Tinubu: Unique leader with penchant for rewarding talent and loyalty, by Kola Amzat

Almighty God has configured the universe, as well as human beings He deliberately created to populate it, in a way and manner that no one is imbued with capacity to ascend to prominence on his own without the intervention of a specifically assigned Angel, Prophet or a Destiny Helper. 

Even Abraham, the father of faith ascended to eternal glory & prominence with the intervention of an Angel. 

Angel Gabriel’s intervention paved the way for Mary and Zechariah to fulfil their individual destinies. 

Therefore, when late Chief Abraham Adesanya and the then leadership hierarchy of Afenifere UNANIMOUSLY resolved on the candidature of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as ACN governorship candidate for Lagos state for 1999 gubernatorial election, a very emotional initiative meant to reward his moral, financial and logistics support for NADECO struggles both at home and abroad, they never knew in their wildest imagination that they’re bequeathing to Nigeria a thoughtful and eagle-eyed leader who would ultimately comb for available talents in all the nooks & crannies of the country, regardless of creed,race, religion or sex, to help setting the country on the path of growth,development and prosperity. 

As Lagos state governor, fishing out talents was his preoccupation, beside transformational governance in all facets–economy,infrastructures, social amenities, security architecture etc that he FOISTED on the state of excellence while his tenure endured. 

It’s in the public domain that since the turn of 4th Republic in 1999, he single-handedly identified and nurtured all the governors who have reigned after him, including the incumbent, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

And, the result is the spectacle of huge accomplishments that have been associated with the state over the two or more decades.

The state hasn’t only experience prosperous governance, rooted in a unique TRANSFORMATION MODEL, the state of excellence’s economy has been the THIRD best in Sub Saharan-African consecutively for three years running, and unfathomable Appropriation Bill that has also crossed ₦2 trillion mark,over the same period of time, with the 2026 standing at ₦4.4 trillion. 

It’s in the public domain that the former Lagos state governor didn’t only fish out Prof Yemi Osinbajo and Rauf Aregbesola from their paid jobs into the then Lagos cabinet,he ensured that they’re dominant in the team. 

By the time he concluded with them, they’re already vice president of the federal republic, as well as Osun state governor respectively.  

Meanwhile, two prominent monarchs who are today imperially dominant within Victoria Island andLekki-Ajah axis, Oba Saheed Elegushi and Oba Wasiu Gbolahan Lawal, the Onikate of Ikate land and Oniru of Iru land, were security aides to the former APC leader while he was helmsman in Lagos. 

They both ascended their respective thrones through his benevolence.

Nigerians,particularly, the citizens of South west geo-political zone were aware of many political chieftains who benefited in terms of appointments and elections into various high-profile offices from Tinubu’s pot of kindness.  

The president is not done yet. Indeed, he carried a similar mentality to the seat of power at the Villa.  

The immediate past Inspector General of Police, Isaac Egbetokun, as well as the newly appointed IG, Tunji Disu were also Tinubu’s members of police security team when he reigned in Lagos. 

They both got to the pinnacle of their profession through the favour and mercy of the president.  

Nigerians vividly recollect Mike Agbakoba, Mike Ozhekome, both Senior Advocate of Nigeria(SAN) and their cohorts’ frantic efforts to force their ill-intentioned and mischief model on the state of FCT, Abuja elections, on the generality of Nigerians. 

Despite the fact that they’re aware that FCT is not recognised as a state by the Nigerian 1999 Constitution, as amended, they made frantic efforts to upturn the provision of the constitution in their desperate bid to sway victory in favour of PDP and its candidate, Atiku Abubakar on account of his victory in the federal territory, as well as Asiwaju Tinubu inability to poll 25% mandated by the constitution therein.

But, the former Lagos state governor survived the deadly plot and conspiracy. 

He responded SWIFTLY by appointing Barr Wike Nyesom, a trusted & tested political ally, performer of an immense repute, focus and result-oriented as FCT, Minister.

Today, Wike has completely changed the political tide in FCT, Abuja and its environs,through unprecedented developments in all facets that the territory has witnessed in the last three years, a development that completely swayed the electorates’ votes to APC during the recently concluded LGAs elections, and making the president and the ruling party to be singing a new song. 

Zach Adedeji, a very disciplined, pragmatic, ambitious and resourceful accounting professional, headhunted by the president to handle Federal Revenue Services has within two years surpassed tax revenue targets, introduced a raft of tax reforms, as well as making FRS a customer-centric federal agency.

Bosun Tijani, was appointed by the president as Minister to drive Nigeria’s communication and digital economy and in the last two years, the minister has been instrumental in driving innovation and fostering the growth of tech startups across the country, driven the growth and influenced businesses & initiatives in different sectors including –environment (Wecyclers), fiscal transparency (Budgit), e-commerce (Traclist), Healthcare (LifeBank), education re-learn, wellness (Truppor) and transportation (GoMyWay), and in the process changing the face of innovation in all sectors of economy.

But, the crux of this Piece is yesterday’s nomination of Mr. Taiwo Oyedele as Minister of State for Finance by the president. The name has been forwarded to the senate for confirmation.

What a wonderful and rewarding move by the president! 

Taiwo, an Economist, a Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader at PWC, was appointed as Chairman, Presidential Tax Force barely two years ago,  saddled with the responsibility of comprehensively reviewing the Nigerian Tax administration and management, and proffer a way forward.

The Task Force under the dutiful and resourceful watch of the Ondo state born tax expert swung into action and provided the country with a new Act anchored under the following four pillars: (1) The Nigerian Tax Act, (2)Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment), (3)Nigeria Tax Administration Act and (4)the Joint Revenue (Establishment) Act, all combine to seek streamline revenue administration, enhance compliance, strengthen intergovernmental coordination,and reposition the tax system to support inclusiveness. 

The four pillars are broken down into pieces that this Write-up wouldn’t capture for want of space.

But, it’s instructive that the Task Force under the able leadership of Mr. Oyedele handled their jobs with a high level of professionalism, ethical standard,discipline, focus, as well as patriotic zeal. 

Against all odds, especially vehement resistance by the opposing groups for months before the Bill was assented by the president, the Task Force stood their ground,unmoved, unrelenting and unperturbed, with only their eyes on the ball.

Nigerians must particularly applaud the patriotism, courage and ‘can do spirit’ of the new ministerial nominee, who cried aloud several times, of threats to life messages he severally received from disgruntled and unscrupulous Nigerians who are obviously comfortable with status quo, as well as often move to oppose all innovations, creativity and strategic initiatives of the president aimed at TURNING THE TIDE in the economy, infrastructural and security architectural facets.  

But, they need to change their ways as the country is progressively and courageously navigating all the difficult paths without them. 

Kola AMZAT (FCA, FCIB),

Lagos based Financial & Management Consultants,

09077509348.