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Gov Tinubu and his critics
AKINTOLA BENSON
AGAIN, I have
to seize this golden opportunity once more to educate Tinubu’s critics that
Governor Tinubu’s achievements so far in the last 5 years and 3 months is the
beginning of the beginning of a new era towards a realistic goal in Lagos State
politically, socially and economically. Already, Lagos State government under
him has provided a very conducive environment for private sector investment. The
Lagos State Industrial policy was formulated after due consultations with the
private sector. The objectives are as follows: (i) the attainment of a business
climate that attracts, promotes and sustains private sector investment in the
state economy especially in the preferred sectors as determined from time to
time by government, (ii) ensure an integrated rural development and the balanced
economic growth and development of the state, and (iii) the sustenance of the
state’s premier position as the centre of industrial and commercial activities
in the country. All these paved way for the indefatigable Governor Tinubu to
govern with a vision since he assumed office on Saturday, May 29, 1999. And that
brings to mind the famous proverb, which says "uneasy lies the head that wears
the crown". For any one to wear the crown successfully, there is much to be
done, much to be given and much to sacrifice. It is not the wearing of the crown
ordinarily that matters but wearing it successfully. It is effective leadership
that is important which Governor Tinubu represents in Lagos State.
Despite the withholding of the statutory
allocation meant for the running of local governments in Lagos State by the PDP-controlled
federal government headed by President Olusegun Obasanjo as a result of the
creation of 57 local government councils in Lagos State by the Tinubu
administration; Asiwaju Tinubu has been propelling his administration without
any hitch. This is highly commendable on the part of Governor Tinubu being a
visionary leader.
In the words of Paul Nwabuikwu in his
piece entitled: "Tinubu: From Zero to Hero" published in The Guardian,
Wednesday, April 11, 2001 page 57: Whether as a response to the sheer weight of
public dissatisfaction, the counsel of those close to him or a road-to-Damascus
experience, the new Tinubu is a very different kettle of fish from the old. The
fruits of his new orientation can be seen everywhere one turns. Programmes such
as the innovative programme for disposing refuse, the rash of new roads in
different parts of the metropolis, various donations to humanitarian causes and
of course, his very public battle to keep the flame of energy generation through
the private sector initiative alive in spite of the efforts of the Federal
Government to sabotage the project. Asiwaju Tinubu has reaped great dividend
from it in the form of public goodwill. To the Lagos residents who are at the
mercy of NEPA’s tyranny. Tinubu has become the brave knight who is fighting to
bring light in spite of the Federal Government’s determination to ensure that
darkness prevails.
One factor that has boosted Asiwaju
Tinubu’s profile is the fact that the man is, to quote an American expression,
walking his talk. He has been consistent on such fundamental issues as true
federalism, state police, derivation and resource control and, more than any
other governor, Asiwaju Tinubu has been a consistent critic of the overwhelming
power and immense resources controlled by the Federal Government. Governor
Tinubu has managed to remain steadfast on the issues that are close to the
hearts of his constituency since the inception of his administration.
It is time now for those who hatched the
plot to send Asiwaju Tinubu out of office to turn a new leaf and join hands with
the governor to sustain the image of Lagos State as the Centre of Excellence.
Lagosians must appeal to Asiwaju Tinubu’s accusers to give peace a chance in
Lagos State and let this man who is more sinned than, a sinner to do the job for
which he was elected. Today, the amiable Governor has reactivated many rural
electrification projects that include, Ilasan Resettlement Housing Estate, Ikota,
Osapa London, Ikate Elegushi and Igbokusu Sapatan; completion of phase one, two
and three of Igbo Efon Rural Electrification projects; rehabilitation of micro
water schemes in the five pioneer model colleges; provision of 20 Type "A"
boreholes in fifty local government areas, 4 hand pump operated wells and 14
covered wells in 34 communities, and rehabilitation of 35 kilometers of rural
road with culverts and back filling provided in the rural development and
infrastructural sector of the state.
Lagosians must not be denied the benefit
of enjoying good service from this man whose competence has been demonstrated
beyond all reasonable doubts. It is in the collective interest of Lagosians of
the man to be allowed to fulfill all the promises he made to the electorate on
electricity, transportation, water supply, housing, education, employment etc.
Those who want Governor Tinubu disgraced out of office do not wish Lagosians
well. Their goal is to, frustrate the dreams of millions who have envisaged a
new dawn under the administration of his man who more than any of his
contemporaries prepared himself well ahead for the challenging task of governing
Lagos State.
Through the vision of Governor Tinubu, it
is becoming crystal clear that within the cloud that had hitherto enveloped our
nation, Governor Tinubu holds out hope and promise. At a time when Nigerians are
compelled to disillusionment and despondency, the policies of the Lagos State
government exemplify hope and happiness. In a land where true leaders are
becoming a vanishing breed, Asiwaju Tinubu’s policies show him as a true leader
whose love for his people is beyond question. Governor Tinubu’s projects are no
flash in the pan. He himself knows that he has a pact with destiny. That pact is
to enable him occupy a pride of place in the history of our great nation. The
governor intends to carve a permanent niche for himself by emerging in history
with a kind of greatness that is incomparable, a kind of greatness that is
stripped of any pretentious enigma. You can only do that with achievements that
are imperishable. What is required of us now is patience and understanding for a
man who does not believe in ephemeral actions and may therefore not be prepared
to emulate the opportunism of those who play to the gallery.
Governor Tinubu had learnt some useful
lessons in tenacity from Homer’s Odyssey. Like Odysseus, he has journeyed
through the land of lotus-eaters, the island of winds, the snare prepared by
blackmailers and yet like a cat with nine lives, he has survived all the
intrigues. His programmes are like seed already sown but which takes little time
to bear all fruits. Having no need to fear man, his goal is to demonstrate an
unflinching devotion to duty and translucent love for Lagos State.
Above all, in the fullness of time, when
Aiswaju Tinubu’s achievements begin to bear more fruits, it would become clearer
even to cynics that Governor Tinubu is a truly great man, a man whose life bears
testimony to George Chapman’s poem where it is said, "They are only truly
great who are truly good". The people of Lagos State have demonstrated their
unflinching loyalty to the administration of Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu since
its inception 5 years and 3 months ago. In spite of this momentous triumph of
good over evil, the citizenry must remain vigilant and committed to the goal of
making Lagos State excel. I urge the Tinubu administration to pursue this goal
with relentless vigour and an unwavering determination.
Concluded.
•Benson is the Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos
State on Media Relations.
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