Some of the most thrilling moments at the 1oth Bola Tinubu Colloquium which was held in Lagos, yesterday weren’t ones that emanated from the order of the programme nor events that took place on the podium; instead, the thrilling sessions came from many vibes from messages sent from political gladiators in All Progressives Congress, APC who were absent, body languages of others who were present as well as the loud meanings a discerning mind can pick from the many ellipses in the speeches of the day.
Here is an analysis pulled together to give you an insight into some of the revelations, drama that you missed at Jagaban’s 66th birthday.
1. Buhari/Osinbajo 2019 Campaign kicked-off:
The theme of the colloquium, ‘Investing in People’ was tilted majorly towards the narrative of President Muhammadu Buhari’s achievements; condemnation of the opposition and to a larger extension a salute to Tinubu, the celebrator and political strategist who will lead the political battle to ensure Buhari/Osinbajo retains power come 2019.
For President Buhari to fly to Lagos on a two-day visit just to honour Tinubu—the Generalissimo of Southwest politics-on his 66th birthday shows all the thorny issues between the duo have been cleared and the path is set for the 2019 political showdown.
Recall that their relationship cooled off not long after the 2015 general election which Buhari won with critical support from Tinubu.
When Buhari recently declared the year-long tenure extension granted to the APC national leaders as illegal and that election must hold to elect new leaders, Tinubu was full of praise for the president whom he said had restored democracy in the ruling party.
But yesterday at the colloquium held in honour of Tinubu to mark his 66th birthday there was out-pouring of effusion between Buhari and the national leader even as both hurled political barbs against the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.
Buhari words at the occasion:
” I am happy to be here with you to celebrate the birthday of my friend and political partner, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I call on all Nigerians to join me in celebrating this man. Asiwaju Tinubu is widely known as a political strategist. But the strategy is barren unless wedded to a higher purpose than just itself.
“Here, Asiwaju also sets himself apart. I have come to see him as a man who cares about people and who is a fountain of ideas for economic development and improving the situation of the common man and woman. He is a true humanitarian and we appreciate his contributions to Nigeria’s and Africa’s progress.”
Confirming his readiness to lead the game, Tinubu in his speech assured Buhari he was going to work with him again. Obviously, even though it wasn’t categorically stated what the ‘work’ was, we all know the tie between these two is around the 2019 re-election
2. Akiolu, Ooni reunites:
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu were yesterday reunited in Lagos.
Recall that things fell apart between the two monarchs in April last year, 2017 after Oba Akiolu shunned Ooni of Ife at an event in Lagos at the said time.
In a 25-second video that went viral last April, Akiolu shunned an attempt by the Ooni to exchange pleasantries with him. Even though Akiolu said no such thing occurred, both men usually kept a distance from each other afterwards whenever they met at events.
Prior to this time, it was reported in the media that the duo met, embraced at Aliko Dangote’s daughter’s wedding in Kano but there were no photos and video proofs.
At the occasion the two highly respected monarchs spent more time exchanging pleasantries, they chatted for several minutes to the admiration of many who beheld the sight.
Watch the video…
3. Fashola, Fayemi relegated in Tinubu’s kingdom:
One question the media couldn’t ignore is to get the hint on the political stand of former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, who is now the Minister of Power, Works and Housing.
From the look of things, Fashola alongside his counterpart in Solid Minerals Development, Kayode Fayemi, were both on the hot seat at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos- in fact the seat was so hot, Fayemi couldn’t wait until the end of the programme, while Fashola himself was lost in the crowd..
Recall that during their days as governors of Lagos and Ekiti states, Fayemi and Fashola played key roles in the programme which friends and loyalists of the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) put together annually.
Both men fell out with Tinubu shortly before the 2015 general election, and there are discussions in the political circle that the ministers are building a base in the south-west ahead of the 2019 elections.
Although there were cracks in the relationship between Tinubu and his successor during the time Fashola governed Lagos, things went from bad to worse when the minister lost his bid to pick his successor.
While Fashola backed Supo Sasore, a lawyer like him, Tinubu threw his weight behind Akinwunmi Ambode, the incumbent governor of Lagos.
4. Musiliu Obanikoro; sacked SGF, BabaChir Lawal on front row:
The colloquium yesterday was more than a roundtable discussion – it highlighted the food chain and real flow of power in the All Progressives Congress. From the seating arrangements, those on the very front row at the event were people who regarded as weighty politicians who are in either in the good books of President Muhammad Buhari or occupies a key role in APC/Tinubu’s army.
Guess those who made the front row? Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Engr. Babachir Lawal on Thursday staunched participants at the 10th Bola Ahmed Tinubu Colloquium going on in Lagos when he (Lawal) joined President Muhammadu Buhari at the front row.
Lawal sat with Nuhu Ribadu and Andy Ubah at the extreme left of the stage; on the same front row line from where the presidency, ministers, governors and other important aides sat.
Another surprise on the front row is former Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, who seems not just to have reconciled with Tinubu but also stands firm in the scheme of things in Lagos.
5. Oyegun defeated; Tinubu’s might still unbending in APC
The expected absence of the Chairman of All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun at the event, speaks of Tinubu’s unbending might in the party [APC].
It was Buhari, who technically ended Oyegun’s tenure with a subtle notice to him to prepare the party’s national secretariat for a new leadership, a clear show of PMB allegiance to Tinubu.
Buhari’s words:
“I think if we deviate from the constitutional provisions, we might be endangering the fortunes of our party,” Buhari said. “If the tenure of our party executives can be legally faulted, then it means that any nominations and primary elections that they may conduct can also be faulted.”
It was a bigger blow to Oyegun’s aspiration to lead the party during this election cycle. He didn’t see it coming.
To have the victory, Tinubu has said “President Buhari showed principle and courage by steering the party back to its original and correct path. His action has saved the party from serious legal turmoil… such a predicament would constitute an unnecessary and mortal blow to the party and its role in promoting progressive governance to Nigeria.”
At the occasion, which was well-attended bigwigs in the party, one will clearly see the towering and political stature of Tinubu. One of the unforgettable scene was when politicians loyal to Tinubu recited an anthem to pledge their commitment to his leadership style.
With their palms firm on their chest, the Tinubu loyalists sang ” On your mandate, we shall stand, on your mandate we shall stand, on your mandate…Bola! on your manda, on your mandate, we shall stand.