“You can’t wish your country well and vote for someone you don’t believe in,” said Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during the Presidential primary election of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in June.
The above assertion came at a time Nigerians were clamouring for good governance and relief from an administration that has impoverished them all in the name of fighting corruption. A relief from the powers that be!
Amidst the euphoria for a new Nigeria, there came the “devil” and his “demons” with gold in exchange for votes. As magical as it may sound, people rejected the light and embraced darkness without minding the hunter’s whistle. Guess what? Tinubu happened to us.
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Fondly called “Jagaban”, Tinubu has become a household name in the annals of Nigerian history with many parts, titles, and acclaim.
Since 1999 when he came in as a tyro governor, albeit with a stint in politics as a senator in the Ibrahim Babangida days, Tinubu has grown in stature and eminence, first, in Lagos politics, to South-west and now on the national front.
From being selected as a candidate to fly the Alliance for Democracy (AD) flag for the Lagos governorship election, Tinubu has become the kingmaker of kings (candidates for elections), year in, year out. Among his political sons are the Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola; the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the list is endless.
Though lacking the intellectual accomplishments and philosophical discipline of the legendary Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Tinubu seems to make up for that with his dexterity, adept political engineering, and shrewd political calculations that sometime border on over-ambition and sheer opportunism.
He neither possesses the gift of oratory nor the charm and capacity to condense long narratives into short and inspiring messages to arouse a people out of slumber. But he identified early, the power of money and has used it to build bridges of favours and political leverage that has sustained him and his political empire. When faced with danger, Tinubu’s most potent response has always been propaganda.
Aside from his positives, Tinubu is believed to share some similarities with President Muhammadu Buhari, which portend him as a looming danger awaiting Nigerians. It is glaring that the “Jagaban of Africa” is going Bubu’s way with his incessant medical trips abroad, amidst all attempts by his disciples to hide the truth about his failing health. But how long will Nigerians be fooled? Nigerians are wary of having another Buhari promax as president, hence, the reason for the recent uproar that greeted the APC flag-bearer’s 12-day “rest trip” to London. Of course, they can’t afford to have another “Ajala” as president!
Nigerians (both home and abroad) have also raised questions about the health status of this fellow who believes the presidency is all about mental fitness, while shying away from the reality on ground. Imagine having another ill president after 8 years of sickness this administration has brought upon the Nigerian people. Hence, the need to rethink and vote wisely come 2023.
Today, Nigeria is in disarray and caution must be taken to avoid electing a leader that will be burdensome to the Nigerian people who have long suffered under the current regime. Hence, the electorates must shun ethnic or money politics and elect a leader they can hold accountable and be proud of. Shine your eye!
- Arogbonlo Israel is a Lagos-based journalist