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Since the Third Republic when he rose to prominence as a senator, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has been on the firing line. Deputy Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU delves into the life and activities of the pro-democracy crusader, former governor of Lagos State and National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) as he clocks 60 this week.

His battles, struggles and triumphs aptly underscore the indisputable fact that, at any critical time in the life of a community, state, nation, and nation-state, circumstances have always thrown up outstanding leaders endowed with mega capabilities to spearhead popular legitimate agitations and canvass the unexplored alternative route to solutions to the fundamental questions of our time.

In that mould of soldiers of democracy is Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Third Republic senator, former governor of Lagos State and national leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). The hallmark of his life is courage. Indeed, a great attribute of the ‘Asiwaju of Lagos’ is the resolve, resilience and determination with which he has always fought popular battles on behalf of the masses.

At 60, the ‘Jagaban Borgu’ is on the weighing scale. Tinubu is perceived by many as an oak tree offering shades to a vast progressive followership. It is incontrovertible that he is the most colourful Yoruba politician in the post-Bola Ige era. Many believe that he is not only an asset to the Southwest, his geo-political zone of birth, but also a national property now raising the core issues germane to the progress, prosperity, peaceful co-existence and survival of the nation-state, which from 1914 had wobbled into this difficult present as an amalgam of incompatible social formations.

There was never a time the Yoruba, the most sophisticated and politically conscious race in Nigeria, lacked heroes. The first leader of the race in this modern time was the indomitable Chief Obafemi Awolowo, successful lawyer, philosopher, seasoned administrator and humanist. As the first Premier of the now defunct Western Region, his achievements have remained indelible; his legacies unsurpassed.

Twenty four years after his demise, the former Leader of Opposition has continued to fill public consciousness as ‘the best President Nigeria never had’. Up to now, the model administration he set up in the defunct Western Region, which has now been broken down into eight states (Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Edo and Delta), has remained a reference point.

The mantle of Yoruba leadership naturally fell on his compatriot, Michael Adekunle Ajasin, co-author of the celebrated free education policy, member of House of Representatives for 12 years, former governor of the old Ondo State, Afenifere/National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) leader; a gerontocratic monitor and symbol of moral authority during the dark period of military regime when democracy and rule of law were on holiday.

Ajasin left behind an unfinished business, which was inherited by his worthy successor, Senator Abraham Adesanya, lawyer and businessman, member of the First Republic Western Regional House of Assembly, frontline NADECO arrowhead at the home front and esteemed Afenifere leader. He was a relentless fighter; very outstanding in honesty of purpose, pursuit of the common good, disdain for avarice and materialism, and politics of theft and graft or ‘steal and go’ now prevalent in the country.

Ajibola Idowu Ige, a great mobiliser and organiser, former governor of the old Oyo State and slain Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, who should have been his natural successor when he passed on, had been murdered earlier. But nature does not harbour vacuum.

The agenda of the four leaders was the enthronement of progressive government, not only in the Southwest, but also throughout the country. The progressive administration led by Awo in the pre-independence era, wrought the miracle of “Life More Abundant”, with the people of the eight states savouring free education and health services, employment opportunities, housing, and itegrated rural development.

These feats of Action Group (AG) government were repeated in the Second Republic by the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) administrations led by Awo’s lieutenants- Ajasin, (Ondo), Ige (Oyo), Bisi Onabanjo (Ogun), Ambrose Ali (Bendel) and Lateef Jakande (Lagos). In the Third Republic, Social Democratic Party (SDP), which tended to share the same ideological viewpoint, formed governments in Oyo, Ondo and Ogun states. Between 1999 and 2003, the Alliance for Democracy (AD), which was floated by AG/UPN/SDP leaders, formed the government in the six states-Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti and Lagos states. When the poll-confident Southwest was submerged by the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) rigging machine in 2003, only Lagos State, where Tinubu was governor, survived the onslaught.
Since then, the restoration of the Southwest’s lost glory became the preoccupation of Tinubu, who worked tirelessly for the return of the stolen mandate in the five states. PDP hawks, having penetrated the AD, crippled the platform. The old party in ruins, Tinubu, a man of foresight, working in concert with like minds, spearheaded the establishment of another masses-oriented party, The Action Congress (AC), which later metamorphosed into the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Last year, the party reclaimed Ekiti and Osun states from the PDP interlopers. But, the epic battle was waged in the last general election. A bridge consequently connected the past to the present. Not only did ACN consolidate its hold on Lagos, Osun and Ekiti, it also reclaimed Ogun and Oyo states, thereby fulfilling the dream and vision of the illustrious pathfinders-Awo, Ajasin, Adesanya and Ige-that only a rational government bubbling with progressive tendencies should steer the affairs of the Southwest. The monumental achievement is a worthy tribute to Tinubu and other credible, strong-willed, and principled progressive leaders in the region who stood firm during the dark period between 2003 and 2011.

As Tinubu stands before the mirror of history, what is discernable from the mirror? He is, first and foremost, a professional; an accountant and financial surgeon, who had paid his dues in the competitive private sector; a shrewd businessman and core investor, manager of men and resources; a benevolent capitalist. But he is also a consummate activist, prolific analyst, strategic thinker, humanist, philanthropist, astute administrator, visionary leader, man of foresight, courageous fighter, a peoples’ politician and citizen of the world.

For him, politics is a vocation and the scramble for power is only meaningful, if power, which he believes is never served ala carte, is employed to usher in a new lease of life for the generality of the people. If his sojourn in the corridor of power laid the premise for his political fame, his antecedent as a private sector operator actually prepared him for the future endeavour.

His professional colleagues and co-employees at Mobil Nigeria would recall the picture of a workaholic treasurer, who never compromised organisational goals of efficiency, productivity, office ethics and other fine arts of excellence at work.
He was persuaded to leave his lucrative career around 1989 to participate in politics as a “new breed politician”. He could not have been indifferent to participation, having been brought up by the prominent women leader and Awolowo devotee, Alhaja Abibat Mogaji, who played prominent roles in the AG and UPN Women Caucus, which revolved around the wife of the late sage, Yeyeoba HID Awolowo. Tinubu took the politics of Lagos West Senatorial District by storm. The leaders and people of the district who endorsed his ambition for the Senate in 1990 would testify to his political prowess, mobilisation acumen, organisational ability, power of foresight and masterful logic.

During the screening of candidates, Tinubu scored the highest mark. He answered highly technical questions with immensurable wit. Old politicians on the panel, who had written off the new breed, changed their mind. They contented that the Lagos West senatorial candidate of SDP would definitely shake Lagos in the future. On the day he was screened, Tinubu became a leader to watch.

His compatriots in the turbulent Senate of Dr Iyorcha Ayu and Ameh Ebute would describe him as a high flyer, tactician, and thorn in the flesh of Babangida Administration. As the military regime wobbled on in deceit and decay, the likes of Tinubu challenged the junta to a duel. He was among the brave ones who dared the military gun by insisting on a terminal date, which the military set for itself. When colleagues were bought over with money, Tinubu was on the firing line; consistent and adamant. Ironically, the fall of the regime led to a chain of events, which consequently aborted his career in the Senate.

The pro-democracy elements who co-ordinated the titanic battle against the military, following the annulment of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief Moshood Abiola, would attest to his inspiring, brave and bold leadership as a dogged and principled fighter for justice.
Members of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), of which he was an arrowhead abroad, would speak glowingly about his dedication, courage of conviction, fighting spirit and financial backing for a noble cause.

As governor of the ‘Centre of Excellence’, for eight years, Tinubu showed that he was an experienced and excellent administrator, who, through his achievements, laid the foundation for a prosperous Lagos. He is today perceived by the governors of the Southwest as a role model and pride of the region. Others would salute his large heart as a cheerful giver, benefactor and godfather to the oppressed, like his friend and associate, the late MKO Abiola. But more than that, Tinubu is a national property and detribalised apostle of national unity.

If Ige was wrongly labelled a Yoruba irredentist by half-hearted colleagues locked in a battle of hate, Tinubu, despite his belief in the dictum: ‘charity begins at home’; has escaped that vituperation. He has come across as a bridge builder and promise and prospect of one Nigeria premised on equity, fairness and justice.


Many also agree that he has an edge over his detractors. The Asiwaju of Lagos’s bedrock of strength is his power of ideas; his conviction about progressive ideals and his love for the masses, who are the focus of his service to humanity, either as a private man or public figure. Herein lies the greatest challenge confronting him as a progressive leader. Can Tinubu and his co-travellers overcome the hurdles on the way to federal power? Progressives have not tasted power at the centre. Therefore, the question is, if power shifts to them, can they make the difference? Answers to this may be found in the performance, so far, of governors typically described as “Asiwaju’s men” in Ekiti, Osun, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos State. The question also is: can they sustain the tempo?
Tinubu did not have the public-sector experience at their disposal when he shook the polity in the Third Republic. But he challenged to a duel the Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, who had dribbled Nigeria to an edge when he tinkered at will with the longest and boring transition programme that was programmed to fail. Like few others in the National Assembly, he was a firebrand senator and vocal advocate of an end to military rule. The chairman of the SDP Screening Panel that screened him as a senatorial aspirant, Alhaji Lanre Rasak, said that he was not surprised because he had dazed the panel by his wit. At the election, Tinubu scored the highest number of votes in the West District, the largest in the country, beating his rival, Mrs. Kemi Nelson of the National Republican Convention (NRC). He scored votes which many governors could not garner in their states at that time.
In the Senate, he was not a bench warmer. As the Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, he was irked by the kangaroo budget presented by the Chairman of the Transitional Council, Chief Ernest Shonekan, saying that it was not premised on need analysis. Sensing that the document could herald economic jeopardy, the committee sent it back to the executive for proper work.
On the floor of the Senate, Tinubu asked the soldiers of fortune to pack their load, warning that further delay could lead to a popular uprising. When the 1993 presidential election won by Abiola was criminally annulled, he opposed the military rascality. He was among the SDP senators who stood behind Abiola till the end. He rejected the military carrot, which he knew would be accompanied with a cane. Tinubu was marked for liquidation. He had started suffering some bruises before he managed to escape abroad. From the United States, he fired salvos at the the late Abacha, financed Radio Kudirat and inspired other freedom fighters to sustain the tempo of anti-military struggle at home.
It is debatable that the pro-democracy agitations sacked the military rule. Many have argued that there was a hand of God in it all, for while pro-democracy forces wage war, Abacha still loomed large on the country, until his sudden demise in 1998. After his death, the coast was becoming clear. The pro-democracy family was eager to inherit power, which nevertheless eluded them. Instead of further engaging the military and pressing for a peoples’ constitution, they jumped into the political fray without much reflection. They were truncated by the military collaborators at the centre.
When Tinubu returned home, he had wanted to return to the senate, but the NADECO/Afenifere leaders of Ogun State origin insisted that he should serve as governor. To them, it was suicidal to allow a military stooge to rule Lagos, despite the fact that he had the full support of their colleague, the late Alhaji Ganiyu Dawodu. In 1999, he defeated Dapo Sarumi, the PDP candidate. it was ironic, because in 1991, he had backed Sarumi, the leader of ‘Primose’ for the job against the late Prof. femi Agbalajobi, who had the backing of former Governor Lateef Jakande. Both camps paid for the cracks on the wall, which allowed the NRC candidate, Chief Michael Otedola, to get to power.
In 2003, Tinubu was re-elected, based on his performance and in spite of the hostility of Afenifere leaders, on whose back he had ridden to power four years earlier, as it were. His colleagues in Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti and Ogun states were not lucky. Their governorship careers were consumed by the political earthquake that swept across the region. Up came the reactionary elements who were clearly estranged from the legitimate aspirations of the Southwest.
The ‘Tinubu Years’ have remained a reference point in Lagos. The third civilian governor embraced the duties of governance with passion. Like Awo, his model, he set up an executive council of talents. He did not condone indolence and he made accountability his watch-word. Free education, free health services, gainful employment, rural development, housing and infrastructural development were pursued with vigour. The administration built more classrooms, rehabilitated the existing ones, expanded health facilities tar red roads and promoted security. He also introduced the BRT to ease intra-city transportation in the metropolis. Under the administration, Lagos became an attractive place for investment because of the conducive atmosphere.
Tinubu had initiated the Independent Power Project (IPP), which would have creatively resolved the epileptic power supply in the state. But the effort was thwarted by the federal government.
Tinubu had charged lagosians to take their destiny in their hands. In response to their yearnings for grassroots development, 37 local council development areas were created, following the conduct of a referendum. But, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo wielded the big hammer, seizing the allocations to the councils. For more than three years, the councils were nearly grounded to a halt, but the internally generated revenue, which was on the increase, became the saving grace. Through Tinubu’s financial engineering, the local governments survived.
From that stage, Tinubu embraced a new pastime; the battle for true federalism. He intensified his advocacy for fiscal federalism, devolution of powers, state police and general restructuring of the polity. To him, a sovereign national conference is inevitable, although it is being delayed.
In 2007, Tinubu handed over the reins to a competent lieutenant, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN), who has continued to build on the foundation he laid. He had wanted to return to the Senate, but Tinubu decided otherwise. Outside power, he became the fierce leader of opposition. He also turned his attention to the battle for free and fair elections. No politician of note in the country has fought the battle for electoral reforms more than Tinubu, who has stood behind the Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reforms (CODER) like the rock. Although the battle has not been fully won, Nigeria has not remained the same.
Under his leadership, ACN has also enlarged its coast to other six geo-political zones, thereby becoming a national party and credible alternative. After regaining its prized stronghold in the Southwest, it has remained on the firing line, winning elective seats in the Northcentral, Southeast and Southsouth zones. Apparently to silence him, Tinubu was arraigned for trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal for keeping foreign accounts. To the chagrin of his foes, the tribunal toed the path of the rule of law, declining jurisdiction. On the way to the tribunal at Abuja, the popularity of Tinubu dwarfed them. His supporters were denied entry into the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
A man of history, his rise to fame is an act of God. Tinubu was not born into greatness; neither has greatness been thrust on him on a platter of gold. He achieved greatness through hard work, resolve, and determination. So far, he has demonstrated a huge capacity for the management of the achievement.
Born on March 29, 1952, Tinubu endured, like many others, a difficult childhood and today, he has a tale of survival to tell. His academic sojourn in the United States started in 1975 at Richard Daley College, Chicago, Illinois, where he justified himself before proceeding to Chicago State University, graduating in 1979 with a first class honours in Business Administration, specialising in Accounting and Management. In his last year, he taught the remedial tutorial classes on part-time basis. Throughout his studies, he was on the Dean’s List. A campus politician, Tinubu was also the President of the Accounting Society in his final year. In the course of professional practice, he has traversed blue chip companies Arthur Anderson, Deloitte Haskins, GTE Service Corporation, and Mobil Nigeria, where he was treasurer. He was a contributor to worthy social and community causes as an acclaimed philanthropist before becoming a politician of repute.

http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/politics/41019-tinubu-his-battles-travails-and-triumphs.html

strangerf: [img]http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/thumbnail.php?file=Tinubu_852545081.jpg&size=article_medium[/img]



A man of history, his rise to fame is an act of God. Tinubu was not born into greatness; neither has greatness been thrust on him on a platter of gold. He achieved greatness through hard work, resolve, and determination. So far, he has demonstrated a huge capacity for the management of the achievement.
Born on March 29, 1952, Tinubu endured, like many others, a difficult childhood and today, he has a tale of survival to tell. His academic sojourn in the United States started in 1975 at Richard Daley College, Chicago, Illinois, where he justified himself before proceeding to Chicago State University, graduating in 1979 with a first class honours in Business Administration, specialising in Accounting and Management. In his last year, he taught the remedial tutorial classes on part-time basis. Throughout his studies, he was on the Dean’s List. A campus politician, Tinubu was also the President of the Accounting Society in his final year. In the course of professional practice, he has traversed blue chip companies Arthur Anderson, Deloitte Haskins, GTE Service Corporation, and Mobil Nigeria, where he was treasurer. He was a contributor to worthy social and community causes as an acclaimed philanthropist before becoming a politician of repute.

http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/politics/41019-tinubu-his-battles-travails-and-triumphs.html

America doesnt even use the "honours" system. This writer is definitely out of his mind.

^^Stranger, how are you?

@Strangerf
That is if he ever attended the university. Well, a certain Bola Tinubu could have, but not Yekini Amoda Ogunlere the impostor, cocaine addict, thief and certificate forger!