The presidential candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, appears to be unpopular among majority of the Nigerian youths who now call themselves Obidients. Many of these youths may have been too young to have memory of Tinubu’s reign in Lagos between 1999 to 2007 and therefore may be unable to assess his public office records.
Notwithstanding, there are many things that Obidients, including Peter Obi himself, can learn from Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Here are five of such elements.
1. Have a long-term approach to accomplishing your desires.
I read a quote yesterday which says, “most people do not want to be a part of the process, but they want to be part of the outcome”. If you want to become the chairman of your local government, a ward councilor, a governor, president or an accomplished CEO, now is the time to start laying the foundation. Find allies who share similar vision with you and grow with them. If you are not close to that your school mate who is laying the building blocks for the future he desires, it would be tough to pop into the picture when launch is ready. Be a part of the process so you can reap from the outcome.
2. Make peace with your past so it does not hurt your future.
Rumours has it that Bola Ahmed Tinubu was born in Iragbiji, Osun state. He was adopted by Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, and he went to America on another person’s name – Bola Ahmed Tinubu. So, his records before going to America was one Amoda of Iragbiji. Upon entering America, he took on another personality. This explains why his Nigerian records have been in dispute since 1999 and remain so till date. In this age of the internet, make sure not to do anything that can become a clog in your wheel of progress tomorrow.
3. Find worthy and competent allies
Tinubu was following Yaradua as far back as 1992. He left Mobil, Atiku left the Nigerian customs and they started to learn politics under Yaradua. Like they say, the rest is history. When he became the governor of Lagos state, he surrounded himself with worthy and competent fellows, some of whom are the vice president, Yemi Osinbanjo, current ministers of interior, works and housing Rauf Aregbeshola and Babatunde Raji Fashola and many others. Surround yourself with people who take their future seriously and are working hard to create the future they desire. Avoid mediocres like a plaque.
4. Never be afraid to take position
Current governor of Anambra state, Prof. Charles Soludo wrote that one thing he learnt from former president Obasanjo, whom he worked under, was never to be afraid to take position on an issue. Personally, I detest people who do not have strong opinion on anything. I think they are “anywhere belle face” folks who can go in whatever direction at any time. You should have strong opinions on the things that you are passionate about. It does not mean your opinion would be correct all the time but have them and express them. The law of power teaches us that you are better off controversial than ignored. Take position, including expressing that “Iwo Lo kan” if you think you are being outplayed on things that should naturally come to you because you have worked for them.
5. Be passionate and courageous
Bola Ahmed Tinubu is one of the most hard-working front-line politicians in Nigeria. He stands a chance to win the next presidential elections, but he works as hard as though he has no advantage over anyone else. He also once said his adopted mother, Abibatu Mogaji taught him courage as a child. According to him, his mother would beat him anytime he came home crying about been beaten by other children. So, from his cradle, he learned to defend his rights and his believes. This I guess explains why he has never lost any election. Be passionate, pursue your dreams and convictions with a lot of passion, grit and courage. When Tinubu was about to be outplayed by the establishments in the APC, he cried out, reminding everyone of his past sacrifices, and why he truly deserved the ticket of the party. To get ahead, be prepared to take on your Goliath when necessary.
Take long term approach, make peace with your past, find and surround yourself with worthy and competent allies, take position on issues, be passionate and courageous. These are some of the lessons we can all learn from Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
– Augustine S. Akande is a Chartered Accountant, Certified Project Manager, Activist and Public Affairs Analyst.
Email: augustineakande@yahoo.com.
