The Global Chairman Bola Ahmed Tinubu Solidarity Vanguard Ambassador (Dr.) Dare Owotomobi, FCPA compiled and sponsored this special political profile of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for publication on SOJ WORLDWIDE ONLINE NEWS medium.
The publication will be published in three parts considering the volumes of the compilations of the political achievements of Asiwaju Tinubu in the past decades.
Have happy readings:
“THE GREATEST LIVING POLITICAL LEGENDARY ASIWAJU BOLA HAMMED TINUBU
Anyone in his right thinking and study of the politics and personalities in Nigeria in the last Two (2) Decades and, particularly, in the last five years, will not find it difficult to stand Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu out as the greatest “Politician-cum-strategist” of his generation. Sure, you read that correctly: Greatest!
It is evidently true that “no politician in recent times” has the breath and depth of his scalable Influence in Nigeria.
Perhaps, in order to re-jiggle the brains of “those with imperfect memory” OR his detractors, it is pertinent to examine his starling role, leadership style and accomplishment in context.
PRO-DEMOCRACY ACTIVISM
From the time he left the corporate world for politics in 1992, from the word go, it was obvious that he was determined to “fulfil a yearning gap in the leadership of the Southwest – and by extension, Nigeria in general hence, since 1999, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been a “Pillar of Democracy”.
Besides, it is true that he has played more roles than any “living” Nigerian since 1993 to ensure the sustanance of Nigeria Unity and Democracy.
Evidently, as a Democrat and Nationalist, he is Distinguished, Formidable and Illustrious.
Consequent of his pro-democracy activism upon the annulment of June 12 1993 Presidential Election, he was not only with those who marched on the streets, but those who provided what “Stasiologists call the sinews of WAR.
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[Of] JUNE 12, 1993 PRESIDENTIAL Election STRUGGLES
It is well known that the annulment of June 12, 1993 Nigeria Presidential Election won by Chief MKO Abiola and the consequent fresh militarization of the Nigerian politics, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu became a “founding” member of the famous pro-democracy group, the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) which, for several years, engaged the military for the very soul of Nigeria.
Subsequently, Tinubu suffered many arrests and detentions, harassments and constant threat to his life, forcing him to flee Nigeria for his personal safety. He however, did not give up the struggle as he joined NADECO abroad and continued the agitation for restoration of democratic Governance and the rule of law in Nigeria.
Then he was shuttling between UK and Benin Republic. At a point, his darling wife, Oluremi had to “invoke a family clause that exists in America to fight for her husband to join her before they granted him a “Special” priviledge to leave UK to join the family in United States. From there, he fired salvos at the military. He inspired other pro-democracy groups at home and abroad, whose activities led to the Civil rule in 1999.
Below are other offerings from the “Soldier of Democracy” :
☄️ Aside being the “closest Confidant” to MKO Abiola, he was on Campaign train with him to 22 States of the Federation, needless to also add that he was the very brain behind the EPETEDO Declaration).
☄️IBB once declared him “persona-non-grata” because of the roles he played as “Chairman Senate Committee on Finance” as well as the “Leader of the Opposition” who led the “G-Mandate” comprising of 30 Senators organized to execute the June 12 Mandate before Gen. Sanni Abacha suddenly came on the scene with excuse that there would be a change of government, which would be in favor of June 12, because they were tired of the Shenanigans of the Shonekan Interim Nantional Government (ING), unknown to many Nigerians, there were two faces to June 12.
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☄️ His Lagos House was “bombed” and passport was
“Confiscated” and deposited with a High Court (The presiding Judge then was the incumbent Emir of Ilorin, Sule Gambari forcing him to flee Nigeria (disguised in huge turban and babanriga into Benin Republic on motor bike) for his personal safety.
Let me quickly bring in a side note here: NADECO’s personality and tenacity was found nowhere else. They have the ability to Unify and Rally like none other and their ability to unite against a common threat spells disaster for anyone daring to stand against them not even barbaric Executions, Imprisonment, or the Torments of Soldiers could hold them under restraint.
It was the seeds of their gentle protests or more elegantly “Struggles” that caused the Military Junta’s to relinquish power in 1993!
NADECO Chieftain, Col. Tony Nyiam (Rtd) lovely piece “In June 12: Kola Abiola got it wrong” sums it:
“In spite of my personal disagreement with Asiwaju, I cannot be a witness to Kola Abiola’s ungratefulness to the lowest depth, we need to set the records straight. Like MKO had commended Sen. Bola Ahmed TINUBU’s role in support of June 12 cause, apart from Prof. Wole Soyinka, who contributed through his leadership of NALICON and gave us a link to the leaders of Norway, Canada, followed by Gen. Alani Akinrinade and of course, the leader of all of us, Chief Anthony Enahoro, no one else had contributed more than Asiwaju. At a point Asiwaju sold his personal London Properties for the struggle! In fact,the last one to be sold was the one which his uncle, Wale Tinubu’s father and former Police Commissioner, gave him to manage which while he was on exile.
READ ALSO: ASIWAJU TINUBU: Leaders are naturally chosen by God. – ROTIMI MAKINDE
The real operative activities against Sani Abacha were enormous. From Wester Europe and North America, Tinubu was involved. Tinubu “organized” and ‘Funded’ the training of our men, SAS Agents. Tinubu funded my trips to meet with Y. Mussevini in Uganda, to take advantage of MKO’s goodwill. Mussevini was ready to train our Corps. Tinubu was more than reliable during the pro-democracy action against Gen. Abacha’s dictatorial rule. That reliability is unchangeable. If you doubt me, ask the present governor of Ekiti state, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
Most of the funding for “Radio Kudirat” came from Tinubu through Ola Soyinka, son to Prof. Wole Soyinka! And I can say Tinubu’s other son can bear witness to that. The international eminent Professor, Segun Gbadegesin, can testify to Tinubu’s support for those operations in United States of America.”
☄️ Till date, Tinubu was the sole “initiator” of JUNE 12 REMEMBRANCE in Southwestern States and thereafter,
☄️ He was the underground “Facilitator” of his (Abiola GCON) being POST-HUMOUSLY recognized as former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In all of these, he paid dearly for a cause, which Nigeria as a nation are benefiting from till today. The former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. Emeka Anyaoku, described it thus:
“…. Asiwaju is a true champion of democracy and good Governance. He has paid his dues – and has an assured space in the pantheon/plagues of Heroes of Democracy.
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Tinubu is an effective advocate and committed Activist for the return of democracy to Nigeria – and restitution of MKO Abiola’s mandate, and he was among the chosen few that speak truth to power.”
SOUTHWEST EMANCIPATION
Politically today, the Yoruba race is saddled with the gracious personality of TINUBU. In private and public offerings, the ‘Legendary’ Tinubu is quick in realizing that “Leadership” is not only something done ‘to’ the people, but something done ‘with’ the people. It is not just possible, as Yoruba indigene, to escape his ‘influence or radical’ giving.
In fact, to state that the Yoruba land would have been different and probably more successful region (politically) today without the “effective” leadership of his breath of ‘Vision’ ; nugget of ‘Wisdom’ as well as the capacity to think in an ‘Original’ way – would be tantamount to day-light robbery!
Before now, Tinubu has transposed himself into an amiable personality of “Social Crusader” and succeeded in establishing a LEGACY: Consensus Re-builder of pro-Yoruba Existentialism.
Besides, as firm believer in ‘asthetics’, he has continued to display contagious “passion” in tackling the under-development of his geo-political region into beautiful symphony of elegance, and scoring arrays of ‘firsts’ via innovative developmental schemes.
Without doubt, today, Tinubu’s EMPIRE is writ large, covering almost the whole of the old Wester Region, the same landscape over which the legendary Awo made his mark and left indelible prints. Like Awo, Tinubu achievements in “EDUCATION alone as Governor of Lagos State is testaments of his greatness:
It is true that in “Education”, there was massive rehabilitation of both Primary and Secondary schools in all divisions of the state via the “Schools Rehabilitation Programme, needless to also add the massive construction of school furniture and equipping the laboratories.
READ ALSO: #ENDSARS: NECO postpones all exams till further notice
In the followings, Asiwaju “blazes the trail” for public sector, which is presently a “Model” for the country:
*Provision of “Free Education” in all public Primary & Secondary Schools
*Payment of WAEC NECO Fees as well as external examination Fees.
*His regime initiated the first-ever “One-day Governor” program of the state – Spelling Bee Competition – in planting the “reading culture in Secondary School Students.
It is instructive that since inception of the programme in 2001, other ethnic groups have won the competition Six (6) times: Ebuka Anisiobi (2001); Ovuwhore Etiti (2002), Abundance Ikechukwu (2006), Daniel Osunbor (2008), Akpakpan Iniodu (2011) and Lilian Ogbuefi (2012).
The Pupils were not denied their scholarships because they are non-Yoruba, rather they enjoyed all benefits as worthy sons and daughters of the Center of Excellence.
*Construction of Millennium Schools
*He was the first Governor in Nigeria to start and made public pronouncement on “Linkage Classes” (2004); an equivalent of Nursery Education. The effect of this foresight, now widely branded “Early Childhood & Care Education, is such that it increases enrollment, retention and completion.
*He was the first Governor in Nigeria to establish (Local & International) Scholarships Grants – from Primary to Tertiary Institutions – in any field.
And like his Idol, Papa Awolowo, he has already had his fair share of “HEROICS! Contesting the Military is one. Surviving Afenifere is another. He gallantly resisted President Obasanjo’s 2003 Holocaust and fought the same Obasanjo to a standstill over the issue of his creation of additional 37 Local Councils in Lagos.
Rising out of the ashes of AD, like the Sphinx, and advancing to build a massive political ‘Realm’ that he now presides over today is another plus, needless to also add the most recent triumph of leading the PROGRESSIVES Elements of the NORTH and SOUTH to occupy the Center as once “Predicted” by Papa Awolowo himself.
[Of] REGIONAL INTEGRATION BEYOND YORUBA BORDERS
To be sure, Yoruba integration is a desirable project and it should be pursued. Today, the conflation of the expansion of APC’s fortunes with a Yoruba Agenda has continued to positively affect the party’s national stature, not necessary portraying it as Yoruba party, but as a “Progressive party” to rally other parties to common goal. After all, there is nothing wrong in combining Yoruba nationalism with a Progressive Federalist, Egalitarian and Democratic politics.
Asiwaju Tinubu is a staunch believer in “level-pegging”. Before now, he had been hailed for initiating the idea of regional integration, which had returned the region to its glorious days.
The truth is, we are yet to see a Nigerian that had expended so much Energy and Resources, Intellectual capability and capacity to free his people. I am not talking of the Southwest alone. Tinubu has continued to display statesmanship, Leadership at highest level.
But via his “Vision and Support”, Southwest states, the Yoruba-controlled regions elected or imposed ‘Governors’ as some would want us to belive, have been forging ahead in Unison…charging governments of the Southwest states of Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Lagos, EKITI, Osun and, by extension, EDO to ensure more economic integration among them to improve the Socio-Economic Development of the regions. (see The Nation Newspaper “ACN, Regional Development: Southwest Govs. Charts Common Agenda. March 17, 2012.)
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[Of] RESURGENT AND DYNAMIC SOUTHWEST REGION
In 1992, his political career began on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), where he was a member of the SHEHU MUSA YAR’ ADUA-led faction of the defunct Peoples Front. He was elected into the Senate from Lagos West Constituency – scoring the highest number of votes all over the country – the largest Senatorial District in the country. As Senator, he was the “arrowhead” of other Senators seeking an end to military rule, needless to also add that he was the “Leader of the Opposition.”
In 2003, while other Southwest Governors were “crushed” in that year General elections, he was the “only” standing governor that survived the President Obasanjo-led PDP tsunami on the geo-political zone. He later formed “Action Congress (AC) “, a platform on which he provided “Financial Buffers” for the likes of Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) and Dr. Kayode Fayemi and so on to first political prominence.
BY 2006, the AC had strong presence in the Southwest (with 5 Governors, 15 Senators and 6 State House of Representatives); Mid-west (1 Governor), and North Central Regions (3 Senators).
It’s discernable Power-base and presence was more felt in Lagos, Edo, Ekiti, Ondo, Bauchi, Plateau, Niger, Adamawa, Oyo and Osun States.
In 2008, as the Generalissimo of the Southwest region, Tinubu, under the quintessential “Soldiers of Democracy” solely reclaimed Ekiti, Osun, Edo and Ondo States, leading to the resurgence of a “dynamic” Southwest.
In the 21st April 2007 Nigerian National Assembly elections, the AC Party won 32 seats in the House of Representative and 6 seats in the Senate.
In 2010, the Action Congress changed her name to “Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) for wider geo-political spread.
In tribute at his 60th Birthday, former Vice-President, Namadi Sambo, honestly sums Asiwaju thus:
“… We sincerely must commend Asiwaju’s role in growing democracy by conscientiously and methodically building the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Although I belong to the other side of the political divide, the great PDP that is a Colossus and has been trouncing all other parties, I cannot but acknowledge that the ACN has become one of the most formidable actors in Nigeria’s democratic theater. It offers Nigerias a credible alternative and helps to keep authoritarianism at bay.”
By 2011, Tinubu finally liberated Ogun and Oyo States. *Same year, he was centrally “instrumental” to President Goodluck Jonathan’s victory in the general elections, just as he was “chiefly” behind his Exit in 2015 Presidential elections.
[Of NATIONAL LEADERSHIP]
“The epic turn from governing a single state to “National Leadership” began even before 2015. Few believed, as Asiwaju did, that the 2015 “mysterious” achievement would “CROWN his Political Accomplishments in Life! Or who could have thought that the “Progressives”, via the delicacy and Manual Skills of his “National Leadership”, would fulfill the VISION of achieving what the “Oppositions” attempted in 1959/60; 1964, 1979,1983, 1999 and 2011, but could not despite their intellectual capacity, Ideological inclinations and Vision for a better society.”
www.sojworldnews.com (c) January 15, 2021
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