VP Yemi Osinbajo and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu
By Aderemi Yussuf
Following the much anticipated declaration of Professor Yemi Osibajo to contest for the Presidential primaries of All Progressive Congress and the immediate response of his supposedly “godfather” Bola Ahmed Tinubu has continued to generate lots of controversies within various quarters. Most especially from their supporters.
Tinubu publicly disowns his acclaimed ‘godson’ Professor Osibajo. He asserted” I don’t have a grown up son that can declare for Presidency.”The proverbial response, to some naysayers is not a surprise for those that have read the body language of the two democrats.
The interpretation of this response could be, it’s no more a family affairs, it is undoubtedly going to be a rivalry between the dou and their supporters.
The same tooth that the dog uses in playing with the offspring has now turned the same tooth he uses in biting. ( Eyin ti Aja fi nba omo e sere….ni yio fi buje. Oro yi wa di olomo o mo omo mo). There is no denying the fact that the pronouncements have continued to “heat the polity” There is danger looming in the political landscape of Southwest states as it were in the first republic.
I have been searching for a title that best suits this imbroglio. Alas, I came up with
“The Professor and the kingmaker Part 2″
Asiwaju Tinubu, no doubt, is a force to reckon with in ‘today”s politics’ He plays healthy politics. He is ready to play on a level playground with his own godson without minding whose ox is gored. He has been consulting traditional rulers and legislatures across the nation. The Southwest agenda (Swaga) is waxing stronger amid criticism from variours interest. He is unrepentant. He is determined to pursue his lifelong ambition.He is much more determined despite virtuperations to rob his garment with oil. His close allies were not left out of this widespread campaign of calumny. He ones said he is ready for any form of betrayal from his own people.
” He is the father of modern democracy”
He was able to reconcile the differences in the past and the present political history especially in the southwest region. He foresaw the need to improve on the achievements of our founding fathers. He foresaw the necessity of digressing from the old school of thought of the age long “Awoist” that metemophosed into Alliance for Democracy. (AD) He saw the need to integrate with the center. Its time for national party. The southwest is riped for modern Democracy. He floated Action Congress of Nigeria just like the rested Action Group of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. It’s now time for action. Without much Ado about nothing, Alliance was formed. He won back the six states that comprises the southwest region including Edo state state from PDP.
He became a political enemy of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, atleast, for his disposition. Tinubu thwarted his” third term agenda” His mission statement was a party that will operate in the comity of a nation.
By and large, alliance with the CPC and others became palpable. All Progressive Party was formed to counter the Peoples Democratic party long term agenda.
Finally, the holier alliance between Tinubu’s Action Congress of Nigeria and General Muhammad Buhari CPC became a reality as the later was installed as the President while his godson Professor Yemi Osibajo was presented as the vice president.
The outcry over the Muslim Muslim ticket actually stalled the lifelong ambition of Tinubu of becoming the vice president to the incumbent President. BAT needed to restrategize and move on with life . Recently, he openly declared his interest to vie for the number one seat by visiting President Buhari who gave him the -go-ahead.
Similarly, the President on the other hand during his visit to Lagos did not hide his feelings by claiming he has an anoited candidate which he would not like to reveal his identify for a security reasons.
The question waiting for an immediate answer is whether this utterances of Mr President is in variance with the already zoning memorandum of understanding agreed by the stakeholders.
As for me, if the presumed candidate of Mr President is his vice, then he is still operating within the ambit of the Zoning system. After all, professor Yemi Osibajo’s background is ACN.
It’s now between the godson and his earswhile godfather to settle their scores internally.
This is a reminiscent of the historical feud between the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief SL Akintola was basically on issue of Alliance with the north.
Many people have written books on this precedent.Up till this moment, that unnecessary feud has torn the Yoruba people apart; in terms political of ideologies. As a young man of eighteen, I was already qualified to vote for a political party of my choice. I was politically matured to know my voters card is my “weapon of change”
My father was curious to know which party I wanted to vote for. His curiosity became suspicion as to what interest he has in my choice of party and candidate. In 1983, on the Election day, we stepped out for the polling booth to cast our votes and he bluntly said ‘I should vote for Alhaji Shehu Shagari of NPN. I convincingly replied him my choice of candidate is Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Alhaji Lateef Jakande was based on fact and not on sentiments. His contenance changed “Ooo, this boy has really come of age” After all, I benefited from the ‘free Education’ He had previously told me about the feud between Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief SL Akintola. He made me to understand Baba Awo does not have forgiving mind and who betrayed who.
Actually, they both shared a common goal but different ideologies. It’s a matter of Southwest region Integration. It was far beyond their personal interest. The ‘Yoruba People s’ interest was paramount in their mind. The Yoruba peoples representation at the center was never compromised.
Truly, as the case may be, both Osinbajo and Tinubu are running for a common objective. Atleast, to avail the South of the Zoning opportunity by the national party. It’s a win win game for both of them.The Southwest cannot afford to loose this opportunity. The implications of multiple candidates emerging from a region cannot be overemphasized and that is the game that is about to be unraveled. This is a clear case of political nativity on both part except for one aspiring and hoping to be endorsed by his godfather on a free consensus ticket for a flight to Aso Rock.
The emergence of PYO is predetermined. It’s suspensive. The handwriting was bolder on the wall. He is in the corridor of power. He is more experienced and versatile now. He is close to the power that be. He is a close ally of Mr President. He has adopted him “as a godson” Osibajo now has a new godfather. He has been a very loyal son to his father despite pockets of criticism from his constituency. He had been with his new father for 7 years. He had visited the 774 local governments in the country to market his tradernoni. Mpower has become his brand. Many youths have benefited from this. He has visited the Zulum of this world. He bestrides the whole Nation like a ‘colossus.’He is no more a lighter weight politician. He now command more respect among the ministers and legislatures. He knows what the godfather does know anymore.
Osinbajo is never a betrayal. Despite Mr President’s long absence from office, despite his conspicuous state of health, he stood his ground as a loyal benefactor. He never drop his integrity despite the lobbyists interest in the number one office at that period of trial. He never confronted his principal despite his experience and academic prowess, he rather obeyed the last command.
Honestly,we should not throw a new baby with the birth water.
Sentiments apart!! Osibajo is over qualified for this job.
For Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He is a “Father of modern Democracy” whatever, Osibajo becomes today, he would take all the glories. He is better as a Kingmaker than the king himself. The Professor’s win is Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s win while Tinubu’s win is the Professor’s win.
Chief Obafemi Awolowo was never a king but he was the greatest Kingmaker we ever had. He is even greater than kings.
We supporters of both parties should see this as ” modern Democracy ” It’s a proof of our political sophistication in the southwest It’s a proof of growth of the nascent democracy.
Come May 29, a winner shall definitely emerge in the APC Primaries.
The southwest should learn from the past.
By Aderemi Yussuf.
