TINUBU NATIONAL THINKTANK WILL KEEP GOVERNMENT ON ITS TOES – COORDINATOR, ADEWALE ADEOGUN • okays fuel subsidy removal, adds ‘Youths will have place in this administration’
By Oki Samson, Trek Africa Newspaper
Founder, Tinubu National Thinktank (TNT), Hon. Adewale Adeogun
Probably one of the first few Nigerians who began to mount pressure on the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to vie for the Nigeria’s no. 1 job is Hon. Adewale Adeogun who founded the Asiwaju Progressive Forum (APF) and then went ahead on air to affirm that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu must vie for presidency or face a lawsuit. Thankfully, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu vied for presidency, Hon. Adewale Adeogun campaigned with Asiwaju across many states and the rest, as they say, is history.
Now that it is governance time, Hon. Adewale Adeogun is back. He has declared that the new body which he founded Tinubu National Thinktank (TNT) will be a pressure group to keep government on its toes in order that it can deliver on the goals and aspirations which made him support the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu mandate.
Hon. Adewale Adeogun discussed extensively in an exclusive chat with Trek Africa Newspaper on how the journey started, what is currently happening, and his expectations for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Read!
Trek Africa: Take us through the journey, how did it all begin?
Hon. Adeogun: In 2019, when we founded the Asiwaju Progressive Forum, we thought that Nigeria was not been governed as expected not trying to take the shine off the past President but we believe what Asiwaju could do will take Nigeria higher. He did it in Lagos so we yearned for it. Even though he didn’t send us, by 2020 I took to media that if he failed to come up with his interest for presidency, we will take him to court. He didn’t ask us to do that but we believe so much in him. Today all in now history, he is the President.
Trek Africa: What was the journey like for you?
Hon. Adeogun: The journey was never smooth. When we started some people called us names, told us ‘are you insane, how can you push someone who has not shown interest?’ But we know that if Nigeria will go back to the Giant of Africa status, we need Tinubu who can think outside the box. His welfarism, building bridges, depth, everything, you can find Asiwaju’s input everywhere. When we were going around the country campaigning, we know we were selling a right product. Asiwaju is the only candidate who had his anthem, his logo, his passion, he is a household name so we had the edge because he is sellable candidate.
The reality of life is that everyone wants the good things of life. So many people are now identifying with him and they are trying to push us behind but we will not go to sleep. I vigorously campaigned with him in 19 states, we will not allow them to take the shine over us because if we did not start the process, they won’t have something to join today.
Trek Africa: The subsidy on fuel has been removed, is that a good inauguration gift to Nigerians by Asiwaju?
Hon. Adeogun: We cannot continue to live in self-denial. In 2012 when the then President Jonathan was supposed to have removed the subsidy entirely but because he didn’t have the political will, he ran back. It is same for President Buhari but the cabal didn’t allow him. We now have a President who knows that if we start it now, we will get along with it and that is why he said it at his inaugural speech. If Asiwaju had waited, Nigeria could have go up in flames because some people would have started storing fuel to take them the next 6 months. That could cause fire disaster and people will start complaining that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has brought disaster. He has done it. He has taken the bull by the horn. In truth, subsidy has not helped anyone except the cabal who will become richer. What Asiwaju needs now is prayer and patience. It is like when you are planting, it will be difficult but when you are reaping, you will be happy. Asiwaju will give the best that Nigeria deserves.
Trek Africa: What is the essence of TNT?
Hon. Adeogun: The era of support groups is over, they are for elections. It is time for governance so TNT will ensure that all those who worked for Asiwaju directly or indirectly would not be left behind. TNT is a pressure group that will put government on it toes. Our other aim is to keep the opposition in check, we are not saying don’t criticize but do it constructively. No country is run by ghosts, it is people. Politics is the worst thing that you can put your hands into but at the same time, politics is the best thing to do. We want to work with the government.
Trek Africa: Asiwaju is appointing people already but youths are worried that it is only old people, what do you think?
Hon. Adeogun: Youths will have a place in this administration. He appointed Dada Olusegun who is a youth. He has also appointed his personal photographer who is equally a youth. He will bring them in not minding the age according to the exigency of each position.
