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| Bola Tinubu |
Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a prominent Nigerian businessman who has become one of the most influential figures in Nigerian politics, especially in the South West region of the African country.
Early Life And Career Of Bola Tinubu
Tinubu whose full name is Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu was born on March 29, 1952 in Lagos, Nigeria. For primary education, he attended primary school St. For secondary education, he attended the prestigious St. Augustine in Oyo State, Nigeria.
After finishing school, Tinubu began his career in the private sector, working for various firms including Arthur Andersen and Co., Deloitte, Haskins and Sells and GTE Services Corporation. He eventually became the Treasurer of Mobil Oil Nigeria, where he gained extensive experience in the oil and gas industry.
He became active in politics during the military rule of General Ibrahim Babangida in the 1980s. He was one of the founders of the pro-democracy group, the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which played a key role in the struggle for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria. In 1992, he was elected to the Nigerian Senate, representing the Lagos West constituency under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Rise To Political Prominence In Lagos
In 1998, Tinubu and other politicians founded the Alliance for Democracy (AD), a political party that became the dominant party in Lagos State and the South West region of Nigeria. Tinubu played a key role in the the party's victory in the 1999 general elections.
Lagos State Governor Election
Tinubu was elected governor of Lagos State in 1999, becoming the first elected civilian governor of the state since a military coup in 1983. He was re-elected for a second term in 2003.
During his governorship, Tinubu implemented significant reforms in the areas of transport, education, healthcare and public works. He focused on increasing state revenue, attracting foreign investment and improving infrastructure, especially in the areas of roads and housing.
Achievements And Controversies As Governor of Lagos State
Tinubu's tenure as governor of Lagos State has been marked by significant improvements in revenue generation and fiscal management of the state. He introduced several reforms that increased revenues and reduced wasteful spending, leading to a significant increase in the state budget from 2002 to 2006.
Public Works And Infrastructure Developments
The Bola Tinubu administration was also responsible for several public works and infrastructure development projects, including the construction of the Lekki-Epe highway, the Lagos-Badagry highway, and the State Teaching Hospital of Lagos.
Controversies Surrounding Land Use Act And His Administration
However, Tinubu's tenure as governor was not without controversy, particularly regarding land use and administration. Some critics accused his administration of engaging in land grabbing activities, while others criticized his handling of the Lagos State University crisis, which led to the sacking of several professors.
Relations And Alliance With Other Politicians
He has been associated with several political alliances and coalitions over the years, including the AD, the Action Congress (AC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was a key player in the formation and success of these parties, and maintained relationships with several prominent politicians in Nigeria.
Role In National Politics And Presidential Aspiration
Bola Tinubu's political career began in 1992, when he stood for election as a Senator for the Third Republic of Nigeria. However, it was not until 1999 that he achieved national prominence as Governor of Lagos State, a position he held until 2007. During his tenure, he initiated several reforms that transformed Lagos into one of the most prosperous states in Nigeria. In 2003, Tinubu became one of the founding members of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), a political party aimed at promoting democratic principles in Nigeria. The party then merged with other opposition parties to form the All Progressives Congress (APC), which won the 2015 Nigerian presidential election.
Influence in National Party Politics
Tinubu has been described as a kingmaker by his friends in Nigerian politics. He is credited with playing a crucial role in bringing together various opposition parties to form the APC, which in 2015 ended the 16-year rule of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria. Political influence of Tinubu extends beyond Lagos State, where it is known as the "Jagaban of Lagos" (a Yoruba honorific meaning "chief of warriors").
Nigerian Presidential Aspirations
Tinubu began his presidential ambitions in the APC where he is seen by many as a potential successor to President Muhammadu Buhari, another APC member with whom he has had a complicated relationship over the years. While they were once political allies, their relationship has at times been strained, particularly over the selection of candidates for national party posts. However, they have also come together on occasion to support each other's political ambitions, and their relationship remains a subject of interest and speculation in Nigerian politics.
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| Tinubu and Buhari |
Tinubu stood for election in 2023 and was declared the winner of the disputed election which many Nigerians believe was won by Labor Party candidate Mr Peter Obi.
Overview Of Tinubu's Business Empire
Tinubu is also a successful businessman, with interests in various sectors of the Nigerian economy. His business empire includes real estate, telecommunications and media companies. He is the founder of Alpha Beta, a consultancy firm that manages the finances of Lagos State and other Nigerian states.
Bola Tinubu's political career has been marked by several controversies, including regarding his personal financial dealings, conflicts of interest, and allegations of irregularities in the use and administration of land.
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was reportedly involved in a white heroin trafficking ring that operated in Chicago and parts of Indiana and led by one Adegboyega Mueez Akande between 1988 and 1993. Upon investigation, Tinubu who is described as a "drug lord" in the case, agreed to a plea bargain in the United States and voluntarily agreed to forfeit his assets - $460,000 to the United States government in 1993.
These controversies have drawn criticism from some and been a source of concern for those who question his very integrity as a public figure and President of Nigeria.