The lessons are glaring for us to see. You can visit our political past. “Once bitten, twice shy” goes the popular saying. I know supporters of Bola Ahmed Tinubu know that their candidate can use his massive political influence and experience to get Nigerians someone better, more fit and more cosmopolitan. Nigeria’s presidency, in my own thinking, shouldn’t be the end!
The Ibadan video of Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the latest of many, warning Nigerians of the situation that lurks. In the widely circulated video Bola Ahmed Tinubu berates young Nigerians who are poised to contest in the forthcoming elections. While some fault his unambiguous position, some applaud it. In any case, Bola Ahmed Tinubu needs to know that Nigeria is bewilderingly complex, mired in numberless woes only experience and wealth can’t fight.
I don’t have any issue with Tinubu becoming president; I am only afraid he doesn’t have all it takes to lead a country as fragile as ours. Don’t ask me who my candidate is, neither should you challenge me to contest political offices. That will be ignorant of you. We function in politics in different ways.
Since Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared his intention for presidency, a number of Nigerians, including the so-called Not-Too-Young-To-Rule fans, have been mobilizing themselves for him, perhaps because of his magical two-term reign as the governor of Lagos State. After all, a friend wants Tinubu president because he wants a Nigeria that looks like Lagos. This is not enough, I think.
Agreed that old people can sometimes lead differently. Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s fans don’t have to belabour the point that Buhari is older than their man. In a country like ours, age is an important criterion. Take it or leave it. In other words, the volatile country we inherited and continue to parade is indicative of how inimical gerontocracy is. Thus, it’s advisable for us to belittle strength, innovation and the knowledge of how politics operates globally as qualities required of anyone vying to succeed Buhari.
The lessons are glaring for us to see. You can visit our political past. “Once bitten, twice shy” goes the popular saying. I know supporters of Bola Ahmed Tinubu know that their candidate can use his massive political influence and experience to get Nigerians someone better, more fit and more cosmopolitan. Nigeria’s presidency, in my own thinking, shouldn’t be the end!
Ambali Abdulkabeer
