By Godwin Esele, reporting from Abuja.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received the strongest commendation yet, from one of his staunchest supporters, Honorable Aminu Suleiman, who is highly delighted that his dream of who Tinubu was is gradually unfolding. Hon. Aminu Suleiman needs no introduction. A colorful politician and darling of the people, Aminu Suleiman is the founder and chief promoter of the Tinubu Support Group (TSG) who predicted his victory long before he made it to Aso Rock. Hon. Suleiman, also known as the Jagaban of Gwandu and the Atona Awe of Akure heaped praises on the President for his actions and decisions so far taken. ‘I saw this coming”, he told a select group of friends recently at a function. “I knew Tinubu was the right man to take Nigeria out of the woods and that was why, we ensured his victory at the polls”, Aminu declared.
The Kebbi State-born politician who has over three decades of political experience heaped praises on Tinubu for his prompt removal of the troublesome fuel subsidy, approving a single forex regime, cessation of multiple taxations on manufacturing concerns, declaring a state of emergency in the food sector and ordering the release of grains to farmers amongst others. The founder of the Tinubu support group said Tinubu was on course to wipe away the hardship faced by Nigerians calling him a listening president. “These were the qualities I saw in him that made us work for him”, Aminu explained.
A professional Quantity Surveyor and a grassroots mobilizer, Aminu Suleiman warned corrupt public officials to change gear or be ready to be fished out by the Tinubu Administration. ‘Tinubu is not one to tolerate corruption and I hope those involved will listen and repent, otherwise, it is not going to be business as usual”, Aminu stated, pointing out that the recent orders to probe not only the CBN, but all other government establishments found wanting, including the audit of the APC accounts under former chairman Abdullahi Adamau were all steps in the right direction. A man of charming character and a consummate technocrat, hon. Aminu Suleiman, himself is no pushover. Blessed with uncommon leadership qualities and a seasoned administrator, Aminu understands the rudiments of politics and how to navigate its minefields.
Aside from his vast experience as an entrepreneur, he is also a skillful negotiator and a key player in the oil and shipping arena. Those who have followed him ascribe to him the title of a man of honor and dignity who is as reliable as the certainty of night and daybreak. “I foresaw the coming of Tinubu and told him so”, Aminu revealed. Apparently, this may have been a reference to his meeting with former Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, way back in January 2023, when he spilled it out that Tinubu was going to win the February 2023 presidential elections. “I predicted his victory when few believed in Tinubu’s candidacy”, he said, reminding his audience how difficult it was then to align openly with Tinubu.
A devoted ally, he said when others were busy castigating the president for ill health, he concentrated on the brighter side, and today that wisdom has paid off. “I knew Tinubu was fit and in good shape; I wasn’t deceived by what the majority of the opposition was saying, ” he added. Aminu who also shares the exact title of “Jagaban” with the president wants Nigerians to endure and continue to rally around President Tinubu. “Tinubu, as I know him will not disappoint; he is a listening president”, said Aminu, stressing that the decision to rescind the proposed distribution of 8000 naira each to poor Nigerians was an example. “It was a scheme perceived to be fraudulent from many quarters and the president accepted”, he disclosed.
