A renowned Pro-democracy Campaigner, Mr Richard Akinnola has admonished the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to reconcile with his estranged political associates warning that the former Governor was walking on Banana peels which could slip him.
Akinnola, a close associate of late human rights lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi gave the admonistion in an article titled, ‘The enemies of Tinubu’.
He warned Tinubu to be wearied of his fanatical supporters who would never tell him the truth even if he derails. He described the supporters as his real enemies.
It is widely believed that there was no love lost between Tinubu and the immediate past Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Fashola and some other leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC. The rift became pronounced on Tuesday when Fashola launched three books on his achievements in office and no notable APC chieftain graced the elaborate event.
Akinnola in his article said, “Sometime in 1982, l had cause to publicly disagree with Chief Obafemi Awolowo, despite being a supporter of UPN. Senator David Oke of the UPN wrote a scathing rejoinder to my position, accusing me of being an Awolowo hater, not knowing that l was an Awolowo follower.
“A major bane of political leaders is the attitude of their close associates and fanatical supporters. As far as they are concerned, see no evil, speak no evil. They prefer grovelling obeisance, genuflecting before their political god. I wasn’t wired that way. I was fortunate to have had a close relationship with late Chief Gani Fawehinmi. We would argue, shout, and sometimes hold contrary opinion publicly.
“Gani would respect you for that, without taking it personal. Governor Olusegun Mimiko is my friend. I supported and campaigned for him in 2012. And since the election in October 2012, we have not seen. In fact, we have spoken only once since then and that was when Bamidele Aturu died last year. I “yabbed” him and he apologised.
“That is me. As a typical Ondo guy, I respect people but look at them straight in the eyes and speak my mind, even if you don’t find it palatable. It is against this background that l find it quite worrisome that Asiwaju Tinubu has been turned to a demi-god by his associates and supporters. To them, Asiwaju can do no wrong. If he does, they rationalise it.
“I am one of his admirers and l have done a number of things behind the scene to protect his interests even without him knowing because he doesn’t even know me. I have never met him on one – on – one. I hope to do so one day. He has paid his dues, particularly on our democratic advancement and good governance and he should be given his due credit. But l hate deification of mortals. This Asiwaju can do no wrong is repugnant to me.
“His admirers and close associates are not helping him by being afraid to look at him in the face and tell him cold truth that he would find unpalatable. They know the truth and say it behind him but are afraid to tell him to his face. Currently, Asiwaju is overreaching himself with some of his political moves and may soon get his hands burnt. I don’t want him burnt. I don’t want him disgraced because we still need him.
“Even his detractors can’t deny his major political influence. But Asiwaju, you need to eat the humble pie and retrace your relationship with some of your political associates. Only you would fight Saraki, Fayemi, Fashola, Niyi Adebayo, Amosun, Mamora, among others. Your supporters would deny this but some of them don’t know what some of us who are not even APC members know. Beyond the veneer of public conviviality with these people, we know what is happening. I will say it the way it is. Your enemies are not in PDP.
“They are found among your fanatical supporters and close associates who would see no evil and speak no evil. Asiwaju, you are walking on banana peels. Please, retrace your steps. But l still love you, nonetheless”.
