By Aliyu Mahmud
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Jagaban Borgu, is one leader who has deeply engraved his name in the minds of many Nigerians as someone who is not only interested in his personal growth, but also committed to the growth of his foot soldiers.
Over the years, he has consistently created platforms for people under him to thrive and reach their fullest potential in public service.
He demonstrated this clearly during his time as former Governor of Lagos State, where he identified and nurtured many talented and vibrant lieutenants. These included his former personal lawyer, Babatunde Raji Fashola, who later succeeded him as Governor; former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; current Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Olayemi Cardoso; Principal Secretary to the President, Hakeem Muri-Okunola; Dr. Dele Alake; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; former Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; and former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, among others.
Most of these individuals served under him during his tenure in Lagos, and Tinubu played a key role in projecting many of them to national prominence, especially during the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari of blessed memory.
Unlike many leaders who sideline their loyalists after using them politically, Tinubu ensured these men did not end their careers in Lagos politics. He consistently opened bigger doors for them and gave them opportunities to shine on the national stage whenever the chance presented itself.
One major example was when the late President Muhammadu Buhari reportedly approached him to serve as his running mate in the 2015 general election that ushered in the APC-led administration. Tinubu declined the offer and instead nominated Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who eventually became Vice President.
Tinubu clearly understood the importance of building people, and years later, he benefited immensely from those investments during his 2023 presidential campaign.
Coming back home to Kogi State, however, many believe the reverse has become the norm. A growing concern among the people is the seemingly unprogressive style of leadership where individuals are elevated politically, only to be cut short halfway into their growth.
A recent example is the member representing Okene/Ogori-Magongo Federal Constituency, Hon. Tijani Muhammed Ozigi, who was denied a second-term ticket despite being widely regarded as one of the best-performing lawmakers from Kogi Central in recent times.
Through several constituency projects, he touched the lives of many people at the grassroots, which is why many residents are still struggling to understand the rationale behind his political setback.
Another example is Senator Jibrin Echocho of Kogi East Senatorial District, who was also denied a third-term ticket despite what many considered an impressive performance in the Senate.
The member representing Ajaokuata constituency in the Kogi State house of assembly was also denied the opportunity to build on his legislative experience.
To a large extent, all these men stood out among their colleagues from Kogi State in the 10th National Assembly and the state Assembly.
A closer look at the cabinet members who served under former Governor Yahaya Bello further strengthens this argument. Many of them have quietly returned to their previous occupations after leaving office, rather than being strategically positioned for federal appointments under President Tinubu’s administration.
Many observers believe this leadership pattern stems from a fear of building strong political figures who could someday become influential enough to challenge the authority of those currently in power.
Unfortunately, this style of leadership cannot bring genuine progress to Kogi State. Instead, it keeps the state moving in circles like a rollercoaster. People who should naturally be positioned for key national opportunities are instead being suppressed, while the state continues to lose valuable human resources that could contribute meaningfully at the federal level.
– Aliyu Mahmud writes from Kogi state.
