Part 1 : What I Have Not Said About Tinubu – Jacob Ogunseye
Since all have been said about the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, one would have concluded that the next assignment awaiting Nigerians on the 25th of February is to approach their polling booth, do the needful by voting for the candidate of their choice, but before they go into the exercise that centered on the determination of the leadership of the country for the next four years, it is imperative to for me to quickly tell them that special thing that had not been said about Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
As the campaign began last year, attempts were made by major candidates to sell themselves to the voters on why they should be considered for the top job, these candidates traverse the north and south of the country, at a time, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu decided to visit the United Kingdom. On his visit mission were arrays of activities lined up among which is the Chatham House appearance where he spoke on several issues most especially on his plans to ensure that Nigeria is fully recovered and become stronger among the comity of nations. As a supporter and one of the party loyalists in the United Kingdom, I seized the opportunity to ensure I had contact with the leader.
On this day, Asiwaju has just finished the main Chatham House presentation, meanwhile, he has also been scheduled to meet with the leadership of the party in the UK, and of course, as an executive member of the party in the country, my presence is inevitable, the hall is just across the road, the hall though little but it was fit for the purpose, after all, the gathering is for the leadership of the party. Asiwaju had come to the hall alongside his entourage. Some dignitaries on the visit include the former Governor of Ekiti State, Gov. Kayode Fayemi, his Edo State counterpart, Com. Adams Oshiomole, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the governors of Ebonyi and Cross Rivers state, Engr. David Umahi and Prof Ben Ayade respectively and host others.
The event which was facilitated by the party’s Directorate of the Diaspora under the leadership of ever-ready combatant, a Tinubu apostle and die-hard supporter, Prince Ade Omole presented itself an opportunity for us to interact with the candidate of our great party. The event started with a welcoming speech from the Interim Chairman of the Party in the UK who also doubled as the chairman of the party’s campaign committee in the country, Barr. J K Adebola. He reeled out a glowing speech where he reminded his listeners of the party’s efforts in the UK to reach at least 20 million Nigerians with short messages service to remind them of the need to vote for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. At this time, the hall has been electrified, it is the turn of the Jargaban, and truly, I heard what you have not been told.
It is better to hear it than to be told, of course, there was no microphone as there was no need for one due to the size of the hall. The prime mover and the leading light started his speech, I am not sure if you have been told about Asiwaju’s brilliance, his methodical approach to dissection of topical issues will blow anyone away, I am also not sure if you have been told about the in-depth understanding of Nigeria’s challenges by this powerful figure. When he delves into the issue of international relations and diplomacy, he blows his adversaries away. His powerful analysis of Nigeria’s economic situation and its untangle factors made many who had come based on negative views bow. His understanding of our security issues is unparallel.
Later on, I sat down, and told myself, ‘there are a lot of things that many are not aware of about this political enigma. In the coming weeks, I will take time to unbundle some of the things you did not know about this man. Meanwhile, as of today, as Nigerians, we have options, other political parties have presented us with their candidates, I am convinced more than ever that the Presidency of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will usher in the best for Nigeria, unfortunately, he can’t get himself to the steering, he needs you and me. From my side, I am resolute, it yours that worries me. Give it a goal, and Tinubu will not let you down. Make it a day to read more from me next week.
Jacob Ogunseye lives in London, United Kingdom
