Busuyi Mekusi

The last edition of reflections enunciated how the imputed ambition of a towering political eclectic enigma could become ‘burdensome’, with attritions coming from old protégées who wanted self-expression as well. This edition is best read as a continuation. Tinubu’s influence in the Nigeria political scape is characteristic of a political polygamist, who ‘genetically’ reproduced himself in others, through conscious political socialisation and systematic orientations, underscored with scientific projections and empirical hypothesis. Tinubu’s cloning across the nation was evident in the various politicians he sponsored to attain political powers at different levels, starting with States in South Western Nigeria, to others, including up-north.
Apart from the depth of resourcefulness Asiwaju exudes in discourses, he recognises intellectual prowess, and annexes holders of strong and deep thoughts to his advantage. He would naturally assemble the best of high flyers to think through processes, and formulate workable templates to strike a goal; and achieve the crown. This grand-networking is reinforced by the ownership of media outlets used to loudly air his opinions, and sustain his hegemony. Little wonder some of the institutions were targeted for destruction during the #ENDSARS vexation. Simply put, he has a court-like followership that gives him anything he desires in the socio-political and economic firmaments of Nigeria, and some nations of the world. His cosmopolitanism came to play in showcasing Buhari to the whole world, and rebranding him for the ‘consumption’ of Nigerians, who had detested his dictatorial credentials. Yes, the born-again-‘democrat’-Buhari was made to wear a jacket, and Aisha left the ‘ozer room’ for conversations in the village square!
Tinubu’s financial liberality and empowering dispositions are uncommon and unrivalled, with his followership sustained by his ‘deep pocket’ in prosecuting political revolutions and court cases. Definitely, the strictest of measures would be tilted to gratify his affableness and benevolence! Tinubu has been enmeshed in many controversies: from the Toronto certificate scandals to alleged political murder; from corruption as the helmsman in Lagos State, which took him before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, to the Bullion Van in his private residence on the eve of a national election; from the allegation of ‘feeding bottle’ extended to him by the Fowler-led FIRS to the daily ‘retribution’ of Alpha-Beta in the Lagos horizon. Tax collectors are shrewd and are Kings! As he boasted in the past that he thinks ahead of his detractors, time would tell if the recent #ENDSARS-induced conspiracies would add to his feathers, rather than pluck from them.
The winning models of Tinubu have thrown him up as the most prominent political figure in contemporary South West, trailing behind progenitors like Awolowo, Abiola, and Obasanjo, with whom he parades unique attributes. Jagaban’s political sagacity and his handshake across the Niger helped him to progressively increase his political influence from Lagos State, to the South West, and later nationally. His veritable almost scientifically-cast alliance with the Buhari group, led to the ‘re-making’ of a General and dictator, that won the hearts of majority Nigerians, riding on the frenzy for ‘Change’ in a Jonathan’s dispensation considered to be palpably weak and corrupt, thereby defeating an incumbent for the first time in Nigeria democratic experience. One wonders if there was a pact between Tinubu, as would-be national leader and an aspiring Buhari, a presidential candidate, that the cabals would now make difficult to be respected. The ‘Magic’ that produced Professor Yemi Osibanjo as Buhari’s running-mate, in the build-ups to the 2015 presidential election was sharp and blunt, leaving behind a reverberating acclamation that literally swept Jonathan off the peoples’ minds and political space. Ironically, the ‘rejected’ Jonathan’s ‘inglorious’ past is being evoked contemporaneously to scathingly criticise the present government.
PYO, an hitherto unknown personality with strong political and religious ties, became a ‘star-boy’ in the Buhari Presidency, with successive attempts made to undermine him, and possibly bring him down. His ‘chi’ has been alive to guide him through the shadow of death, as he fears no evil. His uncommon reasonableness and loyalty when his boss was incommunicado endeared him to many, as his period of functionality in the presidency birthed noticeable changes in the economy and political orders. With the failing of initiatives already made, and those to come, within and outside the presidency to contaminate his rising profile and good name, PYO is well placed to clinch the Presidency in 2023. This is more so as his name is silky to the commoners in the north, and would assuage emotionally-distressed many that are convinced that the agenda to Islamise Nigeria is a fait accompli. Osibanjo is well-schooled, brilliant in idea, and would make a good technocrat in government, even though he is seen as one of Tinubu’s ‘boys’. More importantly, PYO is next on line, experienced on the job, as against experimentation, and may simply fulfill ‘divine’ purpose.
Tinubu’s quest for the ‘throne’ is unveiling him as somebody desirous to transmute from a kingmaker to a King. Looking at existing historiography, Awolowo and Abiola made failed attempts to rule Nigeria, but Obasanjo returned, after his “Not My Will” military Head of State, as a democratically elected President, based on permissible compensation for the annulment of June 12, and death of the flag-bearer, Abiola. Tinubu’s antagonists are already challenging how a Muslim, even though a liberal one at that, would want to succeed Buhari, a Muslim. This argument has been fueled by the religious apprehensions and propositions about the repression of Christians. Some in the South West have catalogued him a politically-correct politician, using his opinions on the delicate issue of insecurity and Ãmòtékùn to label him an ‘outcast’. The cries for the zoning of the presidential seat to the South are also raising the ‘south-question’, with the South East, haggling for belongingness, and South South also exploring the possibility of fielding candidates, including erstwhile President Jonathan. Zoning is simply part of the divisive perversions in a democracy! Whereas the APC space is being 2023-crowded, by the day, the contributions of the major opposition party, the PDP, and other possible alternate political platforms, would make decisive marks on the political plane, as things unfold.
Tinubu must be guided by diminishing relevance of individuals and the recession or death of empires. He must know that there are limits to one’s desires and aspirations, as one does not always win. The present latitude ceded to him might be for merely ‘king-making’ and not kingship/enthronement. He must be reminded that ‘returns for investments’ are not just about the seat. There is also the place of providence in a man’s quest. With Osibanjo being next-on-line, we could be talking about a reliable ‘heir apparent’, with his acting presidency that manifested remarkable sparkling impacts. PYO’s ‘silenced’ voice might change from ‘Off the Mic’ to Sòrò Sókѐ, because our religious minds tell us that God rules in the affairs of men.
Tinubu needs Ola Rotimi’s Nogbaisi’s ‘caution’, as he steps back to renegotiate his position as a party leader and elder-statesman. Tinubu should busy himself with; emplacing Nigeria Development Forum and constitution of the Nigeria Developmental Elders’ Forum; facilitating national rebirth through reforms; mustering egg heads at his beckon to garnish national development, etc. Godfathers should not dance naked towards the throne, as Hope ’93 would be three decades old by 2023. Caution is the word!