Human Rights Activist and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council for Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Dr Tunji Abayomi, speaks to JULIUS ALABI on the chances of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu in this Saturday’s presidential contest. Excerpt…
You are a staunch supporter of Asiwaju’s presidential bid. Why Asiwaju, why not the others?
The Nation faces one overwhelming problem that breeds lots of bad children. The overwhelming problem is poverty. So you need someone who knows about wealth generally and who can manage the nation’s money adequately. Tinubu has a much higher score in this regard compared to the others. He is a man who has vast knowledge about the wealth of the nation, a professional mind with relevant experience and expertise in money making field.
Now many of you have wondered why I opt for Bola Ahmed Tinubu among the Candidates. My answer which I have restated again and again is that I believe judged by these standards he, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is certainly the very best. I present him to you on my honour for your approbation and election. May our Nation Nigeria be great again.
What are the chances of Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu winning the Presidential election?
If the South West votes as they voted for Abiola, Tinubu will emerge as President. The South West has a bulk supportive vote. The people of South West hold the key for Tinubu to win.
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Don’t you think the record of the Buhari administration in terms of insecurity and widespread poverty in the land can affect Asiwaju?
The perceived bad record of the present government will not have a determining effect. First, there will be some improvement from Buhari’s government before the election. Second, this election will focus more on persons instead of political parties.
You once said Asiwaju graduated at the top of his class of Accounting from Chicago State University. Why does his school record become a subject of controversy?
It’s normal in elections for opponents to use all sorts of bring-down strategies. Once you have a genuine degree, you have a certified right to contest for all employment in any nation. No system worries about what happened before. That’s precisely why he was able to work in world-renowned accounting firms as well as become an auditor in Mobil Producing.
There has been a lot of interest in Asiwaju’s physical fitness in the race. The opponents are alleging that he is not in a good health form for the office he is aspiring for. What is your response to this?
At his age, he cannot claim the health of a 40-year-old unless he’s not true to himself. I interact with him regularly. His intelligence remains high and undiluted. He’s capable enough to cognitively engage issues and people. He’s able to walk without a wheelchair. I think he’s healthy enough to govern. He can speak with a clear bold voice.
What is your take on APC’s same-faith ticket?
In my view, we should avoid the over-cultivation of religion or its influence in politics as this could be dangerous to national cohesion. Christians have a right to demand concern for their plight in Northern Nigeria. They have a right to insist on religious freedom and avoidance of discrimination. They have no right however to insist on the disqualification of a good candidate because of his religion. It will amount to reverse discrimination which is wrong.