Former Chairman of ‘Conference of Executive’ Secretaries of Local Governments in Lagos State Hon. Kolade Alabi pays tribute to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who he describes as a bridge builder.
Writing this tribute on Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the indefatigable and enigmatic leader seems so difficult. No word or phrase seems adequate to aptly describe him.
Describing Asiwaju needs no colouration or embellishment. Say it as it is, he is a gold fish in a glass bowl.
Perhaps, what makes it more difficult are the multifarious personalities embedded in just one man. Call him a born leader, you are right, call him a business guru, you are on course, call him a financial wizard, you are correct, call him a grassroots mobiliser, a great warrior, an exemplary mentor and teacher, a mighty pedagogue, an administrator par excellence, a scholar and a genius – you cannot be far from the truth.
How do you begin to describe such a great politician, a colossus whose sagacity is unparalleled in this clime at this time, whose fame and popularity transcends the shores of Nigeria?
What vocabulary could I possibly employ to describe this magnanimous, compassionate and ebullient person without being accused of exaggeration and embellishment?
I, therefore, have resorted to the simplest of dictions devoid of sentimental attachment to avoid being tagged Asiwaju’s apologist, thus robbing a man of substance the accolades he rightly deserves.
Yet, I find it repugnant and absurd to do injustice to myself by sacrificing objectivity on the altar of jealousy just to soothe the egos of envious adversaries. Nay, I must say it as it is careless about whose ox is gored.
Asiwaju Tinubu is a courageous leader who could not be intimidated by any form of threat as he practically demonstrated in his stand-off with former President Olusegun Obasanjo when he created additional local government areas in Lagos State in 2003. While other governors backed out, Asiwaju remained unshaken and undaunted. He stood out and became outstanding. He is an untiring advocate of a just, progressive and equitable Nigeria. A course he pursued vigorously from NADECO days (1994) till the Progressives came to power in 2015.
Asiwaju is a detribalised person who seeks power not for self aggrandisement but for the betterment of the people and development of Nigeria. Today, Asiwaju remains the most versatile, most reliable and most consistent political leader in Nigeria. He never deviates from what he believes in.
Asiwaju is a man I greatly admired for his vision and tenacity, for his determination to doggedly purse a set goal, for his generosity and compassion. Above all, for his intellectual capability coupled with his managerial ingenuity and his knack for discovering talents, grooming and mentoring them to become achievers.
This statement by Lao Tzu, a Chinese author aptly describes Asiwaju, he wrote:
“The best of all leaders is one who helps people so that eventually they don’t need him. He doesn’t say much but what he says carries weight. When he is finished with his work, the people say, ‘It is natural.’ That is Bola Tinubu for you.
What more can I say, Asiwaju, your footprints are already indelible on the sands of time. Your name is already written in gold.
I wish you the best of health, long life and more glorious service to the fatherland.
Congratulations Sir.
- Alabi is the immediate past Chairman, Conference of Executive Secretaries of LGs/LCDAs, Lagos State
