2023: Tinubu And Battle Against the Enemies Within
By Lawan Bukar Maigana
Former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not a neophyte in politics. He is a juggernaut in Nigeria’s political arena. Hence, it is not surprising many, especially persons who do not like his progressive style of playing ‘politics’ will do everything possible to have his scalp.
Only recently, but just after he emerged as the presidential standard-bearer of the All Progressives Congress, APC, the defeaning cacophony of him not having relevant academic certificates, took over both the traditional and social media arena.
It is however soothing to note that the Nigerian constitution has long before now stipulated the criteria and what should qualify one to aspire for the Nigerian presidency.
Not having a primary, secondary, or diploma certificate is not something that bars anybody from seeking political office in the land, as far as the constitution is concerned. The constitution merely mentions “a minimum qualification” which translates to either a primary or secondary school certificate. Therefore, one doesn’t need to present a minimum qualification if he/she has a higher qualification.
You can’t ask people to present minimum certificates while they have higher ones. Ahead of 2023, Tinubu must realize that his enemies are within. They are those had once serve as their godfather. Most of them used to be his core loyalists. Tinubu has been instrumental to their rise politically. The likes of the former Governors of Borno and Kano, Kashim Shettima and Abdullahi Umar Ganduje are still loyal to Tinibu because of the enormous role he played in their political career.
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Back to the certificate ‘scandal’. One can shout Eureka as the Chicago State University only recently cleared anyone’s doubts and confirmed Jagaban’s ex-studentship in their institution.
Those asking Tinubu to present evidence of attending primary school is a by-product of may not be mentally fit, to put it mildly.
Is it an offence to assist people actualize their political ambitions?
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s was unknown in Nigeria’s political circuit years after he served as the Attorney General of Lagos. Yet, Tinubu denied himself a Vice-presidential position and nominated him.
Unfortunately, power influenced him and even motivated him to contest against his nominator, and eventually got defeated with a wide gap. He couldn’t make the second in the primaries.
The Governor of Osun State Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola fought for his mandate for ten years and didn’t get it until Tinubu came to his aide and he finally got it. He gathered the courage to gang up against Tinubu’s presidency in appreciation. He forgot the role Asiwaju played in his life. Posterity is happily waiting to judge him.
The President of the Senate Ahmed Lawan is not left out. He, too, has enjoyed Tinubu’s magnanimity and support before he got the massive votes against Ali Ndume and others. That didn’t stop him from contesting against his helper. He, too, has forgotten about his past and lost the election mercilessly.
Dr. Kayode Fayemi is also one of the godsons of Tinubu. There is a lot to mention.
Therefore, the antagonists are within not outside, and certainly not INEC and not the opposition. Their ploys will however not work.
Tinubu is just awaiting to be crowned Buhari’s heir apparent come next February, when the 2023 presidential election will hold. No enemy within can stop his voyage to the Villa, anytime soon.
