It is as if Nigeria has not elected a president before. The difference is clear. Before, during and after the historic February 25, 2023 poll, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Asiwaju of Lagos, and now, President-elect, has become the main issue in the politics of Africa’s most populous country. Since his return to Nigeria after a 34-day vacation in France, all issues have revolved around him as the next Commander-in-Chief, a key leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Caucus and a statesman.
Tinubu has kept a busy schedule ahead of his inauguration on May 29. Attention has shifted from the outgoing leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, to the man of the moment, who is expected to steer the affairs of the country to the horizon of progress.
Exuding confidence ahead of the titanic contest, the astute politician, now fondly referred to as ‘City Boy’ by numerous admirers across the six geo-political zones, predicted his own victory.
Realistically assessing his chances in relation to other formidable competitors and pretenders, he declared in a voice laced with characteristic humour: “Some may be running, but I don’t know where they are running to. But me, I am going to the Villa.”
When he jetted out of the country after receiving his certificate of return, various stakeholders missed him. For example, as aspirants for principal offices of the National Assembly unfolded their ambition, the national chairman of the ruling party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, asked them to tarry a while.
Although Tinubu had clarified that he has no preferred candidates, prominent National Working Committee (NWC) members who appealed for caution to avoid heating up the party and the polity, insisted that they should wait for his return.
The former governor of Lagos has changed his status. He is now national property. The Defence Guest House, his temporary official residence, contrasts sharply with his Bourdillion, Ikoyi and Asokoro residences. New security aides are taking over the duty of protecting him.
Alighting from the aircraft on the day he returned to Nigeria, he looked refreshed; his dark skin was shining. Hale and hearty, Tinubu beamed with infectious smiles. His hands appeared from beneath his flowing agbada. Displaying the two-fingered victory sign, he waved at party stalwarts and other eminent Nigerians who welcomed him.
He walked briskly, bubbling with confidence. He shook hands with associates and embraced others warmly. Close aides would move close to whisper information into his ears, with the President-elect nodding affirmatively. On other occasions, he shook his head, almost swinging his neck, in disapproval.
As the synosure of all eyes, his actions generate interest. A man of commanding presence, he looks the more beautiful on the podium. Everything about him is presidential; his statements statesmanly, his gait regal.
Tinubu has sent a message across; he is fully prepared and governance under his leadership will not be a tea party.
More felicitations poured for him from world leaders and others who matter; captains of industry, leaders of commerce, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other groups.
Perceived by his party as the solution center, the National Chairman quickly led other party leaders to confer with him on the way out of the brewing crisis over zoning of the Senate President and Speaker of House of Representatives.
Other APC leaders on the national chairman’s entourage during the visit included Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji; Senators Godswill Akpabio, Jibrin Barau, Olamilekan Adeola aka Yayi, Opeyemi Bamidele, Emmanuel Bwacha, and Tokunbo Abiru; and James Faleke – federal legislator and Secretary of the dissolved APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC).
The outcome of the parley was unknown. But, sources said Tinubu was implored to take certain persuasive steps that will motivate some aspirants to jettison personal interest and uphold the interest of the party and the country.
As expected, various power centers are gravitating towards the President-elect for obvious reasons. While traffic to Aso Villa, Abuja, the seat of government where President Muhammadu Buhari calls the shots seems to be on the wane, it has doubled at Defence House.
Also, agenda setting has commenced. Scholars, researchers and other stakeholders have invaded the media with articles offering advice to Tinubu. Most of the commentaries merely re-echoed the line of thought articulated in his campaign blueprint.
In the spirit of the season, there is also intense lobbying for endorsement or support by federal lawmakers eyeing the positions of Senate President or House of Representatives Speaker. It also involves loyalists and other party chieftains eyeing positions in the proposed Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Reality has finally dawned on many skeptics that a new dawn is imminent; a democrat and charismatic politician is about to take the baton. Although, a few continue to bury themselves in illusion and fantasy. While in France, detractors went to town to misinform Nigerians that the President-elect has gone on medical leave. The falsehood soon collapsed like a pack of cards.
Populism
Tinubu, who got a rousing reception at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, dispelled the rumour, saying: “I am happy to be back. I have rested. I am refreshed and I am ready for the task ahead. Forget about what the rumour mill may have told you. I am strong, very strong.”
From the airport, over 150 vehicles, cars and buses conveying supporters accompanied the President-elect to his private residence in Asokoro, where he overruled security details by allowing many of the supporters into his compound.
Zoning and lobbying
Tinubu’s return has raised the tempo in the battle for the positions of Senate President and House Speaker. A day after returning from France, his residence became a beehive of activities.
Two leading aspirants – Senator Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom Northwest) and Senator Barau Jibrin (Kano Central) – came to lobby him for support.
Later, another aspirant, Osita Izunazo, senator-elect representing Imo West, arrived to present his Certificate of Return to him.
Other contenders said to be making overtures to Tinubu are Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North), Senator Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara West), Senate President Ahmad Lawan (Yobe North) and Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi.
Akpabio, a former Minority Leader, told reporters after meeting with the President-elect that he had a bright chance.
He expressed confidence that he will succeed Dr. Lawan as Senate President, saying: “My records will earn me the Senate Presidency.”
House of Assembly member, Muktar Betara, who is itching to succeed Gbajabiamila, also met with the president.
Also, two weeks ago, Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), led by Chief Edwin Clark, called for the zoning of the Senate President to the South-South to foster inclusion and equity.
After inspecting Defence House, Tinubu held a crucial meeting with members of the APC NWC on zoning of the principal offices. At the meeting were Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima, Kwara State Governor AbdulRasak Abdulrahman, the Deputy National Chairman (North), Senator Abubakar Kyari, Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu and the National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore.
Arising from the meeting which lasted for two hours, an NWC member said: “Asiwaju and other leaders were here to inspect the facility, but seized the opportunity to have a meeting with the leadership of the NWC and NASS as regards zoning of the leadership of 10th National Assembly.”
Mobilising governors
Tinubu, who also received APC governors, charged them to maintain cohesion in the party.
Reflecting on the race for Senate President and Speaker, he said: “The challenge before us is working in unison with the party leadership and the National Assembly over the election of their principal officers. And I charge you to unite in spirit and faith and work in line with the party.”
The President-elect told the governors and former governorship candidates of the party that “whether you return or not, this is our government.”
At the parley, Tinubu expressed gratitude to God that he, “the first Muslim minority from the South-West got the blessing of Allah to be elected president.”
Dismissing speculations about his health, he said “all speculation have perished and their purveyors brought to shame.”
The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) who is also the governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, led his colleagues to Tinubu’s residence. At the meeting were Governors Simon Lalong (Plateau), Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina), Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa), Babajide Sanwo-olu (Lagos), Ben Ayade (CrossRivers), Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq (Kwara), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) and Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti).
There were also the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Kelechi Igwe and APC governorship candidate in Kano State, Alhaji Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna.
Bagudu said the visit was to congratulate Tinubu on the election, extend goodwill to him over the end of Ramadan Fast and welcome him back from his recent travel and celebrate with him.
He also said, however, that the governors were ready for any assignment the President-elect may give them.
On the election of presiding officers of the National Assembly, he pledged that the governors would continue to discuss and work with the party and the lawmakers to arrive at the best decision in the interest of the country.
Wike and Makinde
Two Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains – Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and his Oyo counterpart, Seyi Makinde -also met with Tinubu in Abuja.
On the same day, Buhari had received Tinubu at Aso Villa, Abuja, seat of government, where both observed the Jumat service.
During the election, Tinubu won in Rivers and Oyo States. After the visit, Wike invited the President-elect to Port Harcourt to commission what he described as parts of his legacy projects – a flyover and a Magistrates Court complex.
After the meeting, Wike urged Nigerians to rally round Tinubu, saying that the time for politics is over. The statement meant that he didn’t believe in the case instituted by the presidential candidate of his party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, against APC’s victory.
Wike said: “Elections have come and gone. The winner has emerged and therefore, it is necessary for all Nigerians to give him the necessary support in the interest of Nigeria. I am confident that he has what it takes to turn Nigeria around.”
Bello’s, Adodo’s, Akume’s, Alia’s visits
Also, last week, Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, led the state APC governorship candidate, Alhaji Usman Adodo, to Tinubu for endorsement. Backing him, Tinubu raised the gubernatorial flagbearer’s hand.
On the same day, Benue State Governor-elect, Rev Father Hyacinth Alia, was led to Tinubu by his friend and compatriot, Minister of Special Duties, Senator George Akume, to present his Certificate of Return.
Last Sunday, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, accompanied by an elder from the state, Mallam Musa Kubo, visited the President-elect in Lagos.
Tinubu in Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt stood still for the Jagaban Borgu for two days. A public holiday was declared by his host, Wike, who led him and his entourage to the commissioning of the flyover and Magistrate Court complex.
There was excitement as the aircraft conveying the President-elect landed at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, around 10 am. He was accompanied by the House Speaker Gbajabiamila, Governors Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa), David Umahi (Ebonyi), Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara), Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Hope Uzodinma (Imo).
Former Osun State Governor Chief Bisi Akande – the pioneer national Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) equally accompanied president-elect.
Also at the ceremony were former Governors Chief James Ibori (Delta), Fayemi (Ekiti), Chief Timipre Sylva (Bayelsa), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), and Ayo Fayose (Ekiti).
Others include Rivers State Governor-elect Sim Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, one-time Lagos State Information and Strategy Commissioner, Dele Alake, former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Bello Adoke, and chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Kashim Ibrahim Imam.
Traditional rulers, captains of industryand religious leaders also witnessed the ceremonies.
Also in attendance were all 23 local government chairmen in Rivers State who added colour to the event.
It was like a presidential visit. The airport road was decorated with various posters, banners and flyers. Many trooped out to catch a glimpse of Tinubu, who received majority votes from the state during the poll.
Alighting from the plane, the president-elect waved at the crowd, which erupted in jubilation as shouts of ‘Jagaban’ filled the air.
The venue instantly became congested. Security agents had a hectic time controlling the crowd.
An elated Tinubu thanked Wike and the people of Rivers State for their support for him.
He addressed the nation from Port Harcourt. His speech inspired hope and confidence about the dawn of a new era.
Conscious of the weight of responsibilities, he gave a hint about what will be his style of governance after his inauguration on May 29.
Tinubu promised to enthrone a government of equity, fairness and justice, which will mobilise Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity and religion, for the tasks of development.
He ruled out the marginalisation of any zone, assuring that he would work with every component unit for public good.
“I will not marginalise any region, but will leave legacy projects across the length and breadth of Nigeria,” he reiterated.
Tinubu also promised to unite the country, saying national unity is non-negotiable. He stressed: “I promise Nigerians, the unity of this country is not negotiable. That is what Wike and I are promoting jointly. I promise I will be fair to all.”
The President-elect praised Wike for his development strides, particularly for the 12 flyovers constructed across the capital city, saying posterity would be kind to him.
He said with his accomplishments, Nigeria would need the outgoing Rivers governor in higher capacities.
The President-elect reflected on the hurdles he crossed at the primary and general election, praising Wike snd his G-5 colleagues for their principled position on zoning, rotation and power shift to the South.
Tinubu, who publicly acknowledged Wike’s contribution to his victory at the poll, said as the leader of G-5 Governors, his actions and utterances promoted the virtues of fairness, justice and unity. In his view, Wike is a courageous and dependable ally, a man of integrity who is offering selfless leadership.
He said: “Nyesom, I say thank you for your contributions to my victory. I couldn’t have done it without some structural support. In his Excellency (Wike), I see a man of principle. He took a principled stand that the Presidency must return to South.
“And he has the courage to stand by his conviction not minding whose ox is gored. He is indeed, a man of great integrity. He did not choose to serve his own interest, rather the interest of the nation. You promoted unity. You promoted fairness. You championed justice. There was so much gossip and speculation. But you stood your ground.”
Tinubu said Wike should look forward to a new pastime, which is dialogue on ‘Project Nigeria’.
He would revisit this theme last Friday on the anniversary of the death of former President Umaru Yar’Adua whose governance legacy he promised to emulate. The late president was noted for his reforms, reaching a truce with Niger Delta militants and respect for the rule of law. He was widely viewed as a very decent human being.
The President-elect also commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for partnering with Wike.
Seized by nostalgia, he also extolled the virtues of a former Rivers Governor, Peter Odili, whom he described as a “dear brother, friend, colleague, a developer of human beings and a man of integrity.
Wike set an agenda on intergovernmental relations for Tinubu. He said the Federal Government should refund the money spent on construction of federal roads in states.
Wike drew the attention of the Federal Government to the need to amend its procurement law to end incessant abandonment of projects.
He said that the current procurement law only allowed for about 15/30 percent to be paid as mobilisation fee to a contractor.
On the federal roads constructed by Rivers, Wike said:“I can assure you that as you enter office and you approve to pay this money back, other states will have the courage to also do the same thing. It is not a laughing matter. I am not asking what we are not entitled to. That is one thing my successor, the day he is entering office on May 29, a letter had been prepared for him he will sign that day and forward to you since you will also be sworn in on May 29th. That is the first request we are making”.
Judicial reforms
During the commissioning of the Magistrate Court complex, Tinubu hinted about judicial reforms aimed at strengthening the third arm of government in its bid to resist and fight corruption.
It was reminiscent of his days as governor when he initiated such reforms in the judicial sector.
He said judges will be entitled to an enhanced welfare package, adding that they should never live in abject poverty and squalor.
“This is the way to fight corruption. You don’t expect your judges to live in squalor, to operate in squalor to dispense justice in squalor. This is part of the changes necessary in our policy think-tank,” he stressed.
“We must fight corruption and we definitely must look at the other side of the coin. If you don’t want your judges to be corrupt, you have got to pay attention to their welfare. If you want fair dispensation justice, you don’t want them to operate in hazardous condition. Let’s think value for value.”
Wike on Executive/Legislative collaboration
At the banquet in his honour, Wike urged federal lawmakers-elect to support the incoming administration. Tinubu was elated because federal lawmakers across party lines attended the dinner. He described it as bridge building; the act of speaking different languages of unity, and building of solidarity.
Wike advised those plotting mischief in a bid to make Nigeria ungovernable to have a rethink in the national interest. He said since Nigerians only desire good governance, Tinubu had the capacity to translate their dream into reality.
The governor cautioned against any attempt to undermine the incoming administration. To the senators and House of Representatives members-elect, particularly the opposition caucus, he said: “It is not to begin to set trap on how the President-elect will fail. If he fails, you have failed. So, we hold a duty to give him support, and that support should start from the leadership of the National. Give him that support.”
If the parliament collaborates with the next president to churn out policies and programmes that will stimulate development, the governor said Nigeria will prosper.
Wike added: “All of you have come here, members of the House of Representatives and senators. Check yourself. Are you going to work for the interest of Nigeria? If you are going to work for the interest of Nigeria? If you are going to work for the interest of Nigeria, then, give support so that you will not have a crisis from the beginning. “
The Nation
