The Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 8th Colloquium to mark the politician’s 64th birthday threw up issues of governance. ABDULRAHMAN A. ABDULRAUF writes
On Tuesday, the 29th of March, prominent Nigerians gathered at the International Conference Centre, Abuja to honour one of the major architects of the present political dispensation and national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 8th Colloquium to mark his 64th birthday.
Apart from being a gathering of crème la de crème of the society, the event was yet another one to present the issues of the political (mis)direction of the Nigerian project. From the celebrator to the well wishers, the recurring word of economic diversification and strong political will never ceased to dominate the front burner.
And from the ‘birthday boy’ the message of hope resonated in the arena, just like an appeal to Nigerians to feel safe in the hands of the APC-led government under Muhammadu Buhari.
In an emotion-laden speech, the man of the moment , Tinubu, assured Nigerians that his party is prepared to meet the citizens’ expectations.
The former Lagos state governor also believes that the country no longer has any choice than to make it, adding that only Nigerians can salvage the country and themselves.
Underscoring the significance of the day, he said: “I thank everyone for taking part in this important symposium. The importance of this event is not that it comes on my birthday. It is due to the topic explored and the richness of the contributions made in this regard. I am simply honoured that you would use my birthday as a platform for this vital national discourse.
While expressing his heartfelt appreciation to both President Muhammadu Buhari and his vice, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, for “a most wonderful birthday present”, he assured Nigerians that the present administration would fulfil the promise of bringing “positive change to our beloved land.”
Describing Buhari as a leader committed to the Nigeria Project, the APC leader recalled his clarion call during the 7th Colloquium last year in Lagos, and appreciated Nigerians for the 63rd birthday gift of voting massively for APC.
“That historic victory has placed on us a heavy responsibility to right the wrongs of the past years. Our path may be tough at present. But I do not entertain fear because I know our people are more resilient than the challenges we face.
“Thus, I also ask the people to be of firm conviction and strong hope that we are working for and moving toward a better day,” the party leader enthused.
Continuing , the two-term governor posited that “I believe in destiny. Yes, the times that have come upon us are rough. Yet, I cannot help but believe that we have been put here at this appointed place and appointed time for a reason more profound than mere coincidence.
“The workings of harsh economic reality have revealed the fragility of the economic position we have too long occupied. With the downturn in oil prices, this nation can no longer function as it did. The lack of government performance that has for years been a source of pain is no longer tolerable. This government is committed to reversing the trend towards a positive and progressive outcome.”
Sounding rather philosophical, the suave politician told his guests that “we have reached the point where we can no longer look the other way because there is no longer another way. If we are to experience a new growth and development, we must do it ourselves. Nigerians must become Nigeria’s lifeline.”
The event also provided yet another opportunity to strike at the immediate past administration of Goodluck Jonathan for its ‘malfeasance.’
“Those who came before us believed in weak governance but strong corruption. They were the authors of the malfeasance and ruthless indifference that enchained this nation and its remarkable people. They acted as if their pilferage would never end. But it was ended by the people of this great country.
“However, destiny does not believe in failure. It would never ask people like that to correct the wrongs they themselves had instituted. We can’t expect the author to burn his own book. That group could no more be the rebuilders of a new Nigeria than wind can turn to rock or mud into gold.
“That correction has begun.
This is why I am gratified to have President Buhari among us today. Upon his shoulders rest the fate of 170 million people. However, he does not carry that burden alone. Permit to speak for the vast majority of Nigerians who dream of the same change of which you speak Mr.President: We are with you. We are determined. We have resolved to re-build this country together,” Tunubu submitted amidst thunderous applause.
Still not done, the diminutive but master political strategist who recently threw a spat at the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu over an ‘unsavoury’ comment also lent his voice to the raging need for economic diversification.
At this point he said to President Buhari and the entire audience: “Here, I beg your indulgence to allow me a few words about the subject matter at hand: Agriculture.
“We have heard many excellent ideas and suggestions. I foresee much of what we heard will soon be implemented policy. The nation will soon enjoy a rebirth of this vital economic sector.
“Through it all, we need remember that what we have discussed cannot be reduced to a gaggle of aggregate economic figures. It is not about this or that rate of GDP growth. Those are numbers intended to help us read the story but we should never see them as the true story itself.
“Our real quest is to strive to provide the people with sufficient food at affordable prices. The real story is that our farmers and their land must become more productive but they also must be secured with better pay for their increased output.
“The real story is that our produce must not go to waste but much more of it must be turned into processed goods for domestic consumption.
In the end, we strive to make this a land where no child goes to bed in want and hunger. A land where no loving mother or father is brought to tears because they have not a grain of rice or slice of bread to feed their family. A country where no farmer is made poorer the more he works.”
Throwing a challenge to both the leaders and the led, the politician stressed the need to “move from where we now are into becoming that nation that feeds not only its people but has a surplus to bolster its neighbours and beyond.
Let us arrive at the place where our country side can feed our cities and our cities can produce the manufactured goods needed in both the city and countryside.
“Nigeria’s detractors want to label us a wobbly basket case. Well, let us show them that we can become a vibrant breadbasket for this region and the continent.
I know this is the Nigeria that this administration wants. I know this is the Nigeria the people want. I know this is the Nigeria that is to come.”
Also speaking along same line of thought, President Buhari enjoined Nigerians to join hands with his government in ensuring that agriculture is made the mainstay of the country’s economy in the face of dwindling price of crude.
Stating that “we must produce what we eat,” Buhari reiterated his administration’s resolve to prioritise agriculture to ensure that the country’s self-sufficiency in the production of rice, wheat among other crops.
Commending the APC leader’s political sagacity , the president recalled with satisfaction the role played by Tinubu in dislodging the 16-year rule of PDP , adding that the rising profile of Tinubu since his election as senator in 1992 is a testimony to his forthrightness, diligence and doggedness.
Indeed, the event was no doubt a political gathering of sort, where agenda was not only set for the Buhari administration , but also appeal made to Nigerians in the face of seeming slow progress of the administration. Above all, the huge presence of quality personalities , aptly demonstrates the place of Tinubu in the present political arrangement.
