The Lion of Bourdillon,Bola Tinubu: A Politicians Wet Dream

Just the other day, I read an article on Linda Ikeji’s blog(and yes I follow her blog)-”wink”.The article was entitled-”The plot to cut down Tinubu’s power in South West”. As the title suggests,the article was all about Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Apparently,”Tinubu’s political life was in mortal danger”. “President Buhari together with men and women,Tinubu ,had helped along the way were hatching plots to politically castrate him”. Tinubu was too powerful; “but ,wait,he is known to have indeed helped and stood by people in their careers”….. The article was replete with innuendos,sub rosa plots,shadowy sources, conjectures,harzarded guesses and contradictions.In summation – “sensationalist”.

He has been called “The Lion of Bourdillon”. Leading up to the 2015 general elections,he was targeted and the dedication to smearing him was ramped up to rival the vitriolic thrown at the candidate,President Buhari.It was astonishing to behold.He was not on any ballot,let alone being a candidate for that election.Seldom,in politics anywhere has a “privatus”,yes politician, not on the ballot in an election been so persistently and single-mindedly targeted.Well,they knew; ”He was Key”.

This is the ultimate fantasy of every politician called to that terrain;”To be Key”.But alas this man who dared to dream,who dared and stayed his course had gone and done it.Literally reached for and lived the ultimate dream; ”He was the Key”.

He has been referred to by commentators in different variations as –“The most successful Nigerian Politician in this era”. Well,to be sure, he is that. And if that is his greatest glory,it is also his greatest burden.

He has become a “Caesar”. “Endowed with,the brains,brawn,charisma,ability and resource to make many in his world seem small in comparison”.He has complained about the target on his back! Well, he has been targeted before,he is targeted now and he will continue to be targeted.

But,I need not tell the Jagaban that ,for I suspect he is an astute student of history.”There will be many who will hide their small knives in their togas”,ala Caesar,wishing to do him harm.The lessons of history have helped those who pay heed not to repeat it.

Unfortunately for his detractors though,President Buhari will not do their bidding.And that ,historically is remarkable,because men at the height of their power ,vain men,are wont to have giants standing close.Whatever your thoughts about him; ”and hits could not be scored against him in that way leading up to the elections” - President Buhari is a principled,honourable man.He is not vain and petty.

I dare say that, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu,will yet outlive and outgun his “Brutuses”. Because his politics lean towards – “Unification rather that Divisionism”, I say-“Soldier on Capitan”, for like his mentor and hero; Chief Obafemi Awolowo, he is at his core – “A Nigerian Nationalist”.

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Written by Victor Ikhatalor

 victor@mytribenigeria.com,
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