Taiwo Popoola
The criticism by some individuals of the recent tour of the north by Seyi Tinubu has been termed needless and politically motivated by foremost All Progressives Congress chieftain and youths advocate, Comrade Isaac Balami.
He said the call by Nigerians and Lagosians on Seyi Tinubu to take a shot at the Lagos State Governorship position may have motivated the sudden campaign of calumny.
Addressing the media in Abuja on Monday, the former spokesperson of the Trade Union Congress, TUC and ex-national president of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers said he would have preferred to write Seyi Tinubu to express his gratitude to him for going far into the north with his usual humanitarian and selfless nature but chose to rather express his feelings in the media so unaware and misled Nigerians could learn from it.
According to Balami, rather than being attacked for being selfless, Seyi Tinubu should be awarded some medals for all he has done for the unity and progress of the country and for extending his humanitarian work to all parts of the country regardless of religion and political affiliations.
While terming the criticism that greeted his recent visit to the north as needless and politically motivated, Balami said, “The haters of Nigeria know that what Seyi Tinubu is doing will amount to not just a victory for himself, but a victory for young people.”
He said until Seyi Tinubu was approached by young people to run for the highest office in Lagos State, his patriotic acts never offended the sensibility of some haters.
Balami said as he continues to reach out to none tribal youths and the less privileged, Mr Tinubu appears to be geared towards winning a medal of peace and unity.
He also said, Many Nigerians would want their children to be like Seyi Tinubu., saying, “Of course, who is that parent whose prayer is not to have a child who is dedicated to doing the will of God as against doing the will of men?
“Nigerians should rather call on young politicians, local government administrators and other young entrepreneurs to emulate Seyi Tinubu by supporting individuals who are truly in need and not to discourage this young man.
“Mr Seyi Tinubu had started this Iftar reach-outs 10-15 years ago when the father was not the nation’s president. Are some people saying he should quit because the father is the current president? What, therefore, is wrong should the son of the president reach out to those in need or genuinely share some moments with northern Muslims at their quiet and prayerful time?
“The most ridiculous is the insinuation that his gesture was politically motivated. Even if Seyi is doing this for political reasons, what is wrong?
“We know how children of presidents behave. Many won’t come down from their high horses, but Seyi has continued to do what most children of presidents have never done. He is down to earth. So what would Nigerians prefer, a Seyi who parties all around the world or a Seyi who is sensitive to the needs of his people? I’m sure some Nigerians will be happy to see the son of the president partying away in Dubai and all around the world. They will be happy because useful time and resources are being wasted on frivolities. Seyi may have disappointed some people who have such expectations.
“It’s perplexing that we love to trivialize serious issues in this country and until we stop our emotions from consuming the best part of us, we will continue to display a high level of ignorance while taking a stance on issues.
“Today, many prominent Nigerians have made it a culture to always reach out to either Christians or Muslims during their fasting period. As we speak, many top Nigerians have continued to tour the north in support of Muslims who are having quiet and prayerful moments. How is Seyi Tinubu’s tour of the north different?
“Seyi, during the COVID-19 era shocked the world, with his NGO rendering unimaginable services and support across the country. Has Seyi’s personality changed simply because his father is the current president?
“I had recounted before how Seyi had out of his usual magnanimity released a huge amount of money for the treatment of an obidient youth who campaigned against his father. He has also supported individuals across party lines including youths from the PDP and APGA. It’s only a man with a large heart that can assist a “traducer.”
Balami further said it would be unfair to Seyi Tinubu if people miss the statement he continues to make with his various humanitarian efforts, stating that in his detribalized mentality, he had engaged more non-tribal staff in his organization.
“More than 50 percent of the staff in his organization are northerners,” Balami said.
“In my view and as stated earlier, Mr Seyi Tinubu deserves a medal and not a death sentence. My prayer is that God should give us ‘Seyis’ in our families.
“My brother Seyi, do not get discouraged because your success, without doubt is for the good of Nigeria.
“In local parlance, ‘na only tree wey dey produce ripe fruit, people dey stone to pluck.’ In no time, Nigerians will begin to see the fruits in you.
“People wanted you to take the place of God, but you are not God. You have your shortcomings too as a human. But we are optimistic that you will be remembered only for the positive things you have done. Please continue to do what you can do as a human and ignore completely any form of distractions,” the former National Deputy Campaign Manager for Obi/Datti said.
Recall that Seyi Tinubu had recently taken a tour of the north in solidarity with northerners and Muslim communities in the spirit of Ramadan and empowering various individuals in the process.
