Among Nigerians, few names are as synonymous with corruption as Bola Tinubu. The flamboyant leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been accused of committing many acts of scandal, including allegations of sexual abuse of children, and is reputed to have paid bribes to corrupt officials. But what is the real story behind the accusations?
Personal accomplishments
Known for his leadership, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a highly influential Nigerian politician. As the former governor of Lagos state, he played a vital role in the development of the state. In addition, he has received several academic awards.
Tinubu’s personal accomplishments are numerous, and he has been credited with economic and social progress in Lagos. He also initiated reforms to improve the civil service. During his administration, he introduced free health care for adults and children. He also improved the infrastructure of the state. His successors have continued to build on his legacy.
Before becoming the governor of Lagos, Tinubu worked for Mobil Oil Nigeria. Later, he went to work for Deloitte Haskins and Sells. He also received professional training at other prominent firms. He was also part of a corporate think tank that reorganized the financial system of ARAMCO.
While serving as a senator, Tinubu was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking. He also led a team of community development programmes in Lagos State. He helped improve the infrastructure of the state, and he introduced new road constructions. He also fought against endemic corruption in the public sector. He also encouraged the younger generation of politicians.
As the governor of Lagos state, Tinubu helped reduce HIV/AIDS among youths. He also introduced free eye surgeries to help millions of Lagosians. He also facilitated the building of five general hospitals in the state.
Influence in the 2015 election
Among the biggest power players in Nigerian politics is Bola Tinubu, the former governor of Lagos state and the current chieftain of the All Progressives Congress. He is also a presidential contender.
While the PDP lost the election, the APC was able to secure a win in a peaceful and free poll. Its victory was partly due to the influence of Tinubu, who is from the southwest.
Despite his age, Tinubu is widely reported as a power figure. He is seen as the political godfather of the south-west region. The former Lagos governor has been credited with rebuilding the city’s commercial hub. He also pushed for far-reaching tax reforms.
However, many of his critics allege that he is corrupt. During his time as governor, the state was afflicted by corruption, crime and trash. In addition, the government failed to adequately address human development challenges.
During the 2015 election, the APC benefited from improved preparation by the Nigerian Electoral Commission. In addition, voter turnout was high, minimizing the possibility of voter intimidation. It is unclear whether the government’s anti-corruption efforts were effective.
However, Tinubu is a wealthy politician who has a large support base in many states. He has also been involved in the Nigerian political system as a master strategist. He is expected to canvass throughout the country. He is a potential candidate for the 2023 presidential election.
Appointment of daughter as Mogaji Iyaloja
Whether Tinubu’s appointment of his daughter Folashade as Iyaloja of market women in Lagos was right or wrong has become a hot topic in the media. The controversy was generated after reports surfaced that Tinubu was promoting his daughter for political advantage. While some Nigerians believed that he did nothing wrong, others said that he is just trying to get more power in the state.
Traditionally, the Iya Loja of Lagos is not hereditary. Instead, a baale or oba of a village is the one to pick the Iyaloja. But since the birth of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the traditional Iyaloja office has been dragged into mainstream politics.
The former governor, however, denied the report and insisted that he did not impose his daughter on the traders. He added that he would choose the leader of the market association based on peace and stability. But the traders expressed displeasure. Some said that the former governor was impossibly trying to secure more power in Lagos.
In the old Western Region, the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPU) was led by Chief Awolowo and won huge votes. Later, the UPU was joined by the Action Group, which gained international recognition.
The traditional Iyaloja of Lagos markets was Abibatu Mogaji. But after his death, his daughter Folashade was appointed as the new Iyaloja.
