THIS is a time of the year to choose ‘Persons of the Year’. Media organisations, which have editorial policy to name “Person Of The Year” would always choose who they believed had a stronger influence on history and who represented either the year or the century the most. The choice often features a person, group, idea or object that “for better of for worse…has done the most to influence events of the year or decade or century.
But as I noted here in 2019 and 2022, when I characterised my choice then as a ‘Man of The Decade’ and later “Man of The Century”, there is a weightier matter of urgent national importance that has triggered my choice this year.
Here is the my preface: As we continue to deconstruct President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s performance in his maiden media chat and even as criticisms continue unabated from a section of the country of the controversial tax bills, let’s step aside and give this Nigeria’s president a credit he has been denied.
Is there any stronger man in Nigeria today who has had a stronger influence on history and who represented either the year or century the most? Is there anyone who has done the most to influence events of the last one year or even decade? I think the answer isn’t blowing in the wind, no matter what Bob Dylan thinks about this.
Here is the thing, the swashbuckling exponent of emilokan politics and President of the most populous black nation on earth at this time deserves some respect even as some of us wailers keep saying and writing that the only thing that is certain about him is that he was born. But I think our leader should be respected as an oracle at this juncture even when some critics have disrespectfully coined T-Pain as buzzword.
If the iconic Winston Churchill who didn’t acquire too many higher certificates was recognised as an orator, our leader, Tinubu should be crowned as an oracle. As I was saying, orators speak the minds of the people while oracles speak the minds of the gods and when they (oracles) say to even the orators, ‘do this’, it is done.
We need to remember that preacher’s classic that there is a time for everything under the sun. There is a time for politics. There is a time to freeze politics and face governance. There is a time for critique and even criticism. There is a time for contextual reporting and there is a time for editorials on policies and politicking of leaders. And there should be a time for balancing acts.
Some say there should be a time of the year for enrollments into the halls of fame and halls of shame. I am persuaded that after 18 months of governance in Africa’s most strategic country, the Jagaban Borgu should be given the credit he deserves as a Grandmaster of Politics. In 2019, I looked into the seeds of time and concluded here that the Buhari we didn’t know and whose integrity and capacity we overrated should be crowned “Man of The Decade” for his exploits. But now I know better: that then, the ‘Grand Master’ was yet to arrive. I have revoked my own judgment and a new “Man Of The Decade” has emerged.
In the land of the giants, where democracy reigns supreme, a hero has emerged. President Bola Tinubu, the master strategist, the kingmaker, the one who defied all odds to claim the throne. His victory in the 2023 elections was a testament to his cunning, his charm, and his unparalleled ability to…well, let’s just say, “influence” the masses. He can’t be ignored as the most artful politician of our time. Tinubu has navigated the treacherous waters of Nigerian politics, avoiding the pitfalls of integrity and accountability. His campaign was a master class in doublespeak, promising change while maintaining the status quo.
And now, as President, Tinubu has achieved the unthinkable: capturing the state, lock, stock, and barrel: the three arms of government? Check. The judiciary? In his pocket. The legislature? Eating out of his hand. The executive? Well, that’s a given. But what’s truly remarkable about Tinubu’s achievement is the sheer audacity of it all. Who needs separation of powers when you can have concentration of power? Who needs checks and balances when you can have absolute control?
And let’s not forget the economy. Tinubu’s economic wizardry has left the nation in awe. Who needs fiscal responsibility when you can have fiscal wizardry? Who needs transparency when you can have opacity, sorry audacity?
But, of course, there are critics. The naysayers, the doubters, the “wailers” (as they’re affectionately known). They claim that Tinubu’s presidency is a recipe for disaster, that his policies will lead to ruin, that his authoritarian tendencies will stifle dissent. Pshaw! What do they know? Tinubu is a visionary, a trailblazer, a…well, a bit of a dictator, but that’s beside the point.
At this juncture, President Tinubu is the Man of the Decade, the saviour of Nigeria, the…okay, maybe not that last one. But he’s definitely the most…interesting president Nigeria has had in a while. So here’s to Tinubu: may his reign be long, his power be absolute, and his legacy be…well, let’s just say, “complicated”. And here are some reasons:
The enigmatic Jagaban Borgu, a man of many nicknames and controversies. Let’s dive into the peregrination, shall we? The many faces of Tinubu:
Tinubu, the Jagaban, a name that commands respect and fear in equal measure. But, have you ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of this complex character? ¹ Some call him Asiwaju, the leader of warriors, while others prefer City Boy, a nod to his Lagos roots and peccadillos.
A certificate dispute fit for a King
But, alas, the Jagaban’s reputation has been dogged by controversy since 1999. The certificate scandal allegation from Chicago University has been thrashed even by the highest court in the land. It is no longer casting a shadow over his presidency. He has survived the scandal and can no longer lead to his downfall.
The Supreme Court’s verdict
Despite the controversy, the Supreme Court has confirmed Tinubu as the president. And, in his maiden presidential chat, he spoke with a swagger that left many in awe. But, beneath the bravado, lies a complex web of intrigue and power play. Despite that and all the town-cry about hunger and anger, he is consolidating his hold on power. Many resourceful observers are even saying openly that the Lagos Boy has captured the Nigerian state with the three arms of government firmly in his hand.
The people’s verdict
Love him or hate him, Tinubu is a force to be reckoned with. His supporters see him as a visionary, a leader who will take Nigeria to greater heights. Detractors, on the other hand, view him as a power-hungry politician who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. In the end, only time will reveal the true nature of the Jagaban Borgu. Will he prove to be a hero or a villain, the bridge to the answer is too far as a reflection of the complexities and contradictions that surround this enigmatic figure.
My Man of the Decade’s remarkable ability to navigate Nigeria’s complex political landscape is unique. His latest feat, the removal of fuel subsidies, is a testament to his cunning and strategic thinking. Who needs a robust healthcare system or quality education when you can have cheaper fuel, right?
Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated excempetence of the Nigerian people. By deregulating the downstream oil sector, he has successfully shifted the burden of economic hardship to the masses he keeps telling to endure a painful surgery for eventual survival. It’s a bold move, really. Who needs a social safety net when you can have the “privilege” of paying more for basic necessities?
As we celebrate Tinubu’s induction into the hall of fame as the most valuable political player of our time, let’s not forget his other notable achievements. His ability to maintain a tight grip on power while appearing to be a champion of democracy is truly remarkable.
Tinubu’s impact on Lagos State is undeniable. As governor from 1999 to 2007, he initiated road construction projects to accommodate the state’s growing population. His influence extends beyond his tenure, with some critics arguing he’s maintained control over Lagos’ politics and economy. He has claimed to an interviewer that he made a great deal of money from real estate business, perhaps in Lagos. Tinubu’s political prowess is evident in his role in forming the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013 and his support of Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential campaigns. His own presidential ambitions came to fruition in 2023 when he won the election, despite overt opposition from the seat of power in Abuja.
Tinubu’s career has not been without controversy. Allegations of corruption have surfaced, including a 1993 case in the United States where his assets were frozen due to suspected links to heroin dealing. He has also faced scrutiny over his financial dealings, including a transaction involving the Lagos State government’s investment in Econet (now Airtel). There are more allegations of Lagos state capture. Who would have survived this in today’s Nigeria? Despite these controversies, Tinubu significance in Nigerian politics propelled him to power.
So meet President Tinubu the ultimate dark horse who defied expectations and won Nigeria’s presidential election against all odds. Despite not being the bookmaker’s favourite, he emerged victorious with 36.6% of the popular vote, thanks to his cross-regional appeal as a southern Yoruba and a Muslim. His victory was a testament to his strategic campaign and broad support base on a curiously risky Muslim-Muslim ticket.
Let’s not debate for too long why I think Tinubu has been grossly underrated and denied his laurel as a Grand Master of politics. Forget about development for a moment. The Lagos Boy we all didn’t know is now in full control of Nigeria’s economic capital (Lagos) and political capital (Abuja). He was elected when he wasn’t in office and power and his election touched off even a curious ‘glitch’ that the highest court interpreted in his favour.
Today, even the federal legislature, unarguably the most important arm of government in a democracy, named their knowledge centre, their Library after Tinubu as a mark of honour for his consequential presidency. Who can therefore deny the Jagaban Borgu as the ‘Man of the Decade’? I mean, never in the history of mankind has a leader, sorry a king been so successful in sending a whole kingdom into a deep slumber while affliction is rising up against it even a third time. The unquestionable Tinubu is my “Man of the Decade”. Who is yours?
- Oloja is former editor of The Guardian newspaper and his column, Inside Stuff, runs on the back page of the newspaper on Sundays. The column appears on News Point Nigeria newspaper on Mondays.