(Opinion) Asiwaju: The Political Octopus

 

I have been quiet for a while, critically paying rapt attention to the current political space. The political permutations, calculations and maneuvering amongst political figures have been intriguing and the current political climate of Nigeria is what a political student, like my humble self, should pay close attention to and daily learn from. 

Nigerian polity has defiled many political theories that were taught back in our university days. What we are witnessing is full politics at play or what I would called "Practical Politics 101". The politicking and politricking cut across the 3 major political parties viz APC, PDP and Labour. Each of these parties has their strengths and of course, their challenges. Atiku jettisoned the PDP zonal rotational arrangements clearly stipulated in their party constitution to cling the presidential ticket of the party. His choice of Vice has also proved to be the last straw to break the camel's back. Wicked Wike and his allies are determined to teach him a lesson and are daily plotting the downfall of the party. It is obvious that Mr. "Unifier" can surely not unify his party. The APC is facing stiff opposition in some quarters due to the Muslim-Muslim ticket while Labour party's candidate is awaiting supreme court verdict to authenticate it candidature due to the fracture within the party.

In the midst of all these, there is however a man that is unperturbed. He keeps waxing strong and keeps rising from the ashes like a Phenix. His tentacles cut across the country, his followership and acceptability have many rooted branches like an Iroko tree. The man is indeed an enigma because he has becomes a subject that people daily study. 

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, right from his days as a Senator, then to a Governor, he has proven to be unique, employing superb administrative sagacity that only a sage can display. He is the most talked about, the front runner and a man that commands an army of loyal allies through tutelage.

There is no sector or field where you will not see his impact, his protégés are all over, making waves in their respective areas of specialization. He understood early in life that for you to get lifted, you must lift others. There is no perfect adjective to describe him rather than a political octopus with his tentacles all over the place. Based on his antecedents and charisma, it is not surprising that teeming Nigerians are now ready to massively vote for him to emerge the next president of Nigeria. With him at the helms of affair, Nigeria will surely be heading towards our desired destination.

Tobi Salako

(salakooluwatobiloba@gmail.com)

Oshodi-Isolo Local Government