Strategy requires thought, and tactics require observation. History has shown us that, to be a great leader, one must observe his environment to know the terrain and what it offers. In animal symbolism, there are many ways humans can learn to be great leaders, from the ants to the elephants, to the wolf, the King of strategy. The tactful moves of the Coyote in the wild are used by leaders of the past to symbolize their leadership powers. In recent times, we have had many leaders and power brokers in Nigeria. Our independence witnessed the emergence of leaders that had the love of Nigeria and Africa at heart. These leaders were articulate in their speeches, backed with deeds to move Nigeria forward by improving the standards of living and eradicating poverty and want.
The political wonders performed by the late sage, Obafemi Awolowo, the decisiveness of the Late Tafawa Balewa, the wisdom of Samuel Akintola, the Objective leadership of Sir Ahmadu Bello, and the dedicated leadership of Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe are still fresh in our memories. Leadership is a relay race, where Batons of power must be passed from the predecessor to his successor. However, Nigeria did not find the baton exchange easy in the first and second republics as it was truncated by unexpected Coups. The coups put Nigeria on a retrogressive path. The democracy we enjoyed today was hard fought for by patriotic citizens. Many gave their lives for the success of this democracy, while ample were sent to exile.
The annulment of the 1993 election charted a new challenge for Nigeria. The unity of our great country was put to test by the annulment, which led to the death of Bashorun MKO Abiola. It was an avoidable crisis in all directions. The death of MKO Abiola further divided Nigeria. The South lost their trust in the North which bred different socio-political pressure groups across regions of Nigeria. The Council of Elders of Nigeria found a reason to form a Government of National Unity and a way to appease the aggrieved Southerners. This was done by giving democratic rule a chance to thrive. Former Military Head of State Olusegun Obasanjo was elected as Nigeria’s president in 1999.
He was paired with Atiku Abubakar in a highly criticised election. Obasanjo was expected and tipped to be a succour to the Southerners with policies and good governance. Nevertheless, he made it known in the early days of his tenure that he is not a President of the Yorubas, but that of everyone which is understandable. Obasanjo’s presidency was marked by corruption and presidential misdemeanours. Obasanjo’s fallout with his Vice spelled doom for the smooth governance of the country and it took Nigeria’s peaceful progress to the abyss. Obasanjo’s alleged tenure elongation moves are a tale to tell the current and upcoming generations.
As Nigeria’s governance and growth unfolded since the Early ‘90s, a man remained behind the camera, broking peace and fighting for democracy with no signs of interest in the presidency. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the late Bashorun MKO Abiola’s loyal ally was at the forefront of the events that marked efforts to curtail the excesses of the Military Junta. Asiwaju, BAT, as he is fondly called, was one of the leaders of the Defunct NADECO, which was a threat to the regime of the then Head of State, General Sanni Abacha. As a leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu was targeted, his family was attacked, his house was bombed, and he was forced to go into exile to save his dear life. While in exile, BAT whose courage is divine did not stop to make life difficult for the military regime, he coordinated a team that used media as a weapon to bury the then-military hypocrisy about June 12 elections.
As a senator of the federal republic in 1993, Tinubu did not get complacent with power, he took it upon himself to study Nigeria’s Political terrain so that the solutions to the yearnings of the populace could be met. Tinubu subjected himself to years of political tutelage by making friends with the civilian and the military, broking power across the regions of Nigeria and producing great leaders. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu single-handedly brought the North to Unite with the Southwest by forming political alliances that gave birth to prosperity and infrastructural development. It is only safe to describe President Tinubu as a man who has the eyes of a sage, the vision of an eagle, and the tact of a coyote.
PBAT is a leader who plans ahead like the migrant bats. It is not too much to say he had a date with destiny or perhaps there is a way he bribed the supreme being to be blessed with the ability to plan and to witness his plans come to fruition. President Bola Tinubu has exhibited a deep sense of responsibility from the day he attained the leadership position as the governor of Lagos State. His legacies are everywhere for all to see. This is a critical time in the History of Nigeria where we all crave a leader with empathy, intelligence, proactiveness and decisiveness, with the gut to effect the needed changes.
With President Tinubu, Nigeria is blessed to have a unifier, who shall operate across political divides to improve the country. In President Tinubu, Nigeria has found her Saviour.
Moshood Abiola (Demoshood)
