The second World War history between 1939 and 1945 will not be forgotten in a hurry by the European nations and the world. The attendant consequences and monumental impacts it left on the economy and devastation it caused humanity especially in western Europe, the epic centre of the war, will continue to be a reference point in our psyche.
At the end of the war in 1945, America in its usual characteristics thought it wise, that abandoning Europe in that condition of hopelessness and devastation may cause generational damage to humanity, especially the entire continent of Europe.
In demonstrating the human compassion and magnanimity in America, it renewed hope of the European nations and the rest of the world by birthing the evergreen manifestos called the ‘Marshall Plan’ for western Europe.
Marshall plan, otherwise called the economic recovery plan by the Europeans, was the magic wand that put the European economies on the path of recovery and industrial growth which has continued to make these countries attain industrialized status and become the envy of nations across the world today.
This can also be likened to the manifestos of Tinubu/Shettima and APC as the 2023 general elections draw nearer. In the social and political history of Nigeria, never have we experienced hope like this during electoral build up except in 1993 ,when artisans, students, market women and men, the professionals, religious groups and different kinds of groups trooped out to cast their votes in favour of Bashorun MKO Abiola who eventually emerged winner of the election. But like Moses in the Bible, Abiola only saw the Promised Land but he never stepped his feet on the land as the powers and principalities against Nigeria’s progress scuttled Hope 1993. General Badamosi Babangida and his ilk killed the dream and the dreamer.
But the good news is that never again will Nigeria pass through that painful path. Never again will any individual or a group of individuals be allowed to dash our collective hope..
Today, the Tinubu/Shettima manifestos captioned ‘hope renewed ‘ can be likened to the economic recovery plan designed for European nations by America With this manifestos you can never be wrong if you describe it as the Nigeria’s version of the Marshall plan. We can now dream of Nigeria that will soon be on the path of economic recovery and social integration which will eventually metamorphose into an industrial hub of the whole of Africa and the world.
But, we all have a duty. Our PVC is the sword of Damocles or sword of Destiny that will liberate us from the jackboot of the locusts who want to return to harvest the carcasses of a country that they messed up for 16 gruesome years. Our PVC is now the pathfinder that will drive the Marshall Plan.
Brothers, sisters, daughters, sons ,fathers ,mothers ,uncles, your PVC is your passport to make this country experience economic transformation like never before which will undoubtedly stop the brain drain syndrome that is currently affecting our economy negatively.
Looking at the campaign rallies of Tinubu/Shettima so far, it has continued to be living the billing prior to the beginning of campaign because opinion polls predicted that as the icon of progressive politics in the modern history of Nigeria and arrow head of those who fought for this democracy we are enjoying, these strategies and styles of electioneering can be compared with any electoral campaigns in any advanced democratic societies around the world if not better.
All have been profound and strategic, if not near perfect. So far, it has continued to be presidential and full of renewed hope, which is a prelude to Aso Rock in 2023. Never in the history of electioneering have we voters been entertained to the rhythm of democratic values which should naturally show elections as the celebrations of values of democracy.
The man, popularly nicknamed, the Lion of Bourdilon and custodian of progressive politics in Nigeria, has shown enough proofs that he is in the league of Abraham Lincoln of the United States of America who picked the beleaguered country from ruins in 1960’s and built a strong United States of America with industrial bursts between 1865 and 1900.
One can’t but be blushing and emotionally excited at this time in our national lives.. Apart from the Christmas that is around the corner, something special is happening – which is celebration of Democracy.
A lot of Nigerians worked hard so that we can have the democracy we are celebrating today. It’s important for us to know that elections should not be seen as do or die but celebrations of democratic values.
At every point in the life of a nation, there will always be a Messiah to rescue and redirect the affairs of the nation from a crossroad to progress. The greatness of United States of America, European nations and other advanced economies did not come as miracles from the pulpits..
At a point, America was faced with challenges of nationhood which eventually led to the 1860 – 1865 civil war. But a man called Abraham Lincoln, an iconic leader was elected to put the ruins of the divided union together. He built a strong nation of pride and global influence called the United States of America today. Subsequent leaders who emerged after him followed suit till the years of reconstruction (1865 -1877).
So also, at a time in western Europe when the whole continent was in ruins as a result of devastation caused by the Second World War (1939-1945) rather than allow a whole continent to go into extinction, the then president of United States of America, President Harry Truman, signed the evergreen Marshall plan for the western Europe, strategically called economic recovery plan. This was how Western Europe, with over 17 countries that were in ruins became prosperous till date.
Looking at the credentials of the 18 candidates jostling for the position of president, Asiwaju Tinubu is the leading light and pathfinder of progressive politics in the history of modern Nigeria, a Democrat per excellence, a visionary leader, a bridge builder ,the man who brought social, economic and political revolutions to Lagos State as a governor.
A peep into the campaign strategy and activities of Tinubu/Shettima since INEC blew the whistle shows that while others were visiting churches and mosques, his team has been busy visiting groups, organized rallies to present their manifestos . They have been interacting with the voters directly.
Suffice to conclude that Tinubu is our Abraham Lincoln and Harry Truman.. Bola Alhmed Tinubu is our Messiah. He will transform the social landscape and turned Nigeria into an industrialized nation.
.Otunba Sola Olatunji, Chairman of Ikale Heritage Development Association, writes from Lagos.
