Tinubu Rises from Ashes of Opposition Splits in Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa, is no stranger to political strife. The country has a history of divisive politics, tribalism, and corruption. In recent years, one of the most prominent figures in Nigerian politics has been Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The former Governor of Lagos State and national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been a controversial figure, to say the least. However, with the recent splits in the opposition parties, Tinubu’s political fortunes seem to be on the rise once again.
Tinubu’s Political Background
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, popularly known as BAT, was born in Lagos State, Nigeria, in 1952. After completing his education in Nigeria, he went on to study accounting in the United States, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Chicago State University and a Master of Science degree in Finance from the University of Chicago.
Tinubu began his political career in the early 1990s, when he was elected to the Nigerian Senate. He later served as the Governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007. During his tenure as Governor, he initiated several reforms that transformed Lagos into one of the most economically vibrant states in Nigeria.
In 2013, Tinubu was instrumental in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a merger of four opposition parties. The APC went on to defeat the incumbent People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 presidential elections, with Muhammadu Buhari emerging as the country’s new President.
Tinubu’s Influence in Nigerian Politics
Tinubu’s influence in Nigerian politics cannot be overstated. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential politicians in the country, with a massive following in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria. His political clout has earned him the nickname “The Jagaban” or “The Lion of Bourdillon.”
Tinubu’s ability to build political alliances and coalitions has been instrumental in his rise to power. He has a knack for identifying political talent and nurturing it. Many of Nigeria’s current political leaders owe their rise to Tinubu’s patronage.
Tinubu has also been a controversial figure. He has been accused of corruption and of using his position to enrich himself and his cronies. However, despite the controversies surrounding him, Tinubu has remained a powerful force in Nigerian politics.
The Rise of Tinubu
In recent years, Tinubu’s political fortunes seemed to have taken a hit. The APC, the party he helped form, has been plagued by internal divisions and conflicts. In 2020, the party was rocked by a leadership crisis that saw the suspension of its National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole. The crisis led to the formation of splinter groups within the party, with some members defecting to other opposition parties.
The opposition parties, which were previously fractured and weak, have now coalesced into a formidable force. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have formed an alliance with the sole aim of defeating the ruling APC in the 2023 general elections.
However, despite the splits and divisions within the APC, Tinubu has remained a unifying force within the party. His leadership and political skills have kept the party together, even in the face of massive defections.
Tinubu’s popularity and political influence in Nigeria have not waned. In fact, his political fortunes seem to be on the rise once again. With the 2023 presidential elections fast approaching, Tinubu has emerged as a leading contender for the APC presidential ticket. He has been holding consultations with political leaders and groups across the country, building a formidable campaign structure, and consolidating his support base.
Tinubu’s rise from the ashes of opposition splits is not just a testament to his political prowess but also to the fluidity of Nigerian politics. In Nigeria, political alliances and allegiances are often fluid, and political fortunes can change rapidly. This is why Tinubu’s ability to navigate the complex and dynamic Nigerian political landscape is critical to his political success.
Protecting the Legacy
Tinubu’s rise to power has not been without controversy. His critics have accused him of using his position to enrich himself and his cronies. They have also accused him of promoting nepotism and tribalism, especially in Lagos State.
However, Tinubu’s supporters argue that his achievements as Governor of Lagos State and his contributions to Nigerian politics far outweigh his shortcomings. They point to his role in the formation of the APC and the defeat of the PDP in the 2015 presidential elections as evidence of his political acumen.
As Tinubu seeks to consolidate his political power, it is essential that he takes steps to protect his legacy. He must address the concerns of his critics and work to build a more inclusive and equitable society. He must also promote accountability, transparency, and good governance, both within the APC and across the country.
Protecting Your Eyes from the Bad Effects of Cellphone Screens
While Nigerian politics may be complex and dynamic, protecting your eyes from the bad effects of cellphone screens is relatively straightforward. With more people working and studying from home, the use of digital devices has increased significantly. This has led to a rise in cases of digital eye strain and other related eye problems.
Here are some tips for protecting your eyes from the bad effects of cellphone screens:
- Use the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.
- Adjust your screen settings: Increase the text size, reduce the brightness, and adjust the contrast to reduce eye strain.
- Use blue light filters: Many devices now come with blue light filters that reduce the amount of blue light emitted by the screen. You can also purchase blue light filter glasses.
- Blink more often: Staring at a screen for extended periods can cause dry eyes. Blinking more often can help keep your eyes moist.
- Take frequent breaks: Take breaks throughout the day to give your eyes a rest. Get up, stretch, and look away from the screen.
Tinubu Rises from Ashes of Opposition Splits is a testament to his political skills and his ability to navigate the complex Nigerian political landscape. As he seeks to consolidate his power, it is essential that he works to protect his legacy and promote accountability and transparency. Similarly, as more people use digital devices, it is critical to protect your eyes from the bad effects of cellphone screens. By following simple tips like the 20-20-20 rule and using blue light filters, you can help reduce eye strain and other related eye problems.
