Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the widely acknowledged leader of the ruling party, All Progressives Congress has paid his dues in returning sanctity to the political circuit of our dear nation, Nigeria. To many, he is an enigma, a man who is larger than life. His track record in the political scene in Nigeria is terrific and incomparable.
There is actually no need for joining issues in the media with those who do not support his quest for Presidency. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has earned respect for himself amongst his political allies and foes all together, so perhaps there is no need to focus on the false, wrong and mischievous impression others may want to create about his personality for public consumption. Asiwaju has been a consistent progressive, who at no time digressed from the tenets, beliefs and convictions of the Awoist nation. Unlike his contemporaries, the Jagaban of Borgu has stayed in the Progressives fold, which has earned him the widely acclaimed title of a leader in the APC.
His presence in the party has been like that of a shepherd and his sheep. A shepherd is compassionate and guards his sheep with his rod, lest they go astray. He constructively engages the Federal Government and State Governments on key policy decisions, particularly those that will eventually require legislative approval in the best interest of the nation.
A genuine leader, Asiwaju is a candidate that brandishes impeccable pedigree. Nobody can deny his political dexterity. He is known to have fought and won several political battles. The best the Yoruba people can do for the region is to rally behind this candidate and ensure that he clinches power in 2023. The Yorubas do not have to search too far as the former governor of Lagos State and leader of the ruling party has shown interest in the 2023 contest. Besides, it is on record that the Yorubas have complained bitterly about marginalization, resulting in the emergence of separatist groups calling for the establishment of Oduduwa Republic. However, the Yoruba nation, at this time, in preparation for 2023, needs a man who can fight this battle and win. All eyes are presently on the South-West after President Buhari spends his mandatory eight years in office, so it is pertinent to let the man who knows the way lead us. The complexity attached to the process of separation compared to this great opportunity to gain political power of the nation in 2023 through a laid down democratic process is staring us at the face. It is only wise to stick to the latter.
Therefore, Yorubas cannot afford to lose the opportunity due to our political divide, selfishness, unnecessary protests, issuance of quit notices to other ethnicities and a general lack of stability.After his rule as the Governor of Lagos State, Tinubu has been a major force in the State, commanding the reign or otherwise of successive Governors for 22 years in the metropolitan state. He holds sway so much that, any erring Governor who refuses to dance to the tune of the people, forfeited his 2nd term bid. Tinubu has enigmatically and unprecedentedly controlled the leadership positions in the centre of excellence, successfully installing six governors, in Lagos and beyond, numerous members of the National and state houses of assemblies and others outside the sphere of politics. In the same way, he ensures that many stakeholders who worked strenuously to get any administration into office are never excluded in the government and are consulted on key decisions as necessary and expected. Despite his influence, Tinubu makes sure that justice, equity and inclusion as basic pre-conditions for peace, unity and stability are not ignored. A just man, Tinubu does everything to ensure that the basic rules of party administration, which should promote harmonious relations among the various elements within the party are not disregarded in any means. He would not tolerate the deliberate violation or disregard for all governance principles which were required for a healthy functioning of the party and the government. This has been his watch-word in the enthronement or otherwise of any political leader in Lagos, or other parts of the nation. And he ensures that all entreaties for justice, equity and fairness as basic precondition for peace and unity, not only within the party, but also the country at large, are adhered to.
A staunch democrat, it is pertinent to say that Tinubu is never a god. He had his disappointing times too, when his wishes were never granted. He never kept mute, he expressed his displeasure with the style of the government. Despite his experience and that of his associates in the past, Asiwaju never attempted to leave the democratic fold. Rather, he sought opportunities to seek redress and correct any anomalies. Tinubu pursued reconciliation within the APC fold, expressing strong opinion that he would rather support the Government of the day rather than lose interest in a government he built with his own hands. He has made decisions based on protecting the collective national interest, living with the identified inadequacies of the government demonstrating consistency in his beliefs.
Tinubu has proven himself to be a multifaceted and vivacious political juggernaut, who brandishes many ideas that are valuable, timely and impeccable. Beyond this, Asiwaju is a strategic thinker whose nature adapts to any form of change. It should be known that Democracy is a system that allows people to freely make their choices. If Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made a decision to serve the nation, it is his choice that he has decided to join the race to present a viable alternative for Nigerians in the coming political dispensation.
In conclusion, let us recall that, Allah gives power to whom He wishes. Human beings can only aspire and strive to fulfill their aspirations.
Kashetu Momoh is a member of the editorial team of TheScript Newspapers
