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  • ‘Why Tinubu is crowd puller’

    ‘Why Tinubu is crowd puller’

    “All trees grow in the forest but the oha tree singles itself out”- Igbo proverb.

     

    Each year, on every March 29th, I normally write a piece to celebrate my Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose birthday falls on that day. Asiwaju has become a huge institution and a working history of sorts. It would have been different for me to do this yearly ritual for any other person because one would be bereft of words to do this. But not for the great Asiwaju whose greatness and ceaseless potentials unravel by the day. He is a history who replenishes his stock each day by his deeds and actions.

    When the theme is on Asiwaju, one will not lack words to describe this veritable leader of men whose meteoric rise and success in everything he does has fanned equal degree of envy and passion among friends and foes alike. When talking or writing about Asiwaju, one faces not the blight that comes when one is discussing a liability, for Asiwaju draws immeasurable excitement from all sides of the discourse at every point in time.

    I know that I am not alone in this passion. I know that millions of Nigerians in every nook and cranny of the country looks at Asiwaju in the very same passion I see him. I know that many Nigerians who have not even met Asiwaju and who have not physically tapped his deep reservoir of personal charm, are equally glued to this passion about a man that makes history at every minute of the day.

    Asiwaju is an enigma and institution that has come to bestride the Nigerian political space like a huge Colossus and his imprimatur dots the Nigerian space such that the history of Nigeria cannot be complete without what Asiwaju says or does today. Asiwaju remains my Leader, as he is to millions of Nigerians. He remains the lodestar in the Nigerian firmament. He rides the Nigerian space like a measured star and his actions and deeds have made positive marks and added rich themes to the country’s political map.

    Few years back a good friend of mine, Barr. Ben Alika sold an artwork to me which bears the photograph of a young beautiful girl I suspect could be his daughter. Beneath the photograph is a quotation with the title, “Reasons why people will follow you as their leader”

    1. The leader knows where he is going.
    2. The leader cares.
    3. The leader can be trusted.
    4. The leader stands for something always.
    5. The leader can be depended on.

    These five reasons roundly fitted Asiwaju’s personality  as a Leader that is massively followed by Nigerians from all shades and parts of the country, as further expatiated thus;

    Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu knows the way. He knows where he is going. He knows his destination. He knows what lies ahead of him. This is the first and greatest attribute of a Leader. A leader that does not know his way and direction stands the chance of getting lost and the fate of his followers is worse. A Leader that knows his ways can never mislead his followers. A Leader that knows his destination can always lead his followers to the Promised Land. Asiwaju has scored tremendous success as a Leader because he knows where he is going and that is why he remains my Leader.

    Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu cares. This attribute is rare among Nigerian leaders and that is why they have very brief leadership histories. But Asiwaju has stayed so log, with incredible success, in leadership position because he, like the Biblical Good Shepherd, cares for his people and his followers. He feels their pulse. He shares their tears. He shares their joys. He stoops down to care for even the least among his followers. He brings himself down to attend to the needs and welfare of his followers; even the destitute on the street. With such very great feature, Asiwaju remains my Leader.

    Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu can be trusted. Trust is an essential quality of a good leader. His followers will always repose implicit confidence that they are safe with him. He will neither betray nor trade the interests of his followers. He rather suffers betrayal of his followers than betray them. He has a large heart to take the varied characters of his followers but he is as constant as the northern star. In rain and in sunshine, he is unchanged and amidst the storm and the tempest, he has become a repository of trust and confidence among his followers. That is why Asiwaju remains my Leader.

    Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu always stands for something. He does not change with changing years. He is a stickler to principle and discipline. He does not waver or float like a weather cock. He chooses where he stands on any issue and let opinions and issues form around his choice. Asiwaju does not sit on the fence on any issue. He takes a stand and damns the consequences. That he gets vindicated at each turn of Nigeria’s history has served him in good stead as a leader; my Leader!

    Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu can be depended upon. He is a solid rock for those who follow him. He is a sure bet to take on any issue since he happened on the Nigerian space. He is a great tree on which most Nigerians lean. He is the compass that points the way for Nigerians in very many issues. With him as your Leader, one takes minimum risks.

    With the foregoing, one can see why Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has become an enigma on whom many Nigerians take their bearing. It is easy to see why the Asiwaju school of Leadership has the greatest and most potent students in Nigeria today. I am told that wherever there is a problem, it is whoever that provides the solution that becomes the Leader. That is why Asiwaju has emerged naturally as a Leader with an intimidating wide space, with such a present and future potential that no one else can imagine. It is why the man, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has become such a great institution he is today. Petty envy and outright jealousy of those that feel dwindled by his greatness can only add to his aura.

    Happy Birthday, my Leader and many more years of fruitful service to the nation.

    • Igbokwe is the Publicity Secretary of the Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC).
  • Tinubu: kingmaker at 65

    Tinubu: kingmaker at 65

    All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is 65 today. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU revisits the epic struggle for power shift coordinated by the former governor of Lagos State, which culminated into the enthronement of a progressive administration at the centre.

    Lagos will be aglow with festivities today. Guests will come from far and near to honour Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, former governor of Lagos State and stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who is celebrating his 65th birthday. The occasion will affirm the significance of the eminent politician as a vital national asset, an indomitable kingmaker and a patriot, who successfully led the opposition during the titanic battle for power shift.

    The ceremony may achieve two objectives. It may provide an opportunity for the reunion of APC leaders as they warm up for a mid-term assessment of the ruling party and the government it installed almost two years ago. This is very important at a time of national despair when the Federal Government’s agenda for change and renewal has not been fully realised. Also, the celebration may also motivate a genuine reconciliation among aggrieved stalwarts. The beauty of it all is that Asiwaju Tinubu’s position is affirmed as the rallying point and an indispensable leader.

    In the Third Republic, the celebrator took the politics of Lagos West by storm before his career as a senator was aborted by Abacha regime, which sacked the elected leadership. However, he bounced back as governor of Lagos State in 1999. Since 2003, Tinubu, fondly called the Lion of Bourdillon by admirers, has been the main issue in the Nigerian politics. As the leader of opposition, he achieved what the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, tried to achieve, but without success. A courageous and fearless fighter, he led his Southwest compatriots into the mainstream politics and galvanized the national opposition platform to take power in a democratic election. His reward has been the enviable status of a kingmaker.

    Tinubu’s exposure to politics started in the pre-independence era. His mother, the late Alhaja Abibat Mogaji, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, was a key player in the Action Group (AG) Women Caucus and the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), which were effective in Lagos grassroots politics. Little did the Amazon know that he was nurturing a future gladiator.

    Tinubu’s career has always blossomed during crisis. The stuff he was made off came into the fore as a senator, when he refused to be tossed around by the military government. To underscore the rejection of a rubber stamp National Assembly, he was among the bold and brave senators who rejected the budget sent to the Senate by former Military President Ibrahim Babangida. He loathed the reluctance of the military to disengage from power, following the successful June 12, 1999 presidential election won by the late Chief Moshood Abiola. As a chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), he dare the soldiers. However, despite the protracted struggle, what was restored in 1999 by the military marauders was not democracy, but a semblance of civil rule, The implication was that the pro-democracy struggle was elongated.

    Tinubu continued the battle under the Obasanjo administration. He challenged the Federal Government to a duel over its subversion of the ballot box. He became an advocate of electoral reforms, which he said, was critical to the survival of democracy. Endowed with a rare organisational ability, mobilisation prowess, uncommon acumen, masterful logic, and foresight, Tinubu’s pastime is strategic thinking.  Thus, when his territory was targeted for liquidation in 2003, he anticipated the danger and put the enemy on the defensive. As a politician, he had never slept on guard.

    What pre-occupied his mind as from 2003 was the need for a unity of purpose among the scattered opposition parties, who worked at cross purposes, despite their numerical strength, intellectual bent, ideological similarity and vision of a better society. The onus to break the jinx fell on Tinubu. Urging the opposition leaders to sink their minor differences, he said they should make sacrifice and float a mega party to confront the PDP.

    Tinubu re-invented theory of the slaughter’s slab  to suit the collective aspiration of the opposition. In his view, there will be no going back for the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), led by Mohammadu Buhari and Prince Tony Momoh,  the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), led by Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, the Action Congress of Nigeria (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.

    Tinubu had kicked off the liberation struggle from his Southwest base. When the Alliance for Democracy (AD) was crippled, he rallied compatriots to form the defunct Action Congress (AC), which later became the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Tinubu successfully coordinated the battle for the restoration of progressive administrations in the five states of Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo, Ogun, and Osun.

    To observers, Tinubu became a key player in national politics, following his success at state and regional levels. Tinubu years were remarkable for progress. He jerked up the internally generated revenue from the N6000 monthly to billions of naira. He 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.

    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.

    As governor, Tinubu contributed to the debate on the national question. His former aide, Dr. Akintola Benson, who is a Lagos State Commissioner, highlighted his views on the contentious issues of federalism. He said: “Asiwaju is an advocate of true federalism. According to him, each of the three tiers of government should be given powers by the constitution to collect taxes, control its resources derived from the area and pay taxes or royalties to the Federal Government. He isof the opinionthat, since there is too much power with the Federal Government, there is need to decentralize power to other component units of the federation. A situation where the central government controls everything, including housing, lands, roads, secondary education in every part of the country is not a true reflection of true federalism. On local government administration, he is of the opinion that state governments should be empowered to create and manage local governments.”

    He added: “To maintain adequate security in the country, he advocates that state police should be introduced. On the electoral system, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should conduct election to federal political offices and allow State Electoral Commission’s autonomy to conduct state elections. He is of the opinion that the Federal Government should not legislate on labour laws to state employers and private sector employers, but allow various component units to manage their affairs.”

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

    Tinubu is perceived as the architect of the progressive administration at the centre. Thus, he has the burden of history on his shoulders. Although he is not holding any position in the government, he is acknowledged as the midwife of the new era. Since the APC became the ruling party, it has been assailed by strife and rancour. To observers, Tinubu should be at the forefront of the resolution of crisis affecting the party at the federal and state levels.

    The former governor is also expected to be a honorary adviser to the Federal Government. At a time Nigerians are calling for a new economic direction, Tinubu’s advice could be useful. The problem confronting the APC now is not the PDP. According to observers, the protracted crisis in the ruling party could resolved by the same leaders who worked together for power shift in 2015.

    The APC also has an unfinished business. The party needs to adopt a clear ideology. This will distinguish it from other parties. Also, the ruling party needs a strong crisis resolution mechanism. To achieve these objectives and goals, the contributions of Tinubu would also be required.

  • Tinubu: Statesmanship and success stories

    Tinubu: Statesmanship and success stories

    The occasion of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s birthday is a good time to reflect again on his politics, statesmanship, contributions to nation- building, and the useful lessons that can be learnt therefrom for the attainment of the change that Nigeria sorely needs. This is what we grapple with in this piece as we felicitate with Asiwaju as he celebrates his 65th birthday.

    The former governor of Lagos State and national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, shines brightly in the orbit of the few political leaders in Nigeria who provide archetypal leadership, and enthusiastically and courageously commit themselves to the realisation of enduring democratic governance, sustainable economic development, unalterable collective prosperity, enhanced human dignity, unfeigned justice, untainted equality, solid moral purpose, and consistent adherence to the rule of law. All of these are appreciable ideals that this political tactician has been known to pursue unwaveringly since he set his feet on the path of politics in Nigeria, beginning from 1989 when he campaigned to be elected as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    In his numerous undertakings, the picture comes clear that Asiwaju Tinubu forayed into politics with a pristinely clear mission. His leadership style, politics, and judgements regarding the choice of who to walk and work with reveal a mind that understands and wields political power as a tool with which to reconstruct the social condition of a vast number of people for good. His is a knowledge-powered leadership, for he knows too well, to appropriate the words of the columnist, Tatalo Alamu, that “knowledge matters and human capital is the driving agency behind all societal advances.”

    This reflection on the statesmanship of Asiwaju Tinubu and the success stories that characterise Lagos State between 1999 and now is not as much a celebration as it is an attempt to underscore the fact that considerable lessons and inspiration are locked in the chest of the purposeful leadership that this progressive politician has been identified with, time and again. The richness of his views on nation-building, his demonstrable fidelity to the lofty principles of democracy, his uncanny ability to identify, attract, and maintain excellent minds, his detribalised disposition, his remarkable ability to connect with Nigerians of varied tribes and religious persuasions, and, of course, his untiring commitment to the attainment of a viable federal system, constitute an encyclopaedic tome of visions from which many usable ideas can be unloaded for the transformation of the country.

    As Governor of Lagos, and a leader that knows his own mind, Tinubu decided to challenge the workings of our federalism within the rules set by the system, knowing full well that a liberal democratic system is one, according to David Easton’s system theory analysis, with input, processing, output and feedback components which, therefore, has capacity for learning, readjustment and redefinition –in short, it does have a capacity for self-correction. It does offer a sufficiently shrewd and savvy political leader enough opportunity to manoeuvre to get the work done. Thus, in a democratic setting, a leader must possess the will, intelligence and democratic temperament to work within the ambit of the system to achieve the desired objectives.

    The leadership lesson here is that a development-oriented, democratic leader must also be a system builder; and you cannot build a system by standing aloof from it. You can only do that by engaging it, subjecting it to the tests of performance and exposing its weaknesses and imperfections to compel adjustment and correction. This is how a leader supports and helps contribute to democratic growth and development.

    Of a truth, democracy is meant to give practical effect to the idea that a leader’s place is with the people and not above them. This underscores the need for a leader in a democracy to possess a democratic temperament, which recognises and accepts the idea that development must be people-oriented, people-focused and people-driven.

    But the significance of the role of leadership is not all there is to democratic development and development through democracy. While the salience of the leadership factor is not in doubt, the supporting role of the people cannot be ignored or discountenanced. The idea is that, even in spite of democracy, leaders cannot be left alone to their own devices. The goodness of leaders is never to be taken for granted. It is to be constantly demanded.

    One other urgent lesson for us to learn as a country is in the area of leadership recruitment. There is no gainsaying the fact that one of the key problems we have had with poor leadership in the country is not unconnected with how we recruit people into leadership positions. This, of course, is a process that has suffered chronic subversion from our unique brand of retrogressive politics, which has similarly affected and afflicted other areas of the country’s development.

    We have thus promoted and entrenched mediocrity in vital leadership positions at perilous cost to our future development. The major determinants of our leadership recruitment have been standards other than excellence. We have relied on such retrogressive criteria as “God-father,” ethnic, tribal and blood ties, politically safe candidacy, sycophancy, etc. for determining those who we elevate to leadership positions and critical decision-making posts in our public sector. Accordingly, those recruits have gratefully paid back by bringing the country down to their level.

    A country can only be as good as the quality of its leadership. Hence, a transformational leader would select his team with the same high-mindedness that matches his big visions. He would shirk any narrow consideration that would diminish his achievement and defeat his objectives. Like Asiwaju Tinubu did with the team he picked in Lagos, a transformational leader would go for excellence and be cosmopolitan in his search for talents.

    A development-oriented leadership must rise above the petty concerns of parochial and provincial advantage at the expense of national development. Nowhere in the world has the subversion of excellence by mediocrity produced great results. Development-engendering leadership is far from being a fluke; it requires visionary discipline, programmatic diligence, unwavering political will and single-minded focus, and selfless dedication to the project of national rebirth and development. This is the sort of leadership that can break the country free from the quay of underdevelopment to which it appears to be permanently moored.

     

    • Jimoh and Adesola wrote in from Osogbo, Osun State
  • Celebrating Tinubu at 65

    Celebrating Tinubu at 65

    Ojo Ibukun Foundation has celebrated All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at 65, OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    It was a gathering of the high and the mighty at PAYM Event Centre in Naforija, Epe, on Friday. They dignitaries had gathered to honour the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at 65.

    The programme was organised by Ojo Ibukun Foundation in collaboration with Hassmowun Foundation. Tinubu was represented by a member of the Editorial Board of The Nation Newspapers, Mr Kunle Abimbola.

    A cultural dance group Oyo Egiri youth ladies, thrilled guests with their scintillating dance steps.

    The APC women decked in green ankara with orange head gear; sang the praises of dignitaries as they arrived at the venue.

    The event, the second of its kind had as its theme “Indigent Pupils Adoption Programme”. It was designed to identify with very indigent pupils in public primary schools in Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) by providing them with school items not covered by the free education policy of the Lagos State Government. 300 pupils received items such as books, school bags, uniforms, scandals, socks and writing materials.

    Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule said the gesture was one to complement the free education initiative of the state government, adding that it was also a way to give back to the society.

    “The event demonstrates commitment to philanthropy and love for the less-privileged families. It also shows the volume of dedication and passion for child development.

    “The hearts of these 300 pupils that have been selected to benefit in this year’s programme are delighted. The hearts of their parents are filled with joy that their wards will have a good start in life in acquiring quality basic education.”

    Adebule, represented by the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Education District III, Mrs Magret Solarin, noted that there was a limit to what government could do, given the limited resources available to the government to meet various contending needs of the education sector, while also providing enabling environment that is expected to provide quality and effective education for children irrespective of their backgrounds and most especially those who are indigent.

    She urged well-meaning individuals, corporate entities and other philanthropic organisations to emulate the initiative and come up with similar or more innovative ways to complement the efforts of the administration in the education sector.

    “We can come together to identify ways of helping those families and children who are indigent in order to give them better and quality education,” she said.

    She noted that quality education remains the bedrock of any society, adding that it also remains the tool for the eradication of poverty, hunger and disease.

    “Our administration will continue to be focused on the provision of quality, functional and effective education for all our children. We will continue to implement laudable projects and strengthen the free education programme and policies that will enhance the full development of our children irrespective of class, gender or social background,” she said.

    Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs Omobolanle Ambode said the foundation has imparted the lives of the less-privileged and shown commitment to the welfare of the indigent at this challenging time.

    Represented by the State’s former Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye Mrs. Ambode commended the foundation for giving back to the society and contributing its quota to the service of humanity.

    “Some less-privileged children within this community who never thought of seeing the four walls of the elementary school have been presented with a life-time opportunity to better their lives through the programme of the foundation,” she said.

    She noted that the items given to the children will embolden their desire to go to school; they will be able to concentrate, learn in class and do well.”

    The convener, Ojo Ibukun Foundation and a former Secretary of Eredo Local Council Development Area, Hon Adeniyi Adekunle Shamsideen said the gesture was not aimed at just helping children that are financially disadvantaged, but also to secure the future of our own children.

    “You cannot bring up a child in isolation. Most of the children of the affluent are getting inducted into deadly cults by the children who never had a chance to live decently due to their challenging background.

    “With this programme, each pupil will receive this benefit till he or she leaves the primary school.

    “This edition was designed to honour Asiwaju, a leader, mentor and philanthropist per excellence for creating Eredo LCDA. His boldness in creating Eredo LCDA gave me the opportunity to serve my people and opened my eyes to their challenges, one of which triggered the initiation of the programme. Many have, through his name, activities and benevolence, become prominent people,” he said.

    He said the foundation was set up to create a platform for joint philanthropy where individuals come together to contribute towards a good cause.

    Chairman, House Committee on Heath, Epe State Constituency II, Hon Olusegun Olulade described Asiwaju as a mentor, a leader that has produced leaders and a hero to the entire black race.

    “Asiwaju is different things to different people. He is a man that transformed Lagos; he made all his successors. He is a philanthropist, an organiser; a strategist-he knows who is fit for every position. He is a man that you can trust his judgment any day any time.

    “He is a mentor to many, even those that have not met him; many people are following him and they believe in his vision. He is a man of no race, religion and tribe, but he is a man of the world. “To some, he is Jagaban, to others he is of the different chieftaincy titles that he had received. He has received so many awards.

    “When he was born, he was not known, but when he started making impact and touching lives, he became known. He believes in everybody’s vision, he is a dogged fighter; he is committed and he is a success. Anybody that comes in contact with him will go back joyfully, because he will have something to give to you- it may be money or strategy,” he said.

    Chief Host and founder of Hassmowum Foundation, Hon Wasiu Odeyemi, described Asiwaju as a man that many people desire to be like.

    “He has gone through many challenges, but he is still standing firm. He has been knocked down, but he stands and keeps fighting. He is a man that believes in others,” he said.

    He noted that the gesture of the convener is a spirit that propels development and leads to nation-building, saying that life is worth living for others.

    “The items donated would ensure that future of the children will be better tomorrow. The gesture is to address some of the challenges that we experience in the educational system, which will give birth to education, liberation, freedom and security.

    “It is time to see the children as our responsibility and make a better life for them by taking them out of any situation that brings them sorrow,” he said.

    Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), represented by Mrs Abosede Omobolanle Adelaja described the gesture of the convener as one that brings great joy to both the pupils, teachers and parents, adding that it had also supported the present administration’s aim in the educational sector.

    According to her, education is a big project that government cannot carry out alone.

    “We need people to collaborate with us to take education to higher levels. Today’s gesture will encourage students to study hard and take education seriously,” she said.

    She urged parents not to leave the entire responsibility of education to teachers. “Teachers cannot do it alone. Parents must support their children, play their role as parents and take care of them.

    She urged them to ensure that the items donated to the pupils are properly used and well kept.

    She called for more partnership to support the education sector.

     

  • ‘Tinubu a consummate leader’

    ‘Tinubu a consummate leader’

    An all Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area of Lagos State,  Mr. Yomi Adebisi, has described  the party’s National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a consummate leader,   a thoroughbred democrat and a quintessential humanist, who is committed to a just and an egalitarian society.

    Adebisi, in a statement  in Lagos at the weekend, while  unfolding activities lined up  to celebrate the birthday of the former Lagos State governor,

    said: “Asiwaju Tinubu laid a solid foundation for the growth and development of Lagos State, which  today is the model and a  reference point not just in Nigeria but  in Africa.

    “He was the architect of the  re-engineering of the Lagos economy; a move which today has resulted in the emergence of Lagos as the fifth largest economy in Africa.”

    He said while many states struggled to survive following the harsh economy, Lagos stood tall not just in meeting its basic responsibilities, but in executing  projects, a feat put in place by Asiwaju Tinubu.

    Adebisi urged people to thank God for giving Lagos Tinubu, who  bequeathed the state to a knowledgeable and a dependable governor in person of Akinwunmi Ambode, who has proved to be an epitome of good governance.

  • Tinubu: His ideas, battles and triumphs

    Tinubu: His ideas, battles and triumphs

    Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU highlights the ideas and struggles of the All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as he celebrates his 65th birthday in Lagos this week.

    Courage, determination, resilience, devotion to principles and commitment to the high ideals of democracy are the virtues that have defined and shaped the character of Senator Bola Tinubu in almost thirty years of his sojourn in politics.

    In post-Bola Ige era, no other politician has bestrode the political landscape like a colossus. For 16 years in this dispensation, the Asiwaju of Lagos was the most outstanding opposition leader, held in high esteem by the forces opposed to the mainstream politics. Also, he made history as the arrowhead of progressive forces that aborted the dream of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to ruin the bewildered country beyond 2015. The birth and survival of the mega party, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), are attributed to Tinubu’s power of ideas, foresight, strategy, and organisational prowess.

    As the eminent politician rolls out drums for his 65th birthday celebrations this week, the progressive family is united in celebration of a soldier of democracy, whose illustrious career, ideas, battles, patriotism and service to the nation offer an inspiration to the younger generation.

    For him, the road to fame was long and tortuous. Tinubu is not a politician without a second address. He had a rich curriculum vitae before venturing into politics. He had worked hard and made fortunes in the accounting profession as an auditor in Mobil, a thriving oil company.

    The man of the future was undeterred by his troubled childhood. He confronted life difficulties with uncommon courage. Tinubu left Nigeria for the United States of America in search of the proverbial golden fleece in 1975. His next point of call was 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 specialization 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. His awards included 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 American 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 sytem 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. His colleagues in Mobil were taken aback that he was leaving a lucrative job for an uncertain career in politics. He was a founding member of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), on which platform he contested for the Senate in Lagos West District. The senatorial form was purchased on his behalf by Chief Kola Oseni, his relation. He was supported by the powerful political group, Primose, led By Chief Dapo Sarunmi. The group was locked in supremacy battle with the group, led by former Lagos State Governor Lateef Jakande, in the Lagos SDP. During the screening, the chairman of the panel, Alhaji Lanre Rasak, was surprised that Tinubu answered critical questions with much intelligence, despite being perceived as a green horn. He predicted that he will seize Lagos politics by storm.

    Tinubu’s opponent at the poll was Mrs. Kemi Nelson of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC), who he defeated, emerging as the senator that polled the highest number of votes in the country. He had wanted to vie for the Senate Presidency, but was persuaded to step down for Dr. Iyorcha Ayu. 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 the military later boxed the country into an avoidable crisis, following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief Moshood Abiola. He joined the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which fought the military to a standstill. When his life was threatened, he left the country and became the major financier and pillar of the pro-democracy movement abroad. It was almost a lost battle. Although the military surrendered power to civilians, the mandate was not restored to Abiola, who died in detention.

    In 1999, Tinubu returned home to participate in the Abdulsalami transition programme. Although he wanted to return to the Senate, the leaders of Afenifere/NADECO believed that he will be a good governor. The Justice Forum was rooting for him. The only dissenting voice was the late Chief Ganiyu Dawodu, who had pitched his tent with Funso Williams, former Works Commissioner. Reflecting on the struggle for the Alliance for Democracy (AD) ticket, a party elder, Oba Olatunji Hamzat, said: “Dawodu’s preference for Williams who had served in Abacha’s government over his own comrades who suffered in the trenches with him remains a puzzle.” Other aspirants were Dr. Wahab Dosunmu, Second Republic minister, who became a senator, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Alerele, Uthman Sodipe, a journalist, Tawa Williams, an engineer, Hon. Rasheed Shitta-Bey, a former House of Representatives member, and Dapo Durosinmi Etti.

    None of them could match Tinubu’s arsenal and goodwill. Although Bucknor-Akerele was a NADECO chieftain, she was not harassed by the Abacha government, unlike her colleagues. Her structure was not solid. Also, Durosinmi-Etti, a lawyer, lacked a strong campaign machinery. Although he was Dawodu’s cousin, his name did not feature on the AD ballot paper during the primary. Tawa Williams, the former General Manager of the Lagos State Water Corporation, was not considered as a serious candidate. Many believed that he was warming up for the deputy governorship ticket. Shodipe’s mounted a vigorous campaign on the platform of the Eko Forum, with the slogan: ‘new vision, new leadership.’ Surprisingly, he came fourth.

    It was a turbulent primary. The party chairman, Dawodu, could not been seen for two days for the release of the result. According to the results, Tinubu scored 10,933 votes, beating Funso Williams (9,678), Dr. Dosunmu (6,023), Shodipe (381), Bucknor-Akerele (223), Tawa Williams (112) and Durosinmi-Etti (five votes). Since Dawodu was in hibernation, the AD Acting National Chairman, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, intervened and took Tinubu’s name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office to beat the deadline for the submission of the party’s nominee. Following Tinubu’s success at the primary, supporters of Funso Williams in the Network Alliance, including Hon. Omotilewa Aro-Lambo, Dr. Leke Pitan, Mrs. Nelson, “showed up in the Tinubu camp singing loyalty and adherence.” The three made the cabinet list after the general elections. Bucknor-Akerele emerged as the deputy governor.

    Cracks appeared on the wall as predicted by a party elder, Alhaji Busura Alebiosun, that it will be difficult for Tinubu and Bucknor-Akerele to work as a team. Later, they parted ways. After Bucknor-Akerele’s exit, Olufemi Pedro became the deputy governor.

    Tinubu’s attention was diverted from governance by his detractors. His foes went to court, challenging the authenticity of his hard-earned certificate. But, he triumphed. The dust settled down and he continued with the implementation of his programmes, which earned him a second term in 2003. The aim of his programme was the abolition of poverty. While his colleagues-Lam Adesina (Oyo State), Adebayo Adefarati (Ondo), Adeniyi Adebayo (Ekiti), and Olusegun Osoba (Ogun) were swept away by the political earthquake in the Southwest, Tinubu survived the PDP onslaught. However, his 2007 senatorial bid was aborted by the power that be. The coast was not clear. But, he succeeded in handing over to a competent successor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN).

    Tinubu played a major role in the return of stolen mandates in Ekiti, Ondo, Edo and Osun, which catapulted Kayode Fayemi, Olusegun Mimiko, Adams Oshiomhole,  and Rauf Aregbesola to power. However, he was subjected to harassment, following his trial by the Code of Conduct Bureau. Again, he survived the ordeals and mobilised like-minded compatriots across the political parties to merge into the APC, ahead of 2015 general elections.

    As a chieftain of NADECO/Afenifere/Justice Forum, Tinubu has lent his voice to the debate on the national question. He is an apostle of restructuring, state and community police and devolution of power. Although he had been an advocate of a Sovereign National Conference (SNC), the former governor opposed it when it was set up by former President Goodluck Jonathan. Tinubu clarified that he rejected the move because it was a Greek gift, stressing that the initiator was not sincere. The outcome of the conference was discarded by the government that set it up.

    To Asiwaju Tinubu, power is not served alar carte. He had become the leader of opposition since 2003. Under his leadership, the success of power shift in some states in the Southwest and Southsouth became the bedrock of the struggle for power by the opposition at the centre. Many doubted the capacity of the alliance to depose the PDP from power. But, Tinubu offered the inspiration, saying that  the coalition will be supported by Nigerians because they were desirous of a new lease of life. Reflecting on the success of the APC in 2015 polls, a chieftain from the Southwest, Ayo Afolabi, said: “Tinubu is a strategist extraordinaire.”

    A party chieftain, Abiodun Ogunleye, described Tinubu as a factor in the Nigerians politics. He said: “He is not a president, but greater than a president. He is not a god, but feared more than a god. He is not armed, but those who fear him are armed. He is not at home, but everywhere. When he coughs, his enemies catch cold. When he travels, they fear of what his mission is.

    “When at home, they fear what he will do. When he talks, they fear what he says will cost. It is more of problem when he keeps quiet.”

  • Tinubu: Astute administrator and statesman at 65

    Tinubu: Astute administrator and statesman at 65

    As the All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, celebrates his 65th birthday this week, Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU revisits his legendary welfarist legacy as governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007, which his successors have continued to build on in the Centre of Excellence.

    He had a vision for the city state. Thus, he planned well and laid a solid foundation for its future. He assumed the reins at a very challenging period. Therefore, he resolved to make a difference. His two terms of eight years have remained a reference point. Ten years after leaving office, former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu has remained a factor, not only in the Centre of Excellence, but throughout the country.

    The Tinubu years in the Round House, Alausa, Ikeja, the seat of government, were memorable. Sixteen years after former Governor Lateef Jakande was forced out of office, Lagos heaved a sigh of relief, following a new dawn. The onus was on Tinubu, a Third Republic senator and pro-democracy crusader, to fulfill his campaign promises to Lagosians who were thirsty of dividends of democracy.

    To change the face of the metropolis, he needed an action plan and competent people to drive the vision. Tinubu assembled a cabinet of talents. It was reminiscent of the Awolowo years when the best brains were mobilised to lay a good foundation for the take-off of the most dynamic government the Western Nigeria ever had. Also, Tinubu fashioned out a 24-year Development Blueprint for Lagos, which his successors-Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and Akinwunmi Ambode-have successfully built on.

    However, his greatest achievement was his triumph over the inevitable succession crisis. Tinubu handed over to Fashola, who built on his feats. After eight years, Ambode received the mantle of leadership. In the last 17 years, Lagos has been working. To other states of the federation, it is a model. The credit goes to Tinubu, a great thinker, financial surgeon, mobiliser, organiser and strategist, who a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Jide Jimoh, has describd as the Tutor-General of Nigerian politics.

    In his tribute to the pathfinder during his 60th birthday, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), who is now the governor of Ondo State, noted that Tinubu’s achievements brought back the nostalgic memories of the good days of the Southwest. “Since the commencement of the current democratic experience in 1999, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been the issue in Nigerian politics. From his position as the governor of Lagos State when he was able to display to the holders mendacious mandates that the people must be at the central focus of consideration in government, through the period of intense persecution by the “mainstreamers” to the current struggle for the emancipation of the region from the destructive influence of the locusts, which descended on the land, especially in the Southwest, Tinubu remains a major factor in Nigeria’s politics,” he added.

    Before emerging as the champion of the Southwest and a national colossus, Tinubu had, first of all, put his house in order in Lagos. He worked hard to turn around the critical sectors and succeeded in evolving a benchmark for good governance, transparency and accountability in Lagos. 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.”

    Reflecting on the giant strides of the administration, 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 state that has suffered under the military interlopers. Lagos roads were an eyesore. Rehabilitating the bad roads and building new ones to link communities for trade and commerce became a major priority.

    In five years, Tinubu had completed over 308 roads projects out of 422 were completed. The former governor had an ally, Chief Rauf Aregbesola, an engineer, as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure. 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 in the most crucial economic zone were undertaken. The roads targeted 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.

    The administration also acknowledged the need to reposition the health sector, which was at a low ebb. Tinubu invested heavily in the sector, owing to his belief that health is wealth. Apart from establishing more General Hospitals and rehabilitating the existing ones, the administration also 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. “Taking a large share of the health costs of the citizenry was one of the elements of the government’s welfare package,” recalled Bamigbetan.

    It is an understatement. 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 was a festival of eye surgery and free glasses (Dingi Bola) were distributed. To reduce the scourge of HIV/AIDS, the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency intensified its enlightenment programme targeted at youths. The adminisration’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.

    The LASAMBUS scheme was initiated to attend to emergency medical cases. Dozens of ambulances were provided to ease rescue operations in the nooks and corners of the state. Some reforms were also carried out in the health sector, 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.

    To Tinubu’s consternation, Lagos had become a city of fifth in 1999, making its urgent transformation into a clean and safe environment devoid of epidemics more compelling. The former separated the Ministry of Environment from the Ministry of Physical Planning and repositioned it to combat critical challenges, including flooding and coordination of waste disposal operations.

    Also, the administration was confronted by the rot in 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. That was why his administration decided to shoulder the burden of parents by 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 youth development programme of the administration led to the annual “One Day Governor” event . 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 targeted at women to enable them cope with the harsh economic realities. 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 was taken aback by the Federal Government’s failed housing policy and the neglect of the housing needs of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He restructure 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, whose 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 has refused to list the councils in the constitution, despite the fact that their creation by the House of assembly followed the due process of law at the state level. The threat by the Obasanjo administration to scrap the councils failed. Although the allocations to the Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) were withheld by the Federal Government, they survived the federal onslaught.

    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. His successors have built on the success. Today, Lagos has been able to implement laudable people-oriented projects funded largely from its soaring Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

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

    For living up to expectation as governor, Tinubu was showered with accolades by individuals, groups, communities and reputable institutions. The awards of excellence include: 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 helath care 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. He was honoured with chieftaincy titles by some communities. Apart from being the Asiwaju of Lagos, a title that was conferred on him by the late Oba Oyekan, Tinubu is also the Akinrogun of Lagos, Agba-Akin of Ikorodu,

     

  • Eminent Nigerians for Tinubu Colloquium Tuesday

    Eminent Nigerians for Tinubu Colloquium Tuesday

    Eminent Nigerians from all walks of life are expected to converge on Lagos on Tuesday for the ninth Bola Tinubu Colloquium.

    The event will be used to mark All Progressives Congress (APC) national stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s birthday. The former Lagos State governor will turn 65 on Wednesday.

    A statement by Mr. Tunde Rahman from the Tinubu Media Office said this year’s colloquium has as its theme: “Use What We Make, Make What We Use”.

    It will hold at the Eko Hotel and Suites on Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The colloquium will focus on the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit in Nigeria.

    “The goal is to create a space where ideas and people relevant to creating innovative but everyday solutions in Nigeria can share knowledge, experiences and proffer solutions to the challenges facing the sector,’’ the statement said.

    The organisers said the idea was conceived in 1999 by Tinubu’s close friends and associates.

    “The friends and associates thought it important that the rich debates and intellectual discussions that often marked cabinet and other meetings with Tinubu be translated to a platform, which would expand the conversations and lead to tangible outcomes.’’

  • How Tinubu saved Apc and Borno from ‘tyrant’

    How Tinubu saved Apc and Borno from ‘tyrant’

    Public affairs analyst Victor Izekor writes on the contributions of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to the cause of power shift in Borno State

    There are some occasions in one’s life” French philosopher once posited, “which neither time nor circumstanced can change nor obliterate from one’s memory”. The liberation of Borno state and All Progressives Congress (APC) from the hatchet of a “tyrant” by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, constitutes one of such occasions. This was the testimony of the Borno state governor, Kashim Shettima in Maiduguri.
    Speaking in the state capital penultimate week during a state dinner at the multipurpose hall, Government House, in honour of the visiting former Lagos state governor and the national leaders of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Governor Shettima told a story of how a “a wealthy tyrant” had wanted to pocket All Progressive Congress and Borno state ahead of the 2015 elections to satisfy his obsessive and insatiable ambition.
    Governor Shettima pointed out to the bewildered guests at the dinner that the despot was so desperate for power and hell bent to take over the APC ahead of the 2015 governorship, national and state assembly elections but met his waterloo by forces led by Asiwaju Tinubu.
    By this singular act, Bola has saved democracy, APC and Borno from the clutches of the power drunkard politician.
    Shettima admitted that he was able to take control of Borno state as the partly as a result of the refusal of Tinubu to endorse the “Game plan of a wealthy tyrant” who was so Machiavellian, desperate and fought hard to seize Borno APC but met the brick wall in the Asiwaju.
    In the word of Governor Shettima, “Before the elections, we had the wisdom and sincerity of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who supported us to remain in control of the APC in Borno state, secured our primaries and deployed energies to winning not just the governorship, but also all the three senatorial, 10 House of representative and 28 state assembly seats in Borno state”.
    He went on, “For us in Borno state APC, I must confess that we owe our political freedom and independence to not only our firmness, but importantly, to the wisdom and sincerity of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
    “I always tell people that yes, politics is a local affair, yes, we carried out the fight and deployed different strategies for our freedom, but then, the truth of the matter is that these are two people whose contributions to us were master strokes. We have President Muhammad Buhari’s electrifying popularity to our advantages which significantly helped us during the elections”.
    Governor Shettima explained in appreciation of Asiwaju Tinubu’s efforts and struggles to free Borno from the shackles of a tyrant who vowed to take over Borno at whatever prize that prompted his administration to name the Government estate for medical Doctors “Bola Tinubu Court”. The estate is made up of 26 fully furnished apartments in five sets of three-storey buildings.
    Though Kashim didn’t not name the tyrant, but keen observers of the Nigeria political scene generally and Borno in particular with ears wide opened and eyes to the ground would be able to read correctly the hand writing on the wall.
    Responding, Ahmed Tinubu pointed out that it was a joy for him not only to be in Borno to commission some projects of the state government, but to pass a night in Maiduguri, a thing that was an impossibility three years back when the insurgents held sway. That this is happening now in a testimony to the fact that Boko Haram has been decimated and degraded by the military.
    Tinubu explained to the guests at the dinner why he and his associates of progressive mind had to strike and take over the government through the soapbox. He pointed out that it was imperative to change the administration of President Jonathan through the electoral process because Nigeria was heading for rocks and utter disintegration.
    In Bola Tinubu’s words, “We were in great storm and the ship of this country was challenged. We saw Nigeria drifting as if there was no captain and every patriotic person contributed in bringing the change we are criticizing now. This country would have missed in the map of Africa. I saw a map at the Obasonjo’s library and there was no Nigeria. This would have been the situation”.
    On Boko Haram, the Asiwaju pointed out that the sect wanted to wipe off Borno and take over Nigeria adding, “but it is a privilege to stand here today breathing a new life. Boko Haram can no longer take away our hope, unity and courage. We will win over evil”.
    He referred to Kashim Shettima as a true leader who stood by his people at the critical period of Borno. He remained unruffled when faced with unprecedented and outrageous barbarism of Boko Haram and despicable acts of the mindless political enemies.
    Bola Tinubu explained that today the people of Borno now know those who have used political power for good or for evil. That Kashim was able to withstand various attempts aimed at diverting him from his course and undermine his administration was a great tribute to his administration.
    Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was in Borno for a two day visit during which he commissioned projects on several houses, 13 Primary and Junior Secondary Schools and an estate of medical doctors named after him.
    • Izekor is a journalist and public affairs analysist.

  • Tinubu: I didn’t reject title from Olubadan

    Tinubu: I didn’t reject title from Olubadan

    All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, did not reject a chieftaincy title from Olubadan of Ibadan Oba Saliu Adetunji, his Media Office said yesterday.
    A statement by the office debunked insinuations by a gossip column of a national newspaper that Asiwaju Tinubu turned down the conferment of Balogun chieftaincy title offerd to him by Oba Adetunji.
    The statement said the former Lagos State governor “holds the Olubadan of Ibadan in very high esteem and could not have rejected a chieftaincy offer from him”.
    The statement went on: “The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, is one traditional ruler I have tremendous respect for. I was there in Ibadan last year for his installation.
    “I hold him in high esteem. Governor Abiola Ajimobi also has respect for him. Why would I reject the offer of a chieftaincy title from him?”