Amid growing speculations and permutations about 2023, APC National Leader Bola Tinubu on the mend in his London home after a surgery remains a darling even in the most unlikely of places.
The Igbo socio-political organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has joined his praise-singers, and its chorus will shock many.
“Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu represents many things to different persons and groups. To Nigerians in general, he is one of the authors of this democracy we enjoy today,” Ohanaeze’s Deputy Secretary-General, Dimm Uche Okwukwu, said in a statement.
According to him, Tinubu put in so much energy as chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, to make sure that Nigeria was returned to democracy in 1999.
“To Yorubas, he is a home-grown leader. Southern Nigeria sees him as a patriot and foremost unifier.
“Igbo people see Asiwaju as their protector. We remember that as governor of Lagos State, he appointed an Igbo man from Anambra State, Ben Akabueze, Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget for eight years, 1999-2007,” he said.
And Nigeria, according to him, can’t have enough of Tinubu.
“We need him for the unification of the Southern bloc of Nigeria. We need him to mentor the younger generations. Nigerians need Asiwaju to inspire them. We need him to guide us in the right path of democracy. Nigerians want him home in good health.”
Nigeria is facing secessionist crisis across the south. Groups like IPOB, Ilana Omo Oodua are seeking to break a republic each away from the nation.
Tinubu has been suspected of eyeing the 2023 presidency, too, though he has never made his intention clear.
Mmany believe he’s fine-tuning his health in London so he can withstand the rigour of campaigning come 2023
The Igbo group wished him quick recovery.