On Thursday 16th March 2023 while fielding questions on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party that came a distant third in the February 25th Presidential elections was asked if he was open to a government of National Unity. He was asked, if President elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu were to extend an olive branch, would he accept. His response was a definitive no. In his words “until we get it right, then we can talk about a government of national unity.”
Since Asiwaju’s victory at the Presidential poll, there have been talks about a government of national unity. This is quite usual after every election in the country that even precedes the return to democracy in 1999.
However amidst calls for this, Asiwaju indicated recently what we should expect of his government. The President-elect categorically stated that he had a higher ambition, which is to form a Government of NT National Competence. He further stated that neither religion nor ethnicity and other such considerations would determine appointments, but promised to ensure a full integration of youths and women.
For those familiar with his antecedents, Asiwaju has often favored competence above ethno-religious considerations. He is known to assemble seasoned technocrats with requisite qualification and experience to assist him in leadership positions. He has a penchant for placing round pegs in rounds holes irrespective of sentiments that border on ethno-religious affiliation.
If one takes a look at his cabinet while he was Governor of Lagos state, it is crystal clear that competence/capacity trumps every other consideration for Asiwaju.
For instance, the present Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo was the Attorney General in Lagos state when Asiwaju was governor despite the fact that he is from Ogun state. The current Minister of Information Lai Mohammed who is from Kwara was also Asiwaju’s Chief of Staff when he was Governor. Governor of Osun state Rauf Aregbesola was Commission for Works, Dele Alake from Ekiti state was Commissioner for Information, Ben Akabueze from Anambra state was Commissioner for Budget and National Planning, Wale Edun from Ogun state was Commissioner of Finance and many others.
These individuals, many of whom are holding various government positions today, played a huge part in contributing to the success Lagos state is known for today under the stewardship of Asiwaju. He didn’t let tribal or religious sentiments cloud his judgment while headhunting his team. That is why today, the President Elect is celebrated as the Asiwaju of Lagos, catapulting Lagos state into the thriving cosmopolitan town it is today. It is said that one of the hallmark of a true leader is not just the ability to rule well but also the ability to choose, nurture and groom associates. Asiwaju is adept in this, unlike some other politicians we have today in Nigeria.
Recognizing the herculean task before him, it is refreshing to know that Asiwaju has admitted that he will assemble a team of competent individuals from every part of the country to assist him in steering the country to greater heights. Without mincing words, Nigeria is in dire need of competent people that will deliver on his manifesto. The nation cannot at this crucial moment sacrifice competence for mediocrity or outright failure. The nation needs competent hands, right policies and committed implementation of policies to grow the economy and reduce high poverty levels among the citizenry.
Slow policies, inequality, and bad politics have been major challenges facing the country over the years. However, there is no doubt that the incoming Asiwaju administration will devote its time to address this. While real growth and development may continue to elude Africa’s biggest economy, the appointment of capable people to drive the affairs of government, and develop the political will to address certain infractions is the way to go. What Nigeria needs going forward is a President like Asiwaju that can unite the country. We need a President like Asiwaju who can be a bridge between youths and elders.
The first 100 days will be crucial for the incoming Asiwaju administration. However, there is no doubt in my mind that the President-Elect will live up to the responsibility, surpassing it even. The team he will assemble will possess the necessary skills and capacity to deliver on the goods the country needs. He is going to increase the confidence of Nigerians in the unity of the country through adequate and more inclusive representation of ethnic groups without compromising merits, capacity, expertise and competence.
Congratulations to all victors during the General Elections, particularly the new and returning governors. One urges them to tow the path of Asiwaju by opting for a government of competence rather than on sentiments that usually breeds mediocrity and incompetence. The choice of state commissioners should reflect competence above any other consideration, regardless of creed, age, gender or political affiliation. The time of politics is over. It is now the time for governance. If anything, this election has shown that Nigerians are ready to vote out those who do not perform to expectation and retain those who do.
While many continue to grumble on the conduct of the elections, particularly those who lost or supported those that lost, one might add that the elections produced shocks and wonders. This was an election that saw an “Okada rider” win a seat in the Federal House of Representatives. A 26-year old lady got elected to the Kwara State House of Assembly. Some voters in Kano followed INEC officials from ward level to local governments in a bid to protect their votes. In places like the FCT, non indigenes won seats in the Senate.
Across the country, first time aspirants dislodged perennial “political giants” from their positions. Despite voter apathy, it is the first time huge numbers of youths came out en-masse to partake in the process. While INEC’s server became the “weak point” sought after by few agents of candidates that saw their parties losing in the election, BVAS was a game changer. The failure by some serving state governors or their children to individually win their constituency’s senatorial seat is also one of the many surprises of the 2023 elections.
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