By Hon. Rotimi Makinde
From all indications the stalwart of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju (Senator) Bola Ahmed Tinubu is unequivocally a unique politician who has laid a solid legacy for which his name will remain ever indelible on the sand of time in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.
He is indeed a man who will always be miles ahead his peers because of the patriotic nature of his struggle back in the days. More pointedly, Asiwaju Tinubu’s career blossomed during the Third Republic crisis. He had refused to be intimidated by the military when he was a Senator.
As a chartered accountant and financial surgeon, he vetted the budget sent by the military government to the parliament. To underscore the rejection of a rubber stamp National Assembly, he was among the bold and brave Senators who rejected the budget sent by former military President Ibrahim Babangida. He decried the reluctance of the military to disengage from power, following the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief Moshood Abiola.
As a chieftain of the defunct National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Tinubu became a soldier of democracy, daring the soldiers. However, when civil rule was restored in 1999, power eluded the democratic fighters. The onus was on Tinubu to continue the battle under the Obasanjo administration. The former president attempted to rule with an iron hand, typical of military rulers. But, Tinubu challenged the administration to a duel, especially over its subversion of the ballot box.
Thus, he became an advocate of electoral reforms, which he said, was critical to the survival of democracy. Endowed with a rare organisational ability, mobilisation, incisive wit and resilience.
Asiwaju in his generosity and inclusive leadership style is a man that belongs to everybody and as well to anybody who believes in his cause and ideology. Impressively, this unique leader incredibly possesses numerous milestones and feats which he achieved in the past as a seasoned administrator both in the private and public sectors, no wonder the clamor for him to rule Nigeria in 2023 has become the popular discussion among old and the young, deservedly so.
He has a clean record of not betraying anyone as well as not forgetting those who have been there for him one way or the other; and if he believes in you, he stands by you till the end even if he is the only one that gives in to your cause. He is a quintessential mentor and a trailblazer; Asiwaju believes in win-win and never engages in do-or-die politics. His humanitarian ideology rejects blood-politicking or life wasting exercise as commonly practiced by some overzealous and vicious politicians who have no respect for sanctity of life.
Tinubu’s discoveries of best hands for the jobs are based on careful observation and insights with clear consideration for competence and more importantly without bias or prejudice. His love for Nigeria surpasses his biggest ambition. He is not just a political leader but an entrepreneur who has established viable economic platforms for people’s aspirations to thrive and for the provision of social safety nets for qualified, trainable and employable youths at different levels.
He is not a brand made for greed as his life is an embodiment of public good and interest which is very rare in our body politic. Whatever Tinubu owns is for public service, even his personal residence is open to the people where the rich and the poor usually converge for their respective intents.
How best can a man like this be honoured whose words have become that of a ‘Traditional Oracle’ for not just his followers but the general political class in the country. His finest quality lies in his ability to quickly forgive; a large heart but clothed in children’s spirit. The youth of today must learn a lot from this amazing political enigma and ensure that such attractive legacies and virtues of his, become a national model for the coming generation.
The army of our youths in Nigeria must eschew bitterness; learn the beautiful and enviable ‘doctrines’ established by Asiwaju Tinubu on leadership, education, sociology and governance. The Yoruba race does not honour a hero alive; however, we can kill this old norm to ensure a successful transition of legendary accomplishments from a living hero to a successive generation which is then bound to produce multiples of such greatness in the future.
However, what this generation must also passionately consider at a time like this is to honour this great and moral icon, as well as his illustrious achievements, and ensure to get the best of his finest secrets for greatness come 2023 and beyond. Once again, I make bold to stand and say “Asiwaju on your madate we shall stand” in the overall interest of Nigeria and for the generation yet unborn.
Hon. Rotimi Makinde is a critical stakeholder of “South West Agenda 2023” and former member of House of Representatives in the 7th Assembly.