In a candid conversation with
journalists at his office in Ikoyi, Chief Bode George, the former Deputy
National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made a surprising
statement, expressing his forgiveness towards President-elect Bola Tinubu. This
unexpected turn of events came after George analyzed the outgoing administration
of President Muhammadu Buhari, declaring that it had failed to live up to
expectations.
Chief Bode George critically
assessed the Buhari administration, emphasizing its lack of positive impact on
the lives of Nigerians. He specifically highlighted the administration’s
failure to provide adequate security, which he believed was its primary
responsibility. Expressing disappointment, he stated, “My personal
assessment is that he failed, not completely in every sector, but if you do an
examination and say you must have a minimum of 33 per cent, then you can go to
the next class, but they did not attain that 33 per cent. I can give them maybe
about five per cent, even the five per cent requires a lot of retrospection.
The most important thing you must guarantee to your people, as a government, is
security of lives and property, who is safe now?”
Chief Bode George further
lamented the failure of the Buhari administration to fulfill its promises,
including the fight against corruption and the safeguarding of lives and
property. He recalled the numerous assurances given by President Buhari during
his election campaign, stating, “So let’s put those promises now into his
departure because that’s what will be written on the pages of history. Whatever
a leader does during his time, it is on the pages of history.”
When questioned about his
willingness to work with Bola Tinubu if called upon, Chief Bode George
responded with a nationalistic perspective, saying, “There is nothing
personal; this country trained me, and I have to give back.” This
indicated his willingness to put personal differences aside for the greater
good of the nation.
However, Chief Bode George
clarified his position by stating that forgiveness does not mean forgetting.
While he had forgiven Bola Tinubu, he emphasized that the memories of past actions
and events could not be erased. This statement hinted at the complexities and
lingering concerns that may exist between the two political figures.
Overall, Chief Bode George’s
assessment of the Buhari administration showcased his disappointment with its
performance, particularly in the area of security. His unexpected forgiveness
towards Bola Tinubu demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of the country
and his willingness to work with individuals, despite past differences.
