By Allison Abanum.
The elections came and went, revealing the intricate challenges of governing a diverse nation like Nigeria, particularly in light of the unique difficulties our country currently faces. It is widely acknowledged that a significant portion of the issues plaguing the nation stem from the inadequate management of sensitive matters by previous administrations. Whether it pertains to the ongoing struggle to stabilize the economy, the relentless battle against insurgency, or the enduring fight against corruption and misappropriation of public funds, it was always going to be a monumental task for anyone endeavouring to rectify the collective missteps that have ensnared our beloved nation in the predicament it grapples with today.
It is evident that the magnitude of the task at hand is not overlooked by the individual leading the operations. Clearly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is no stranger to challenges of this nature, given his extensive experience in the private, public, and political spheres. His track record indicates his capacity to deliver positive outcomes and establish a lasting legacy of achievements. It is widely acknowledged that the electoral period was a contentious one characterized by propaganda and skewed narratives. As advocates for the prosperity of our beloved nation, we must consistently discern the negative clamour, distinguish between biased viewpoints and objective truths, and uphold the optimism that honesty presents.
One of the many truths is that the presidency of Bola Ahmed Tinubu presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria to benefit from a leader with a proven track record of transformative governance and strategic acumen. It would be prudent for us to capitalize on this reality by offering unwavering support to this administration, free from politically motivated narratives, and instead holding fast to the evidence that history provides. This is particularly crucial as the man himself is resolute in rectifying the current state of affairs and propelling the country to greater heights. He consistently emphasizes that there is no room for excuses, firmly believing that he is duty-bound to succeed in his mission and consistently demanding peak performance from all individuals tasked with responsibilities, all while navigating through the complex circumstances he has inherited. This mindset reflects the resilience and dedication to a noble cause that he has exemplified since his youth.
It is valid that President Tinubu has demonstrated his acumen as a proficient administrator and a true democrat, with his prior achievements serving as tangible evidence to substantiate this claim. His formative years were characterized by a dedication to education, a relentless pursuit of self-improvement and a struggle for what he believes in. After acquiring a valuable education, he ventured to the United States where he matriculated at Richard J. Daley College in Chicago and subsequently transferred to Chicago State University. In 1979, he successfully obtained a degree in Accounting, a discipline that would lay the groundwork for his forthcoming endeavours in both the realms of business and politics.
It is also valid that upon his return to Nigeria, Tinubu embarked on a prosperous career in the private sector. He collaborated with prestigious firms such as Arthur Andersen, Deloitte, Haskins & Sells, and GTE Services Corporation. His proficiency in accounting and finance secured him a senior position at Mobil Oil Nigeria, where he ascended to an executive role. The exposure to the corporate realm equipped Tinubu with invaluable expertise in management, strategic planning, and economic analysis, all of which he would later leverage in his political endeavours.
Tinubu’s foray into the realm of politics commenced in the early 1990s when he affiliated himself to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). In 1993, he secured the position of Senator representing the Lagos West Constituency. Nevertheless, his incumbency was abruptly terminated by the military coup orchestrated by General Sani Abacha. Amidst this period of political turbulence, Tinubu emerged as a prominent advocate for democracy. He aligned himself with the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a formidable faction dedicated to the reinstatement of democratic governance and the eradication of military hegemony in Nigeria, where he ascended to the role of secretary in the Lagos state chapter.
It was during this period that I had my own firsthand encounter with the gentleman, albeit with the influence of my foster father, Chief MKO Abiola. A man whose name would continue to echo through the annals of Nigerian history and one whom I hold dear to my heart forever and rightfully so. I recall how MKO Abiola used his influence to ensure my enrollment at the Lagos State University staff school, an institution originally designated for the university’s employees, despite neither of my parents being Lagosians nor staff members of the school at the time. This was a pivotal chapter in my educational journey, I must say. I also reminisce about the many other pleasant memories, including the mentorship and paternal care I received from Chief MKO Abiola, a man of impeccable standards. It is common knowledge that the then youthful Bola Ahmed Tinubu was a close associate of the astute late MKO Abiola, particularly in the fight for democracy and the advancement of Nigeria.
Late Chief MKO Abiola must have recognized exceptional potential in him to have taken him under his wing for mentorship. It is this remarkable quality and capacity for success that we must also acknowledge in President Tinubu for the greater good of our society. Throughout his illustrious career, Tinubu has demonstrated unwavering dedication to democratic ideals. As a prominent pro-democracy advocate during Nigeria’s era of military rule, he played a pivotal role in the struggle for the reinstatement of civilian governance. Few individuals in today’s political sphere can claim to have made the personal sacrifices that President Tinubu has made for the advancement of a better Nigeria. Constantly facing threats to his life during the military regime due to his involvement with NADECO and his advocacy for the transition to democratic governance, he was forced to seek refuge in exile in the UK to evade the active persecution by the Abacha-led government.
I remember a time when a much younger and more dynamic Tinubu, alongside Dr. Frederick Fasheun (the Founder of the Oodua Peoples Congress), marched through the streets of Lagos in a display of camaraderie and defiance against military dictatorship. His very livelihood was constantly endangered due to his pro-democracy actions, and not only he, but all those associated with him, were clearly at risk and had to proceed with caution. The selfless sacrifice he made for his country and our collective humanity is often overlooked, and we must not allow distorted narratives to obscure our memories of how much President Tinubu has already given and continues to be willing to give for the advancement of our nation.
I also remember how Bola Tinubu, in his attempt to escape persecution, sought refuge in Benin Republic, only to be pursued by the oppressive Military regime alongside his comrade, the esteemed Pro-democracy activist, Professor Wole Soyinka. Fortunately, he managed to flee the continent and seek exile in the United Kingdom. During his time in exile, Tinubu fearlessly penned poignant articles in the Punch Newspaper denouncing the military government. His unwavering courage and profound belief in the potential greatness of Nigeria, and the heights we can aspire to, were evident. This is the same intense and passionate feeling he could potentially harness as the President of our nation, with our united support as a crucial element.
I recall encountering Tinubu in Ibadan and Akure around 1993, alongside Ola Oni, Dr. Bade Onimode, Laoye Sanda, and other advocates for democracy, vigorously championing the cause for democratic progress amidst the oppressive conditions imposed by the military regime. I distinctly remember one of Tinubu’s associates, Mr. Akinola Benson Oke, who later assumed the role of a Commissioner in Lagos state under Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. Mr. Oke adeptly concealed his identity through various disguises while executing errands for Tinubu in the streets of Lagos during his exile in the UK. This exemplifies the sacrifices and risks undertaken by individuals in Tinubu’s inner circle as they collectively fought for the rights and liberties we now cherish. President Tinubu truly stands as an unsung hero, leaving an indelible mark on Nigerian history and the democratic struggle. It is imperative that we do not allow politically motivated narratives to overshadow his remarkable achievements, but rather foster an environment conducive to further accomplishments, building upon the foundation of his past successes.
The transition to civilian governance in 1999 marked a pivotal moment in Tinubu’s political trajectory. Securing victory in the gubernatorial race of Lagos State, Nigeria’s most populous and economically vital region, was a significant achievement. Tinubu’s governorship, spanning from 1999 to 2007, was truly transformative. Widely regarded as one of the most exceptional among the class of ‘99 Governors, his substantial contributions played a crucial role in shaping Lagos into the thriving cosmopolitan hub it stands as today. Implementing a comprehensive array of reforms, Tinubu focused on enhancing infrastructure, public services, and the overall economic landscape of Lagos.
Tinubu’s administration embarked on extensive infrastructure development projects, focusing on road construction and rehabilitation to enhance connectivity within the state. Additionally, he spearheaded the establishment of new educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and public edifices, significantly elevating the quality of life for the residents of Lagos. Tinubu implemented innovative economic policies that strategically positioned the state for the global recognition it currently enjoys. He introduced tax reforms that bolstered the state’s internally generated revenue, while also prioritizing initiatives to cultivate a conducive business environment, attract investments, and foster entrepreneurial endeavours. These endeavours collectively propelled Lagos into a prominent economic epicenter on the African continent.
Public Services were meticulously managed during Tinubu’s administration, marked by substantial advancements in healthcare and education. The government undertook the construction of new hospitals and clinics, as well as the enhancement of existing facilities, ensuring improved accessibility to healthcare services. In the realm of education, Tinubu’s leadership prioritized infrastructure development, teacher capacity building, and curriculum enhancement, resulting in elevated educational standards. Despite the limited Federal support in the latter part of his tenure as Governor of Lagos, Tinubu’s steadfast commitment to state transformation remained unwavering.
His principled stance against certain ideas of then President Olusegun Obasanjo led to Lagos state being marginalized from federal allocations for the majority of Tinubu’s second term. Nevertheless, this setback did not impede his success, as he redoubled his efforts to advance the state. Evidently, the pursuit of fairness and transparency must persist, underscoring Tinubu’s pivotal role in thwarting President Obasanjo’s unconstitutional bid for a third presidential term.
Inclusive Governance stands out as a prominent feature in his leadership style. Tinubu is renowned for his adeptness in constructing wide-ranging coalitions and uniting diverse political factions. His inclusive governance approach in Lagos and across Nigeria, characterized by collaborative efforts with various stakeholders, ensured the comprehensive addressing of community needs. The capacity to unify and guide a multifaceted nation such as Nigeria is essential for nurturing national cohesion and stability. Therefore, strategic cogitation and alliance-building skills were pivotal in the success of the APC, highlighting his commitment to fortifying Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
President Tinubu’s mentorship legacy is truly commendable as he has played a pivotal role in guiding and empowering emerging leaders who have subsequently assumed key governmental positions. His influence in fostering a new cadre of politicians underscores his dedication to forging a sustainable political landscape for Nigeria. Undoubtedly, extending unwavering support to President Tinubu equates to endorsing a leader who places a premium on capacity-building and enduring progress, fundamental attributes imperative for propelling the nation towards advancement. It is imperative that we collectively aspire towards the enhancement of our country, transcending our diverse political affiliations, ethnic backgrounds, and societal beliefs. The advancement of our nation is paramount and must not be perpetually compromised in the name of political partisanship.
The President has vehemently articulated his Vision for a Better Nigeria, which evidently encompasses tackling pivotal issues such as security, economic diversification, and infrastructure development. His strategies to bolster national security, rejuvenate the agricultural sector, and allocate resources to education and healthcare resonate with the aspirations of numerous Nigerians. His pragmatic and implementable policies pledge to propel Nigeria towards heightened prosperity and stability. It is prudent for us to glean from the overwhelming evidence of stellar performance, selfless dedication to the nation, and a vision of a prosperous Nigeria that the leader has unequivocally demonstrated.
In 2023, Bola Ahmed Tinubu reached the zenith of his political career by securing the presidency of Nigeria. His tenure is regarded as the culmination of years of devoted public service, strategic prowess, and a profound comprehension of Nigeria’s intricate political terrain. His influence on Nigerian politics transcends his administrative accomplishments. Apart from his political endeavors, Tinubu has actively participated in diverse philanthropic endeavors. He has championed initiatives in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, underscoring his dedication to the well-being of Nigerians. His actions have garnered him numerous commendations and acknowledgments both domestically and internationally, highlighting the wealth of experience and potential for success that he brings to benefit our beloved nation.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s journey from a young lad in Lagos to a prominent business magnate, democracy protagonist, influential governor, and eventually the President of Nigeria, is a testament to his resilience, vision, and strategic acumen. His sacrifices for the realization of democracy, his contributions to the development of Lagos State, his pivotal role in the formation and triumph of the APC, and his leadership at the national level have etched an enduring mark on Nigeria’s political landscape. As a distinguished statesman, mentor, and philanthropist, Tinubu’s legacy should undoubtedly serve as a wellspring of inspiration, profoundly shaping the trajectory of Nigeria, particularly during his presidency. Despite the prevailing adversities, a proven track record of favourable outcomes serves as a compelling indicator of what is achievable. Hence, it is imperative that we extend the requisite support and place our trust in his capacity to navigate the current challenges towards a favourable resolution, a feat I firmly believe he is more than capable of accomplishing.
*Abanum writes from Orogun, Delta State.