By Paul Osunde, Staff Writer, Benin.
On Thursday 21st of July, 2022, the All Progressive Congress party of Nigeria, presidential candidate, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, came on national television to defend the appearance of some unscrupulous persons who posed as “bishops” or “clergymen”; this was during the unveiling of his running mate, Alhaji Kashim Shettima to justify his same religion selection. The APC flagbearer openly stated that just as the impostors were exhibiting their fundamental human rights, there was nothing wrong with their act. He went on to spew out what obviously amounted to barefaced lies as though they were home truth.
In doing so, the Asiwaju either deliberately threw caution to the winds or feigned ignorance that he was addressing an audience comprising Nigerians living at home and abroad and the fact that he may well be their next president. Jagaban defended those hoodlums unmindful that his honor was at stake. That he went ahead to do so is not surprising; a cross section of Nigerians have long suspected he can be that reckless. Had he listened to reason, it is possible the damage could have been less. Both the interview and his posture only confirmed some of the strong opinion against him.
Some of them include the excessively high impression of himself; the second is the contempt for the people of Nigeria; the third is the scornful attitude that go wherever with him; the fourth is the tyrannical behavior that stalks his utterances; the fifth portrays his pompous attitude to subordinates. In addition, Asiwaju is pretentious, masterful, self-asserting and sniffy; above all, he is blatantly disdainful and deficient in morality. These negative impressions were sadly conveyed in that interview.
The APC Presidential flagbearer could have avoided making brash comments but because of his haughty nature, this was an opportunity too good to miss. It is in part because of his insolence for taking the wrong steps that proper democratic system as well as good governance has been elusive to Nigerians. The former governor and senator of the federal republic of Nigeria believe in “money politics” and cherishes “master to servant” relationship. Hardly does anyone thrive under his tutelage except those ready to lick his shoes. Nothing satisfies his rabid appetite more than his capitalist bent. You only need to look around at his sprawling estates as confirmation.
This is why he became a torn in the flesh of the APC and ensured that no one except him emerge as the flagbearer. It is the same tactic he deployed to hold Lagosians to ransom. Anyone wishing to contest election in that state must first receive his ok. That’s tyrannical—and not democracy. Oddly enough, even the authentic president of Nigeria appears to shy away from his activities. The rest of Nigeria is now brazing up for his onslaught. Once “elected”, it is almost certain that “imprisonment” awaits them. The biggest surprise however is the cowardly manner the entire APC hierarchy scurried far from the Asiwaju. So fearful were they that his name was mentioned in whispers; some say this was because they all “compromised”.
When it mattered most they wittingly allowed the Jagaban to hijack the party machinery. Sheer conspiracy—and betrayal. They sheepishly left the field under the Asiwaju blitzkrieg. At that moment, Nigerians learnt a bitter lesson. They would in future watch carefully the activities of their so called leaders. The APC boost of powerful and impressive talents who could easily have attracted the votes from Nigerians; Professionals who are much younger, vibrant and intelligent. But they would rather settle for their pockets and sell their conscience for a mess of porridge.
If they were serious in turning the tide of insecurity around, wouldn’t they have settled for leaders with vision, leaders who command respect and integrity? Even the Bible has this to say in proverb 6,17: “These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination to him: one: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood; two, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief; three, a false witness that speaketh lies and he that soweth discord among brethren! For the purpose of this editorial, these three examples are enough to tell the APC apparatchik that their decision to field Asiwaju is wrong.
