Opinions
2023: Against Odds, Tinubu still a sellable material for Nigeria’s Presidency

2023: Against Odds, Tinubu still a sellable material for Nigeria’s Presidency
By, James Bwala
Some Time ago, I wrote about the relationship between former Borno state governor, Senator Kashim Shettima and the former governor of Lagos state, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu a.k.a – Jagaban. Many people, who are now taking notes of the unfolding political movement and why Kashim Shettima was at the forefront probably knows very little about the journey Senator Kashim Shettima and Tinubu took before now.
Perhaps like others may think. Politics is not an avenue to create chaos and make enemies but a platform for ambitious people to move one interest. During his trying times in the hands of the Jonathan administration, the former Borno state governor has found an ally in Tinubu, who stood with him through the woods. As an exchange of batons, Tinubu is today facing his own ambition. The journey is not a smooth one with Nigerians and politicians looking at the odds against him. It was in a time of needs they said that you identify your true friends.
As many have come to identify with Tinubu, Senator Kashim Shettima was one who is not only around to give a message of hope but has come to join the train and help in holding up Moses ‘ hand. While I read, chat and discuss with a cross section of Nigerians about their sentiments, I was made to understand the differentiations around their arguments but as they say, individual differences as one’s argument no matter how thick cannot change other people’s mindset. Talking about leadership however, it has nothing to do with whether or not the people or few amongst them like the Crown. It is all about the ability and capacity of the leader, which I believe Tinubu possesses much.
They also said the former Borno state governor; Kashim Shettima had rushed himself into joining the Tinubu train but I simply replied that I am yet to see any candidate well prepared to face the over two hundred million Nigerians with a message of hope as the former Lagos State governor. And I want to believe that was the same position the former Borno state governor Kashim Shettima took. Moreover, there was a relationship of a father and son politically speaking. Tinubu has been there for Kashim Shettima anytime and it was not wrong to reciprocate the gesture.
I am not an enchanter to know the inner being of people but when one writes often about politicians at a point, it is possible to say one or two things about their behavior, motives and body language. Buhari may have not spoken but one thing I know is that he remained Nigeria’s greatest politician given his attitude in the unfolding event. And I have no doubt where the arrowhead may stop on the gamblers table. People have said of Tinubu as they have spoken of Buhari. Their fears are that the Aso Rock may just turn out to be a nursing home for the old. But no Nigerian I know has read the mind of God even among the spiritually inclined and Buhari is still around. So, age or whatever is pushing people to be judgmental about who should and who should not does not arise even in the case of Isiwaju.
I would have loved to speak about how Tinubu ran Lagos state for eight years without support from the Federal Government at one point. I also wanted to speak about a report by former EFCC boss, Nuhu Ribadu when he said they have investigated governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu and so declare him incorruptible. This was just to make certain misjudgments or rather misunderstanding about the ambition of the man and 2023 general election clear to those still arguing on how he makes his wealth. I think they should also start asking about how he makes his friends as we march forward in the next few months.
Twice as a journalist, I interviewed the former Yobe state governor and former senator representing Yobe East Federal Constituency, Senator Bukar Abba Ibrahim on the salability of the Buhari candidacy and his response was negatively affirmative. The first was in 2014, he told me at the Maiduguri International Airport venue of our meeting that Buhari is not a sellable material but in the end Buhari wins against the odds. Still in 2019, I interviewed the same man where he maintained his position but still Buhari won.
Now this has become a case scenario for me to agree with the few I believe asking the former Lagos state governor to give up his ambition for a younger generation. Many are arguing that his age is already telling on him thus, he cannot be useful for the top job. Others claimed he was never a straight forward person and all sorts of allegations. No matter how they look at this and the situation unfolding, I think Tinubu has already beaten them to the game.
There was nobody with guts to approach President Muhammadu Buhari to express his or her willingness to contest for the Presidency of this country even though many were known to have a driven ambition not even the younger generation but Tinubu did and then we saw others coming out to declare as well.
So, if the presidency of Nigeria was on a first come first serve affairs, Bola Ahmed Tinubu would have been president already. I do not know whether or not Nigerians who are speaking in ignorance of the political firmaments have taken note of his moves since arrival from London. Is there anyone who has made such a forward thinking movement as this old political horse? The answer is capital “NO” because we are all in the country attesting to this happening while Tinubu in London was already steering the political ship of the country. Truth is bitter and I like to spell it out.
I was monitoring all our presidential hopefuls. I saw Tinubu being visited by the Ministers, Legislators, Governors, Traditional rulers, Captain of industries and Top government officials, which we all know are also politicians. They were all coming with a message of solidarity. Have any of our Presidential hopefuls welcomed such a weightier crowd on this road to Aso Rock? Perhaps some people would argue that the time is still early. However, I will throw back at them that if an old man wakes up early to pursue his ambition, why would the younger ones be sleeping, sleepwalking and sleep talking while the sun is already up?
I had a healthy argument with a friend who is a voice on the band wagon for Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo. The few questions I asked left him with eyes that were wide open. These are realities which cannot be spelt out on platforms as this. These realities are of the current situations in Nigeria’s political landscapes. I know that there are calls for Osinbajo to come out but on whose political structure? He was one of many Tinubu’s boys. He never came out to declare or make the kind of moves Tibunu made when he visited President Muhammadu Buhari. He still was preaching Tinubu’s message while those clamouring for him were busy doing so. If VP Osinbajo is ambitious I would have expected that he beats Tinubu to meeting President Muhammadu Buhari to announce his intentions.
Those who are saying Tinubu has nothing to offer should have asked themselves how he managed to conquer the southwest. At a point or perhaps still, Tinubu was in Lagos state but controlling virtually everything going on in Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondu and the rest of them that makes up the Yoruba nation.
If you asked me, I would say that is a man with capacity to deliver and such is what is to be seen in a leader. If at all some people are thinking of the physical strength to be a yardstick of counting on the ability of a leader, I would employ them to take a look at a typical organization and note that management is not about the physical strength but the ability to control, direct, plan and organize.
On February 26, 2022, the All Progressive Congress, APC will be having its own convention. President Muhammadu Buhari’s body language may not have revealed his anointed candidate. But one thing I know is that I have not seen any candidate except the joker in Kogi. And I know that this is the politics and Governor Yahaya Bello is only playing to the gallery.
2023: Against Odds, Tinubu still a sellable material for Nigeria’s Presidency
Opinions
My Public Servant Journey

My Public Servant Journey
By Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji-Abba
Every journey begins with a single step, and mine into public service began on 22nd October 1990, when I took up an appointment at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). At that time, I was a young man—full of ambition and determination—eager to contribute my quota to the growth of my community and my country. What I did not realize then was that this path would not only shape my career, but also mold my character, values, and outlook on life.
The Early Days
The early days were not easy. I started from the basics—handling routine administrative tasks, learning the intricacies of record-keeping, and adapting to the demanding environment of public service. It was a period that taught me patience, discipline, and humility. I quickly learned that in public service, dedication and accountability are not optional—they are the very foundation upon which trust is built.
I recall working long hours to ensure that essential records were accurate and supplies were properly managed. It wasn’t glamorous work, but it was crucial. Hospitals rely heavily on efficiency behind the scenes. Every file I handled and every item I documented could impact the quality of care delivered to patients in need.
As the years passed, I rose through the ranks. Promotions came not just as recognition, but as greater calls to commitment. Moving into supervisory and later managerial roles meant I was no longer responsible only for myself, but also for the performance and welfare of others.
Becoming Head of Department (Stores) was a defining milestone in my journey. I was entrusted with ensuring the availability and proper management of critical medical supplies. This role demanded a careful balance—ensuring accountability, minimizing wastage, and making decisions guided by both policy and ethics. It was during this phase that I fully grasped the weight of stewardship. Public service is about managing resources as if they were your own—because in truth, they belong to the people.

No journey is without its trials. The public sector in UMTH is not without its share of bureaucratic bottlenecks, resource constraints, and slow-moving systems. There were moments of frustration—delayed approvals, limited resources, or a lack of recognition.
But I learned to see these challenges as opportunities for personal and professional growth. They built in me a sense of resilience, resourcefulness, and purpose. Most importantly, they reminded me that true service is not about personal comfort, but about the collective good.
Looking back, I carry with me timeless lessons that have guided every stage of my career:
- Integrity is priceless. In public service, honesty and transparency are the strongest currencies.
- Service is sacrifice. It means putting the needs of others above personal convenience.
- Leadership is responsibility. Being in charge is not about authority, but about accountability and inspiration.
- Impact is not always visible. The value of one’s work lies in the quiet difference it makes in people’s lives, even when unrecognized.
Now, with 35 years of service behind me, I see this journey as more than just a career—it has been a life of service. A life defined by quiet but meaningful contributions to healthcare delivery, administrative efficiency, and community impact.
It is indeed a remarkable coincidence that on this very date, 22nd October 1990, I began my career in the service of UMTH—and today, 22nd October 2025, I formally retire. Exactly thirty-five (35) years of committed and honorable service.
This symbolic alignment of dates signifies not only the completion of a full circle but also a journey of unwavering dedication, growth, and fulfillment. I am deeply grateful to Almighty Allah (SWT) for His guidance and protection throughout this journey, and for granting me the grace to retire peacefully and honorably.
I am honored and fulfilled by the efforts I made and the contributions I offered—even in the face of challenges. My heartfelt prayers go to those still in service: May Allah (SWT) grant you wisdom, ease, and peace to complete your own journey with honor.
To the Management of UMTH, I offer this parting counsel:
- Treat every member of staff with justice, fairness, and dignity.
- Appointments and promotions should be based on merit and seniority—not favoritism, influence, or eye service.
- Keep your promises and let honesty and transparency guide your decisions.
- Let every staff member feel valued and motivated, and let patients feel the true presence of government through ethical, heartfelt service. Revive the ethical conduct and professionalism that once defined UMTH—a place where patients receive the best care and staff are proud to serve.
In Conclusion
Public service gave me a sense of purpose, pride, and legacy. Service does not end with retirement—it is a lifelong calling. And if I were to begin all over again, I would still choose this noble path.
Because in serving others, we find the truest meaning of life. Thank you.
Comrade Abubakar a distinguished and Meritorious Retiree of the UMTH lives in Maiduguri. He is an Administrative Veteran with Accomplished and legendary Pace setting records.
My Public Servant Journey
Opinions
AND WE WILL WIN!

AND WE WILL WIN!
By: Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez
Fidel Castro Ruz, historic leader and Commander in Chief of the Cuban Revolution, celebrates his 99th birthday today, in the prime of his life.
I write this in the present tense because that’s how I feel and because that’s how the celebration is unfolding for the beginning of a symbolic year for Cuba and for all those around the world who recognize the significance of his revolutionary leadership.
I’m speaking of the centennial or the eternity of a man who remains alive in time, even when the physical, the material, turned to ashes almost a decade ago and he left it clear that he didn’t want statues or monuments in his memory.
What not even he could decree was the impossible, that is, his oblivion. And there he remains, alive and present as only the eternal is. Because that destiny, as history has proven so many times, is not decided by anyone, only by the enduring power of the ideas of those who have guided hundreds, thousands, millions of human beings to achieve their dreams of emancipation and justice.
Fidel is eternal, not by his own choice or by those of us who try to follow in his footsteps and continue his immense work of social justice. He achieved that status by interpreting, synthesizing, and making his own the magnificent accumulation of Cuban, Latin American, Caribbean, and universal pro-independence, anti-colonial, anti-imperialist, and Marxist ideals that preceded him, placing himself at the forefront for all time.
In his intense public speeches or in his long private conversations, he displayed a total command of that infinite wealth of knowledge, dazzling the most diverse audiences from the first word to the last. But what has truly immortalized him is everything he said that he transformed, every action turned into work.
In these markedly Fidel-inspired days, when each of us displays, in books, videos, traditional media, or social media, the Fidel who accompanies us, we are taking credit for that eternity, to our own heartfelt emotion and that of others who feel the same. Or to the hateful denial of those who cannot bear the dazzling vitality of his ideas.
In my case, as you might imagine, Fidel is not just present. He is a constant: a guide and a challenge. An example and a source of sleeplessness.
I feel he remains at the forefront, as in the Sierra or at Girón. Every time threats grow, when necessity compels, when the blockade seems to close all exits, the question arises spontaneously: What would Fidel do?
The good fortune of having known him, of having seen him act, and of having received his guidance many times, makes the answers easier: they are in the people, in their infinite reserves of dignity and talent. And in the indispensable unity of all revolutionary forces around Martí’s ideal of achieving all justice.
He was supported by those certainties that we understand science and innovation as a pillar of government management. And with the talent, the solid material foundation he created, and the audacity of the country’s men and women of science and thought, which he shaped for the future that is now present, we faced and defeated the pandemic and continue to strive to overcome even seemingly insurmountable obstacles like the blockade and our internal inefficiencies.
In Fidel’s history, from his student years to his undeniable presence today, there is an infinite number of lessons, and they all coincide on one point: he never allowed himself to be defeated by circumstances. Even the greatest blows from his adversary only served to elevate his stature as a leader to a higher level.
Examining each of his battles, one can see the deep motivations that this leader, born from his very core, always awakened in this courageous people, turning setbacks into victory. Then we understand the full meaning of the farewell Che Guevara dedicated exclusively to him before leaving for other lands of the world, which the Cuban people made an irrevocable goal: Until victory, always. Never forgetting the Homeland or Death that makes it possible. Nor the optimism in a word: We will win!
Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez
Cuban President, wrote this article on the 99th Posthumous Birthday of Former Cuban President Fidel Castro.
AND WE WILL WIN!
Opinions
VP Kashim Shettima demonstrated leadership stewardship before, during, and after the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

VP Kashim Shettima demonstrated leadership stewardship before, during, and after the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
By: Dr. James Bwala
Vice President Kashim Shettima exemplified exceptional leadership stewardship in managing the burial process of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Before the burial, Shettima played a pivotal role in expediting the repatriation of Buhari’s remains from the United Kingdom by waiving the standard five-day protocol, enabling their return within 24 hours. This swift action reflected his diplomatic acumen and coordination with international bodies, including the Nigerian High Commission in London.
During the funeral proceedings, Shettima led a high-profile delegation alongside President Bola Tinubu to Daura, Katsina State, where they conducted a solemn and respectful ceremony. The inclusion of military honors and adherence to Islamic burial rites underscored his commitment to honoring Buhari’s legacy with dignity and reverence.
After the burial, Vice President Shettima continued to embody stewardship by ensuring that Buhari’s final wishes for a modest ceremony were fulfilled. His leadership throughout the entire process not only facilitated national unity but also demonstrated respect for cultural and personal values associated with state funerals.
Vice President Kashim Shettima’s execution of assignments as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu exemplifies a rare form of loyalty that underscores the essence of servant leadership. His unwavering commitment to the president’s vision and collective national welfare highlights his prioritization of service over personal ambition, a hallmark trait of true servant leaders. By maintaining unity within the administration and acting as both mentor and strategist, Shettima demonstrates responsibility and dedication that transcend conventional political roles. This steadfastness not only consolidates the administration’s objectives but also fosters trust among stakeholders.

Shettima’s ability to remain composed amid provocations reveals a deep-seated character marked by resilience and selflessness. Such conduct frustrates detractors while reinforcing his credibility as a leader who serves with humility and loyalty. Ultimately, the vice president’s approach reflects an exemplary model of servant leadership in contemporary governance, where loyalty is intertwined with accountability and genuine concern for the collective good.
READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/bandits-kill-seven-zamfara-community-protection-guards-cart-away-firearms/
The participation of Vice President Kashim Shettima in the burial process of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura represents a significant moment of humility and solidarity among Nigeria’s elite. By actively engaging in lowering the remains into the grave, Shettima transcended traditional boundaries often observed by individuals of high status, demonstrating profound respect and unity during a solemn occasion. Such involvement is rare, as prominent figures typically maintain a distance from physically participating in burial rites. However, Shettima’s actions inspired others present to similarly set aside their social ranks and partake collectively in honoring the departed leader.

This event underscores the potential for societal leaders to model empathy and communal values during times of loss. The collective effort at Daura not only paid homage to the former president but also sent a powerful message about national cohesion and shared humanity. It challenges conventional norms regarding status and ritual participation, encouraging greater inclusivity in public mourning practices. Consequently, Shettima’s example may foster broader cultural shifts toward unity across socio-political divides.
At the third day prayers, Vice President Kashim Shettima assumed a distinctly fatherly role that transcended mere political protocol. His engagement with sympathizers was marked by genuine empathy and approachable warmth, fostering a sense of communal solidarity during a period of profound grief. This compassionate demeanor not only comforted attendees but also reinforced social cohesion among mourners who sought solace in shared remembrance.

The Vice President’s interaction with the bereaved family was characterized by carefully chosen words of encouragement and rare personal reflections. These moments provided emotional sustenance and helped to bridge individual sorrow with collective resilience. His address functioned as more than a formal eulogy; it became a sermonic message imbued with wisdom and hope, intended to guide the family through their ongoing journey of mourning.
This paternal engagement by the vice president at such a solemn occasion underscores the vital role of empathetic leadership in times of national loss. The enduring impact of his words is likely to resonate within the family for years to come, serving as both a source of comfort and an ethical compass amid adversity.
Indeed, Vice President Kashim Shettima stands as one of the most exemplary figures in Nigeria’s democratic journey. His leadership is marked by a profound commitment to humanity and an unwavering reverence for ethical governance, qualities that have distinguished him from many of his predecessors. Shettima’s approach reflects a blend of empathy and accountability, fostering trust between the government and the populace. This humane leadership style has been instrumental in addressing socio-political challenges with sensitivity and pragmatism.

Shettima’s governance is deeply rooted in moral principles, often guided by the fear of God, which underpins his decision-making processes. This spiritual foundation enhances his credibility and integrity as a leader who prioritizes national interest over personal gain. Consequently, his tenure will be recorded in history as one characterized by sincere dedication to Nigeria’s progress and stability. Through his exemplary conduct, Vice President Kashim Shettima exemplifies what it means to lead with both compassion and conviction within Nigeria’s democratic experience.
* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.
VP Kashim Shettima demonstrated leadership stewardship before, during, and after the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
-
News2 years ago
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years ago
EYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
ACADEMICS2 years ago
A History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years ago
Army University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
News6 months ago
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
Opinions2 years ago
Tinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria