BY TIMOTHY AGBOR, OSOGBO
Today, May 29, 2023, many Nigerians will heave a sigh of relief as the eight years administration of the outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari officially ends. However, masses can’t hide their joy because His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be inaugurated as the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Tinubu has long endeared himself to Nigerians, not only because of his achievements in his political foray, but also his exceptional personal dynamism, legendary benevolence and detribalistic posture. For many Nigerians, Tinubu is not only visionary and highly sophisticated in discovering talents and aiding them to greatness, the former governor of Lagos State is also a goal-getter.
His resolve to make a difference in any situation requiring sagacity and transformational leadership has distinguished him and further attests to his readiness to rescue Nigeria from the shackles that have held it bound.
The somewhat prophetic ‘Emi Lokan’ assertion of Tinubu in the build-up to the February 25 presidential election presented to the nation a man with conviction and proven wherewithal for accomplishment.
Guided by this tenet, Tinubu easily soldiers through the storm of distractions, ignores cynicism and mitigates envy on his way to glory. Even though his achievements have made him appear exceptional, he does not want to be cut-off from his early childhood, which he described as “challenging enough to teach empathy and learn to do good”.
As a veteran politician, Tinubu always has a way of setting the pace. It wasn’t surprising for his plethora of political apostles when he went about meeting those he contested the recent election with and assuring them that victory can be shared in love. This uncommon attitude of this enigmatic nationalist has further attested to the fact that he is a bridge builder who doesn’t dwell in politics of bitterness or winner takes it all mentality.
The sterling records of Tinubu are not accidental. Since his sojourn at the Chicago State University where he graduated Summa cum laude (with First Class Honours) in Business Administration (Accounting and Management) with a cumulative weighted average point of 3.54 out of a maximum 4 points) in 1979; Tinubu has continued to show extra-ordinary brilliance in every sphere of his life. With his attitude, it is not doubtful that Tinubu is a people’s person, whose milk of kindness flows ceaselessly to assuage the pains of citizens far and near in Nigeria.
Popularly called ‘Jagaban Borgu’ owing to his deft political moves and uncanny knack for resolving complex political issues and forming alliances in difficult terrains, Tinubu, a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a two-term governor in Lagos State, made a mark in the corporate world before deciding to selflessly serve Nigerians through quality representative and state governance.
Before his impressive transition into politics, Tinubu, who was on Chicago State University Dean’s List throughout his stay at the university, won the ‘Outstanding Student’s Award’ and bagged a Certificate of Merit in Accounting and Finance. Tinubu was headhunted by big companies like Arthur Anderson, Deloitte, Haskins and Sells (now Delliotte and Touche) and Mobil because of his intellectual resourcefulness and exceptional academic performance.
Tinubu worked at Mobil Producing Nigeria (now Mobil Nigeria) and held positions like Senior Auditor and Company Treasurer before retiring from the later position (Company Treasurer at Mobil) to join politics in 1989. For those who knew him from school, the decision to resign from such a plumb job to swim in the unstable waters of politics did not come as a surprise. It had been known then that he would venture into politics because he served as ‘President, Chicago State University Accounting Society’ in his final year in the university.
When the call of service through politics came, Tinubu sacrificed a burgeoning career in the corporate world just to make Nigeria a better country. If he had continued in the corporate world, he would still have been exceedingly successful and celebrated for being outstanding. He was already on that pedestal. That was why the then Managing Director of Mobil Producing Nigeria thought that he was crazy when he announced to the company that he wanted to join politics.
Similarly, the Finance Director, Pius Akinyelure, did not think the idea was well thought through. Tinubu was, however, determined to use his brain for a better Nigeria instead of remaining an armchair critic.
With Kola Oseni and Dapo Sarumi’s interest in contesting for the gubernatorial election in Lagos State, Tinubu, because of his relationship with both, became involved, although not in their politics, which they had long started, but was raising funds for their campaigns. His interest then was the quest for a better and more efficient Lagos since their aspiration was “quality service delivery for Lagos State”.
Tinubu was fascinated by this objective because he saw Lagos State in the mode of a department that needed a good manager.
“Things were not properly done and the state was not efficiently run”, he enthused.
So, the allure of getting the state administered capably, to standard, and by a civilised person pulled him in, and he became more involved beyond raising funds for the campaign. Of the two candidates, Sarunmi became the party flag bearer and enjoyed Tinubu’s support generously.
Unfortunately, the military banned Sarunmi and Femi Agabalajobi, and Tinubu supported Yomi Edu. Even though Edu lost the election, Tinubu’s involvement got him a place on the front-row of the Nigeria socio-economic and political sphere. He leveraged the opportunity to make eloquent interventions such as his review of the Structural Adjustment Programme, which was introduced by the military. Elements from his review of SAP led to the birth of new generation banks, which opened up the economy and created employment opportunities for Nigerian youths, with benefits going to other segments of the Nigerian society.
TINUBU’S ACHIEVEMENTS
The success story of Lagos State is a classic case study of what having a vision and running with it can achieve in the trajectory of an individual, state and country. Pre-1999, Lagos though a former Federal Capital Territory, had practically lost its trappings as a centre of excellence and glamour. It was a state beset with multifarious challenges that were herculean and seemingly insurmountable. The educational sector was in comatose. The health sector was not different. The transportation sector was ancient and archaic. Infrastructure was in an appalling state. Worse still, the civil service, the engine room expected to drive government policies was literally on a downward spiral.
“That Lagos State is now rated as one of the biggest economies in Africa did not happen out of the blue. It is as a result of Tinubu’s incomparable vision and the guts to walk where others fear to tread”
From one successive government to another, these challenges had defied all solutions. Lagos, for many, was no better than a jungle fit for the sub-human. From May 29, 1999, the story soon began to change for good.
Thanks to Tinubu who took the most populous city in Africa out of doldrums. His vision and ideas to turnaround the trajectory of Lagos were bold and grandiose. Once he was declared winner of the governorship election, Tinubu set to work. He was, arguably, the first and only governor-elect who set up a Transition Committee to fashion out a blueprint for his administration.
The Committee had various sub-committees manned by successful and accomplished professionals in various fields to proffer short, medium and long term solutions to the myriad of challenges confronting Lagos State, from Traffic Management, Health and Education, Sports, Revenue Generation, Road Infrastructure, to mention but a few.
Few weeks before his inauguration as governor, Tinubu already had a 32-year blueprint that guided the modus operandi of his administration, and successive governments in the state. To assist him achieve his vision, he constituted a cabinet that is still rated the best ever in the history of Lagos. From the current Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo in charge of the Ministry of Justice, to Olawale Edun (Finance), Olayemi Cardoso (Budget and Economic Planning), Dele Alake (Information and Strategy) amongst several others, the Lagos cabinet was an assemblage of the best of the best.
In no distant time, the results began to manifest. From one ground breaking initiative and policy to the other, the Tinubu-led government from 1999 to 2007 recorded several firsts in the country. It was the first government in the country that introduced an agency specifically charged with the responsibility of managing the chaotic traffic situation known as the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency.
This initiative has been copied by many states across the country. In finding a holistic solution to the transportation crisis being faced by the state, Tinubu’s government established LAMATA, which drew the blueprint to construct five light rail lines in the five divisions of the state. Two of such, the Red and Blue Lines are currently on the verge of completion. The construction of the Green Line, of which design is ready, is the next project in focus and would run across the Marina-Lekki corridor.
In strict adherence to the actualisation of the transportation master plan, the Lagos State Waterways Authority was established by Tinubu’s successor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, the Minister of Works and Housing. This is to take advantage of the aquatic endowment of the state to further make commuting by Lagosians on the sea easier and faster.
In the education sector, the first bold step undertaken by the Tinubu government was the return of missionary, faith-based schools to their original owners. That policy has also been copied by many state governments. In addition, several new millennial schools were built, while several old schools were rehabilitated and reconstructed. Reforms were also carried out in school management and administration. Teachers who hitherto were not given their pride of place soon began to smile. Like it obtains in the civil service, teachers with outstanding record and long service for the very first time in the history of the country rose to the enviable position of Tutor General, equivalent to the position of a Permanent Secretary. It was unprecedented.
To ensure no child was left behind in acquiring basic education, the Tinubu-led administration declared free primary and secondary education irrespective of a child’s state of origin. And for the first time ever, the Tinubu government paid the WAEC fees of all SS 3 public secondary school students. Even more commendably, thousands of teachers were recruited to fill the manpower gap in public schools.
The health sector was not left out. New General Hospitals, in Igando, Ikorodu, Orile Agege to mention but a few were built, while existing ones were rehabilitated and equipped to cope with the ever expanding health needs of Lagosians. Furthermore, mobile health clinics were set up to dispense healthcare to Lagosians, particularly accident victims. Under Tinubu, the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital received a massive facelift that has stood the test of time.
In Housing, the Tinubu-led government constructed several low and medium term housing estates across the length and breadth of the state. From Ifako Ijaiye, Agege, Ojokoro, Lagos Island, Lekki amongst others, Tinubu’s footprints in the housing still dot the landscape.
In road infrastructure, the Tinubu-led administration recorded many feats. Major road projects carried out included the famous Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Ojuelegba to Lawanson Road, Adeola Odeku, Adetokubo Ademola, LASU-Iba, Akin Adesola, the consortium of roads within the Marina/Broad Streets CBD, to mention but a few. These roads are still in good shape almost 20 years after they were reconstructed.
But it is in the areas of tax reforms and Internally Generated Revenue that Tinubu has displayed his management dexterity the most. This template has been copied by the Federal Government and several states.
From a paltry N600 million pre-1999, Tinubu’s government jerked up the revenue of the state to almost N10 billion by the time he handed over in 2007. The Lagos IGR today is over N753 billion, a testimony to the vision and foresight of Tinubu.
It is also to the credit of the Tinubu-led administration that the inherent benefits of the Capital Market via Bonds to fund developmental projects were first discovered and tapped.
Both the federal and many states have since keyed into this. Not a few opposition figures thought this was impossible then. But Tinubu’s ingenuity made it possible. At the core of all of Tinubu’s government policies were to end poverty, improve human capital development and, most importantly, create jobs.
The establishment of agencies such as LASTMA, LAMATA, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency (LASAA), Lagos State Environmental and Protection Agency (LASEPA), Kick Against indiscipline (KAI) Corps, and Ministries of Housing, Waterfront Development, Office of the Central Business District, creation of new Local Governments to bring development to the grassroots and many others have created hundreds of thousands of jobs and reduced poverty significantly.
During his reign as Lagos Governor, Tinubu was able to secure the state and through a Trust Fund his administration initiated. Arguably, Tinubu’s biggest achievement is his innate gift to identify worthy successors that have kept the glow of achievements in the state aflame from 2007 when his tenure lapsed till date. Starting from Babatunde Fashola, who took over from him and redefined governance, to Akinwunmi Ambode, who left his footprints on the sands of time to the incumbent governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the fidelity to the master plan put in place in 1999, but which each of the aforementioned trio have tweaked and improved upon to conform with prevailing realities, is a clear testament to the vision of Tinubu as the greatest politician of this era.
That Lagos State is now rated as one of the biggest economies in Africa did not happen out of the blues. It is as a result of Tinubu’s incomparable vision and the guts to walk where others fear to tread.
A PRO-DEMOCRACY CHAMPION PAR EXCELLENCE
Tinubu’s name occupies a pride of place in the political history of Nigeria for his noble contributions and acts of bravery during the dark days of the military. He was a strong member of NADECO and fought, with his life at risk, to rescue democracy. The need to protect Nigerians, guarantee their freedom and ensure adherence to rule of law and return to constitutional democracy.
During the struggle, he would disguise with a huge turban and babanriga, and escape into Benin Republic on a motorbike to deliver some information and briefing to Kudirat Abiola, late MKO’s wife, who was also killed by the military. She would not even recognize him because of how well he had disguised himself, before leaving at about 1.00am. The struggle was fierce, and every day was a gift, because the military was deadly.
In an interview, Tinubu said “members of the group were highly itinerant because of the need to remain alive as marksmen were looking for them all over”. He was responsible for organising and coordinating the struggle with others, who were shuttling between Benin Republic and Badagry. He would, with other NADECO leaders ferry people from these destinations, hold meetings with some young and vibrant minds, to sustain the tempo of the onslaught on military dictatorship. Tinubu did not only provide leadership during the struggle and challenging time, he also showed character and demonstrated that he is an ardent believer in democratic ideals and lent his resources to fight the course.
TINUBU LIFTED COUNTLESS OF NIGERIANS FROM OBSCURITY TO STARDOM
Tinubu’s human development is arguably unmatched in Nigeria. As an extraordinary talent hunter and human capacity builder whose greatness has impacted positively on the lives of countless others, Tinubu is blessed with the innate gift of lifting people from their obscure level to stardom.
In the history of Nigeria and perhaps recent history, no political figure of the standing of Tinubu has invested as much as he has done in identifying talents, nurturing them and putting them in strategic leadership positions and watching them blossom.
The late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo is a possible figure who can rival Tinubu in this area in terms of the mental aptitude and capacity to attract and retain bright minds across the broad spectrum of the society. Whether from the main street or Broad Street and or Ivory Tower, Tinubu is at home with talents of social and ideological persuasion. This explains why he has remained on top of his game among the politicians of his class and has been a permanent fixture on national politics in the last two decades.
“Tinubu said his objective is to foster a new society based on shared prosperity, tolerance, compassion, and the unwavering commitment to treating each citizen with equal respect and due regard”
Tinubu is an engaging, well grounded, super intelligent leader and administrator who can hold his own among the smartest and the brightest anywhere in the world. It is no wonder his associates and protégés have all succeeded beyond measures in all state and national assignments bestowed upon them.
A dereligionised and detribalized leader of uncommon patriotism, Tinubu is arguably the only active politician today in Nigeria who can boast of having associates and friends in every local government in Nigeria.
He is comfortable in the midst of royals, the wealthy as much as he is with the poor and ordinary folks on the street. As a leader, Tinubu seeks talents wherever he can find and put them to use without consideration for religious beliefs and creed. For Tinubu, it is humanity first and the ability of whosoever to deliver.
Some of Tinubu’s men and women who have excelled in their own right included Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), Femi Gbajabiamila, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Gboyega Oyetola, Rauf Aregbesola, Adams Oshiomhole, Kayode Fayemi, Rotimi Akeredolu, Ibikunle Amosun, late Abiola Ajimobi, Femi Pedro, Idiat Adebule, late Adebayo Oshinowo, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, Sen. Ganiyu Solomon, Sen. Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, Sen. Babafemi Ojodu, Hon. James Faleke, Sen. Olorunimbe Mamora, Sen. Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Sen. Gbenga Ashafa, Sen. Adetokunbo Abiru, Amb. Musiliu Obanikoro, Alh. Lai Muhammed, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, Hon. Adefulire Orelope, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Dr. Muiz Banire, Mudashiru Obasa, Joe Igbokwe, HRM Omogbolahan Lawal, HRM Saheed Ademola Elegushi, among others.
TINUBU’S HOPES AND ASPIRATIONS FOR NIGERIANS
Having earned the trust of many Nigerians in the area of governance following his track records in office as a senator and then governor, Tinubu is aware that citizens have sunk into despair and needed succour. Hence, he tagged his presidency project: ‘Renewed Hope.’ Tinubu had before his campaign started formally released an 80-page policy document that highlights his eight-point agenda.
Top on his priority lists of action plans was national security, economy, agriculture, power, oil and gas, transportation and education.
Tinubu said his objective is to foster a new society based on shared prosperity, tolerance, compassion, and the unwavering commitment to treating each citizen with equal respect and due regard.
On security, Tinubu noted that he would deploy technology to fight insecurity. He said he would establish a bold and assertive policy that will create strong yet adaptive national security architecture and action to obliterate terror, kidnapping, banditry and all other forms of violent extremism from the face of our nation.
Another of his plans is to build Nigeria, especially for the youth, where sufficient jobs with decent wages create a better life.
He said his administration will manufacture, create, and invent more of the goods and services the nation requires.
“Nigeria shall be known as a nation of creators, not just of consumers. We will export more and import less, strengthening both the naira and our way of life. We will continue assisting our ever-toiling farmers, through enlightened agricultural policy that promotes productivity and assures decent incomes, so that farmers can support their families and feed the nation.
“We will modernise and expand public infrastructure so that the rest of the economy can grow at an optimal rate. We will embolden and support our young people and women by harnessing emerging sectors such as the digital economy, entertainment and culture, tourism and others to build the Nigeria of tomorrow, today. We will train and give economic opportunities to the poorest and most vulnerable among us. We seek a Nigeria where no parent is compelled to send a child to bed hungry, worried whether tomorrow shall bring food.
“Our administration will generate, transmit and distribute sufficient, affordable electricity to give our people the requisite power to enlighten their lives, their homes, and their very dreams. We will make basic healthcare, education, and housing accessible and affordable for all. Nigeria is a gas rich nation. We can generate substantial revenue by formulating the right policies to boost local and foreign investments in that sector,” Tinubu promised.
