in the struggle for the de-annulment of June 12 1993 Presidential election won by the late Chief Moshood Abiola earned him a place of honor as a hero of democracy in my Book, Heroes of Democracypublished in 1999. In 1999 Asiwaju BAT became the Executive Governor of Lagos State and in eight years this Avatar, this game changer, and great scholar in the finest tradition laid a solid foundation that has led Lagos to become the fastest growing city in Africa whose economy is bigger than those of Cameroun, Ghana, Cote de Voire, Senegal etc. When this icon set up a 40man Committee in 1999 to fashion out a template for Lagos State development, many did not know what was on his mind but today we know better, as Lagos has become a huge melting point in the face of Nigerian dwindling opportunities.

    In 2003, only one State, Lagos was left for the Progressives in Nigeria after the PDP finished its boisterous rigging in that year’s election. But with dint of hard work and power constructive engagement, Asiwaju led his large army of bridge builders to move from AD to AC, AC to ACN and ACN to APC. Today APC is in control of the Federal Government and 22 States of Nigeria. Time and space will not permit me to dig into the preparations, the all nights of engagements, building extensive networks, making tremendous sacrifices, giving up positions, setting aside political differences, building alliances, committing both human and material resources, setting aside primordial sentiments and ethnic preoccupation that led to the uprooting of the octopus and behemoth called PDP.

    Asiwaju BAT’s infinite capacity to lift great number of men and women across this country irrespective of tribe or tongue has made this man a giant in Nigeria. He sacrificed his personal comfort, family comfort and the comfort of his extended family members by throwing his gates open to all and sundry, the rich and the poor at any given time without discrimination. Asiwaju’s impeccable character to forgive his adversaries and political enemies has put him thousands of miles ahead of his rivals.  If anybody had told me that Asiwaju BAT will find a place in his heart to forgive some newspaper houses, AIT and others who preached hate (if you have an idea of what they did) in the course of 2015 elections I would not have believed it. Only Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu can show this kind of magnanimity and forgiveness. A friend, Barrister Sadiq a chieftain of APC Lagos told me that this is the reason why he will live long.

    Asiwaju tried in 2011 with other like minds to build an alliance to dislodge PDP but it suffered a great set back. PDP survived. In 2014 the bubble burst for PDP. How the Jagaban of Borgu managed to deploy his deep connection and extensive huge network to work with like minds across Nigeria to form APC will remain a case study for political science departments in Nigeria.

    Like I said earlier, the story of Asiwaju BAT remains a powerful testimony of a great builder, giver, organizer, mobilizer, facilitator, motivator, actor, mediator, peace maker, and change agent. In doing his service for humanity, the Asiwaju of Africa, Jagaban Borgu and Omenife Awka has made many friends and have also attracted many enemies. While genuine friends celebrate their hero and pray to God to keep the man that has added values to their life the enemies look for ways to tear down the colossus. They hang every negative thing on his shoulder. They blame him for bad weather, they blame him for political and economic setbacks. They blame him for every problem under the sun. Asiwaju’s meteoric political success has bred mortal enemies  and petty jealousies, envies and deep seated fear amongst the political liliputs and minions who kiss the dust in the midst of his many political victories. Today, Asiwaju is perhaps the most feared and dreaded political leader in the country. His enemies are consumed by petty envy at his giant political strides but their fear-induced pettiness has neither bothered nor held back Asiwaju.

    For those haters Asiwaju BAT has these words for them:

    “I set my goals and objectives in accordance with my vision. I study them and strategically execute them. My detractors discuss my successes and failure becausethey have nothing to execute. I am in the news more because I’m working, Nigerians discuss active men in the field. Mentioning any negative news about me will double the wealth of any news media that published it. My name today is a financial market for journalist. Not even elected politicians get the publicity I am enjoying. My comrades , go and work till mentioning your name becomes a source of increased wealth for someone. Even my weakness create wealth for vendors” —I REMAIN, ASIWAJU BOLA TINUBU—

     

  • ‘June 12 challenges us to guard our democracy‘

    ‘June 12 challenges us to guard our democracy‘

    ALL Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to jealously guard the nation’s burgeoning democracy, in the spirit of the June 12, 1993 Struggle.

    In his goodwill message to lovers of democracy on the 25th anniversary of the annulment of a presidential election, adjudged to be the most freest and credible, Asiwaju Tinubu said the greatest honour Nigerians can give to the late Chief MKO Abiola is to protect the present dispensation from being scuttled by fifth columnists.

    The message titled: “June 12 challenges us to guard our democracy,” reads: “As we remember the June 12 struggle, we are challenged to guard our hard-won democratic freedom and prevent any hijack or abuse of the very principles of constitutional democracy.

    “This anniversary offers us another reminder that this country is one set for greatness. Chief Moshood Abiola the symbol of June 12 struggle is one of the greatest Nigerian to ever live.

    “Through his life, we glean selfless service and commitment to people. Through his political struggle, we glean courage and incorrigible commitment to principles of the just, free and humane society.

    “Today, our democracy thrives on the selfless sacrifices he made. His politics was without bitterness and rancor.  His patriotism was devoid of tribal marks and nepotism.

    “It will be said, here lies a man who did his duty on earth; it is what we should all strive for. We owe it to Abiola and all the fallen patriots of the June 12 struggle to make sure our democracy never falters and this current government succeeds.

    “We must also make sure that the People remain the focus of our policy and politics. This is the commitment the new APC government has made to the people of this great country and by Gods grace we intend to keep it under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.”

  • Asiwaju, a quintessential democrat, says Obioha

    Asiwaju, a quintessential democrat, says Obioha

    In this toast to the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who turned 63 on March 29, a former chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Chief Ralph Obioha, recounts his association with the former Lagos State Governor. 

    Senator Bola Tinubu, the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a quintessential democrat who displayed a remarkable commitment to the ideals of democracy. I make this toast admittedly with envy but I must quickly add that my envy is green since it is so laden with deep admiration and respect for what he has accomplished for Nigeria.

    My encounter with the Senator started over 21 years ago when he was with Exxon as a treasurer and the Managing Director of my bank – First African Trust Bank, Mr. Yomi Tokosi, disclosed that Asiwaju was one of the backers of the bank. It was not long after that, he was elected to the Senate and we found ourselves together in the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Our paths were to cross much closer when the June 12 struggle started.

    Asiwaju singled himself out as the major financer of this struggle in the United States of America (USA) and stood as the main pillar of support when the body was displaying fatigue and weariness but Asiwaju, at each turn of the struggle, roused the spirit to sustain the struggle to success. As the case in all human interaction, there were moments of disagreement but now with hindsight, it is a rare gift of vision that he galvanised the sustenance of National Democratic Coalition (NADECO’s) commitment to democracy.

    The Asiwaju’s legacy can be summed-up as a great fighter of democracy and by extension of consensus builder injustice visited to their son, Bashrun M.K.O. Abiola. They massively elected him the governor of Lagos State. When he assumed office as the governor of Lagos State, no one gave that state any chance of survival but painstakingly, Asiwaju, like a magic, transformed Lagos into a livable modern megapolis. Even hard-core critics gave him kudos for what he was able to accomplish for his dear state and many were quick to add that Asiwaju’s selection of his successor in the person of Governor Babatunde Fashola confirmed his selfless plans to ensure that Lagos is indeed “The Center of excellence”. Asiwaju was to experiment with various formations of political parties in his unquenchable thirst to move Nigeria forward.

    In a masterstroke of political wizardry, he escaped the treachery of 2003 general elections and survived the near political annihilation of the Southwest in that election. True to his character, he rebuilt the zone and in 2007, won back nearly all the lost states except Ondo.

    The icing on the cake is Asiwaju’s remarkable construction of the coalition that metamorphosed into the giant APC. Still more remarkable is his ability to discover the potency of Gen Muhammadu Buhari’s appeal in today’s Nigeria as the leader that could rescue us from the implosion Nigeria was heading into. You may not like the person of Senator Bola Tinubu that is your entitlement but Nigeria, over 25 years ago, lost most of her heroes but a nation must strive to find new heroes, not necessarily to worship them but to set role models for the emerging generations to look up to. For those who are envious of Senator Bola Tinubu, turn such envy into green as I did and join me to toast this remarkable son of Nigeria whose commitment to enthrone an enduring democracy in Nigeria is without question.

    Ralph Obioha, is a former chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and former National Chairman of the Justice Party (JP).

  • How I became an apostle of Asiwaju’s philosophy

    How I became an apostle of Asiwaju’s philosophy

    My first encounter with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was in 1998, even though sixteen years have passed since that day, the memory and honour of that fateful day still lingers and stays fresh in my heart. At the time, I was a student of Economics at the Lagos State University (LASU) and it was the dawn of a new political era. The sudden demise of Gen Sani Abacha saw Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar ascend the exalted office of Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    I had been keenly involved in politics as a student leader. I was a member of the student electoral committee of LASU and was part of the student movement that agitated for the ratification of the late Chief Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola’s mandate. Prior to Gen Abubakar’s sudden ascent to power there had been outcries and agitation from the public, student unions, international community and organised civil societies with NADECO at the vanguard demanding the installment of Basorun M.K.O. Abiola winner of the Gen Ibrahim Babangida annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, an election widely acclaimed to be the most free and fair election ever held in the country.

    It was on June 8, 1998 that the news broke of the sudden death of Gen Abacha. I remember that his death was greeted with wild jubilation and dancing on the streets of Lagos and other parts of the country. In my own opinion, the fanfare that greeted the news of his demise was not because the man had died, but rather the triumph of good over evil. I joined the euphoria of the moment; it was a feeling of ecstasy. My hopes as well as that of others were that with the demise of Gen Abacha, Chief Abiola would be sworn in as President. This however did not happen because approximately one month after Gen Abacha passed on, Chief Abiola died under questionable circumstances.

    Before I met Asiwaju, I had developed an admiration for him as a senator representing Lagos West under the flagship of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). His intrinsic intelligence, coupled with his pedigree and articulate presentation on the floor of the Senate, his constructive comments on national issues and the colossal role he played alongside others at the risk of his life and that of his family in the quest for democratic governance in our country had endeared him to me. So when the opportunity to meet him presented itself I was delighted. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, now the hardworking Governor of Osun State, facilitated my meeting with Asiwaju who was seeking our party, Alliance for Democracy’s ticket for the governorship election of Lagos State at the time having distinguished himself as a senator and being at the vanguard in the agitation for democratic governance under the draconic rule of Gen Abacha.

    I joined his campaign train having listened to him outline his stirring vision and aspiration for Lagos. I can proudly say that I was amongst the first people in BATCO (Bola Ahmed Tinubu Campaign Organisation). As part of BATCO, we took his campaign to the nooks and crannies of Lagos and our hard work paid off.  Asiwaju not only won the nomination to fly our party’s flag in the election, he went on to win the governorship elections for two consecutive terms against the will of the powers that be. I remember with nostalgia leading a handful of students from various tertiary institutions on a courtesy visit to him at Alausa to further show our unalloyed support for his new administration.

    Asiwaju excelled tremendously as Governor. He showed how the government must be a potent instrument for growth and development. His achievements are enviable and have never been a subject for debate but rather have provided inspiration to our generation and generations of Nigerians yet unborn. The evidence of his impact in all MDAs while in office is compelling and visible for all to see without prejudice. Is it his admirable financial intellectual capacity to raise the state internally generated revenue from the N600 million monthly he inherited to billions of Naira that is funding the rapid infrastructural development we are witnessing today, is it his ingenious insight and tenacity to create new MDAs and 37 additional Local Council Development  Areas to further spread the tentacles of government and thus bring  democratic gains closer to the people in spite of the odds that were against him at the time. His giant strides in the education sector, with the building of the millennium schools, his healthcare delivery policy that saw the proliferation of primary healthcare centres across the state, both in the urban and rural areas, his free eye glasses and eye surgeries, his free heart surgeries and so on are there.

    Asiwaju’s achievements as Governor are enviable and too numerous to list out, but for record purposes and history lessons; for human memory is short, it is important that we his apostles continue to highlight and celebrate his achievements.  Aside the obvious landmarks we can see such as the numerous infrastructural developments credited to his administration and those he initiated during his reign as Governor, his impact was mostly felt in the intangible areas such as the creation of jobs and services. For example, it was his government that computerised the civil service and introduced capacity building programmes in the state civil service. His administration also created the Office of the Public Defender to provide free legal services to the less privileged, LASAMBUS, LASTMA, and the initiation of the first Independent Power Project (IPP) in Nigeria. The project was designed to produce 375 MW and 450 MW serially to illuminate all of Lagos State was frustrated by the federal government. Asiwaju’s greatest achievement as Governor for me is his vision to lay a progressive foundation, set the agenda and road-map for today and probably the future governance of our state, handing out equal opportunities to everyone affiliated to him irrespective of age, gender, tribe and religion.

     

    Asiwaju’s philosophies

    Asiwaju’s philosophies are easy to spot as they are reflected and are embedded in his words, thoughts and actions. His rousing contributions in the struggle for democratic governance, his dogged commitment to democratic values and beliefs i.e. his advocacy for true federalism, democracy, the rule of law and his dedication to the principles of good governance stand out. His deep compassion for the poor and the downtrodden explains his unending spirit of philanthropy and his pursuit for social equality, justice and equitable resource allocation.

    One of the characteristics of great leaders of all time is the ability to see beyond others coupled with the tenacity and wisdom to actualise their visions. Asiwaju has the capacity to see beyond the immediate, he saw through his lens many issues in the past that are just visible to us today. Long ago before the discourse on constitutional reforms, electoral reforms, state police, sovereign national conference and true fiscal federalism came to the front burner, Asiwaju was the first to raise national consciousness and questions to those issues.

    His wisdom for decision making is immeasurable. He has taken various decisions in the past that were thought to be unpopular only for people to see the relevance of such decision down the road. The emergence of the current governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) is a reference point, at a time when there were about 13 other qualified lieutenants jostling to occupy the seat he waved emotions aside and took a decision which was regarded by many as unpopular. The unpopular decision would later prove Asiwaju’s unmatched talent at decision making.

    The decision to engage ACN our defunct party in a merger with selected political parties was equally criticised by some party members and faithful.  Today the merger decision is now being widely celebrated by not only the progressives but Nigerians in different quarters.

    Asiwaju has been conferred with numerous international awards, honours from reputable tertiary institutions and traditional titles like no other, titles such as the Asiwaju of Lagos, the Jagaban Borgu of Borgu Kingdom, the Aare Ago of Egbaland, the Agba-Akin of Ijesha Land, the Aare of Ile-Oluji Ondo, the Aare Atayese of Ilawe Ekiti, the Ezeobaludikegwu of Oko Anambra, etc.

    There are many sides to what Asiwaju means to many people. To me he is a man with an impeccable desire for service, a man whose life is tailored towards ensuring every man lives for what they adore strongly, a motivating force, a man who sees and brings out the best in others, a man that has an unending spirit of generosity, a leader of leaders.

    •Olulade is Chairman, Committee on Information, Security, Strategy and Publicity, Lagos state House of Assembly.

  • Omatseye and “uncommon” Asiwaju

    IR: You always make an interesting and exciting read.

    Your piece on B.A.T is the most convincing advocacy yet that I have come across on a man many choose to hate and misunderstand.

    He is in truth a gift to these times and the generations to come will be glad that at this time,  a man  who could at once “descend from the sky  and erupt from the earth”  trudged these land and made bold to be different; for which the nation and themselves  are the better.

    If they read your piece they may in fact ascribe him a deity status  of some sort.

    I  hope to meet with him someday.

    •Austin Edoja-Peters

    Communications Adviser

    Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, Abuja.

  • Asiwaju group takes off in Ondo

    As the All Progressives Congress (APC) begins its mobilisation across the country ahead of 2015 general elections, a member of the Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, Mr. Busayo Adebayo has launched a pressure group in Ondo State, christened Asiwaju Resources Movement (ARM).

    The group was to mobilise and enlighten the people of the state on the struggle of APC to end the 16 years of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rule in the country.

    Already, ARM has been launched in Lagos State and this group is also expected to spring up in other states very soon.

    Speaking at the launch of the group in Akure, the state capital, Adebayo, who was represented Engr. Yemi Ogunsakin described the ARM as a pressure group under the platform of the APC.

    Adebayo said the group duty was to mobilise, tell the people what will be their benefits if they support APC during the 2015 general elections.

    He noted that it is necessary to rescue the nation from the iron hand of oligarchy, stressing that all stakeholders must team up to challenge corruption, lack of infrastructure and others problems inhibiting national growth and development.

    His words: “Nigerians must begin to see the wonders being performed by all governors who are members of APC in their various states. For this reason, it is enough for all Nigerians to support the APC so that things will change for the better.

    “That nothing has improved over the years shows the non-performance of the ruling PDP. The PDP government has institutionalised corruption in Nigeria. There is no way Nigeria, with its vast population and land can continue to entertain an army of unemployed youth without the resultant effect of kidnapping and insurgency by Boko Haram”.

    The state Coordinator of ARM, Hon Jimmy Lumowo, assured that APC will win in the state in the 2015 general elections.