The former Governor of Lagos State and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, 13th April 2022 gave reasons he was and remained the best candidate to succeed the incumbent President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari come 2023.
He said he was the ‘courageous person’ who could step in and bring about the needed change and desired development across the country.
Tinubu, who spoke at a one-day parley between current Speakers and Deputy Speakers of all APC-led States across the country in Lagos State, used the avenue to disclose his presidential bid to the State legislators.
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The event, which had ‘The Legislature, Changing times and Nigeria’s Democratic Journey’ as its theme, saw the presence of countless dignitaries of Nigeria origin.
He acknowledged the nation was endowed with great human capital to experience a true transformation, but said a premium must be placed on the leadership ability of individuals jostling to run for the position of president.
Tinubu said, “It is a very challenging time for us in the country and we need to decide the next leadership right. We need to intellectually assess the current situation, and bring in a person with a clear vision and ability to deliver. Accelerated development of our country is all about thinking, doing, and being courageous. I am a thinker and a doer.
“I was raised with courage and that is what is driving me to push on my vision to create a Nigeria that will work for all. We can build this nation and reverse the carnage. What we need is leadership, the visioner to drive the change we desire. That is why I have presented myself to canvas for your support.”
The APC national leader said he was prepared to take over the mantle of national leadership legitimately through the ballot, and not make attempts to gain political power passing through the back door.
He further hinted that he possessed the capacity to truly transform the country, noting his administration as Governor of Lagos initiated many unprecedented steps toward lifting the State’s economy.
If given the chance to become the President, Tinubu said he would bring his new capability to bear and transform the potential of the country into a reality.
“As I need Nigeria, the country needs my competence. I have been a good example with a shrewd, daring, and can-do attitude. And I have never lost a single election,” he landed.
Having perused through these claims, I make bold to say that Tinubu might be quite ‘courageous’ and resourceful as he rightly claimed, but what Nigeria truly needs as a President goes beyond the aforementioned qualities.
The country doesn’t just need a competent person, but a very sincere and genuine one. The acclaimed giant of Africa isn’t just in need of a dogged individual but someone who is and remains truthful in all ramifications.
I’m not in any way saying that Tinubu is not trustworthy, but it’s pertinent for the electorate to acknowledge fully that only a truthful Nigerian can usher in the change the country yearns for. So, the teeming Nigerian voters need to go beyond competence and eligibility while seeking a person that can transform the country positively.
Nigeria has unarguably gone through a lot in recent times, socio-politically and economically, hence she can’t afford to continue in this direction come 2023. The choice lies in the hands of the electorate.
It is one thing to know the truth, but the courage to say and stand by it is a totally different ball game.
I think Nigeria Intellectuals have a very big job to do if we truly desire the type of change that we proclaim. To do otherwise amount to asking for something without the necessary will to go for it.
Everyone must realize that this election is to a large extent, a do-or-die affair for Nigeria’s survival, both economically and existentially hence the need for everybody to feel personally involved as though it is his or her personal business to go for the very best among.
It would not pay anybody standing on the fence this time because the problems of Nigeria are no longer for a section of the society anymore. Even the rich obviously cry now. It is, therefore, not the time to romance words or political correctness, it is a time to speak truth to the powers if we are to make it past 2023.
As Martin Luther King Jr once said, If you can fly, run, if you can’t run, walk, and if you can’t walk crawl but by all means keep moving. We can’t all stand for elective positions. We don’t have to seek INEC. Job. Those in the diaspora are still disenfranchised, but you can contribute your quote through articles and speeches, and through research and publication of facts about the dirty ones so the masses would know who they are dealing with. It may even force some of them to back down.
Any Nigerian expert who does not know or cannot tell his audience that Tinubu is not the best choice for the job of Nigeria’s presidency is not doing both himself and the country any favor. Tinubu may control the EFCC and the rest of the crime-fighting units, but he cannot control Nigeria youth’s minds.