On my birthday, June 12, this year, a friend called me from UK. He congratulated me for seeing another year, praised me for my consistent writeups and then blessed me with a good sum of money. While all of that was going on, we briefly discussed Nigeria and what happened in the country on June 12, 1993; the role the current president played in NADECO; how he became Lagos State governor, and eventually got to Aso Rock.
Then, he said to me, “Dele, Mr. President, Tinubu, is a good man. Although I rooted for Peter Obi during the last elections, I now see how tribalistic he is, with his obidient followers, and he doesn’t have what it takes to lead Nigeria. I believe that Tinubu is the man for the job.
Dele, let’s write a letter to him, letting him know that he is the father of the nation – our daddy, and beg him to do everything possible to RIGHT the wrongs in the land; provide an enabling environment for Nigerians, especially the youths, to THRIVE; make social infrastructure available, and position Nigeria to be a country that Nigerians abroad would want to return to.”I was convinced about the letter writing, but spiced it up in my own unique way.
It’s a lengthy letter, and I’ll share it with you in 4 to 5 pieces, till Saturday, BGG. Let me know what you think of my letter to President Tinubu. ‘E be like say na me wan take over from former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, on writing letters to sitting/sleeping presidents. Na so I write Buhari hin own within his first 2 years in office. Unfortunately, he let the haters and destroyers of Nigeria push him into their devious, unpatriotic politics. He didn’t end well. So sad! Here’s hoping, and wishing, and praying President Tinubu a better ending. Let’s dive in…
TO OUR BIG DADDY IN NIGERIA, PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU
Sir, only the blind would refuse to acknowledge the Grace of GOD upon your life. From a child whose parentage, early life, background and education, have been viciously debated by political opponents, to becoming governor over Lagos State, and then president over the entire Nigeria – the most populous black nation in the world, certainly, only the naive would refuse to see the Gracious Hand of GOD on your life, career and political sagacity. GOD has really helped you sir.
We watched, how, after the results of the 12 June 1993 presidential elections were annulled, you became one of the founding members of the pro-democracy National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) – a group that rallied support for the restoration of democracy and recognition of Abiola as the winner of the 12 June election. Eventually, the military returned to the barracks, and NADECO witnessed the return of democracy to Nigeria in 1999. We watched as you became the governor of Lagos State, between 1999 and 2007, and doggedly withstood the president Olusegun Obasanjo-controlled federal government over the seized funds meant for local councils in the State. You stood your grounds on the newly created local government areas, came up with brilliant ideas to raise needed funds for the State, and won the war against the federal might. That was when you became “Jagaban!’ – a prestigious traditional chieftaincy title bestowed upon you in February 2006 by the late Emir of Borgu. The title translates to “Leader of Warriors” or “Chief Warrior” in the Hausa language. ‘Baba ni yen!’
We watched as you successfully planted transformational leaders, like Babatunde Raji Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode, and Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, to continue your good works in Lagos State. While your Lagos legacy is not perfect, it is undeniably remarkable, and continues to be the pacesetter for other states in the country. ‘Eyin le l’Eko sir!’
We watched in amusement, how you created a “mega opposition” party against the mammoth ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), by causing the merger of Nigeria’s three biggest opposition parties to form the All Progressives Congress (APC), and supported former military head of state, General Muhammadu Buhari, to become president in 2015, after he had failed thrice and wept on national television. We watched, in greater amusement, in 2022, when you boldly declared, “Emilokan,” meaning, “it is my turn,” and went on to become the 16th president of Nigeria in 2023.
Sir, you may think you got there by your brilliant political sagacity, strategic alliance and underground orchestration, but, we know, from the Big Book, that there’s no power but of GOD; He changes times and seasons, He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning (Daniel 2:21). Sir, GOD allowed you to get there. Fear Him!
To be continued with, BGG
DA