Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, a seasoned political figure and two-time minister, shared deep insights into the current state of the nation. Often remembered for his bold and fearless approach to politics, Obanikoro widely known as “Koro-Ibo”—spoke about the intricacies of Lagos governance, the economic “shocks” currently being felt by Nigerians, and why he believes President Bola Tinubu is the right architect for Nigeria’s future prosperity.
Reflecting on the internal dynamics of Lagos State, Obanikoro addressed the role of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC). While some critics view the body as a “rubber stamp” for the presidency, the Senator offered a different perspective. He emphasized that the GAC is essentially a reservoir of experience, populated by elders like Baba Olusi who have climbed every rung of the political ladder. In his view, no amount of formal education can replace the practical wisdom gained through decades of public service. He noted that the council serves as a stabilizer, preventing the kind of political crises that could easily derail the progress of a state as vital as Lagos.
When the discussion shifted to the 2023 elections, particularly the President’s loss in Lagos, Obanikoro was quick to dismiss the idea that it was a failure of mobilization. Instead, he pointed to a complex mix of religious and social factors. He acknowledged that the Muslim-Muslim ticket created a genuine sense of unease among the Christian community, which has a massive presence in Lagos. However, he argued that this fear, while understandable, didn’t account for the President’s personal history of inclusivity. He pointed to the President’s own household as a testament to his religious tolerance, noting that the First Lady is a pastor and their family is multi-faith. Today, he believes most Nigerians recognize that the government has maintained a fair and balanced approach across all religious lines.
Addressing the wave of politicians defecting to the APC, Obanikoro described it as a “harvest” born out of the party’s performance and the President’s vision. He pushed back against allegations of intimidation, noting that even in advanced democracies like the United States, political shifts are often driven by a desire for relevance and a belief in a winning strategy. He suggested that if other parties are struggling to keep their members, it is because they have failed to reinvent themselves or provide a compelling alternative to the APC’s current trajectory.
The Senator did not shy away from the economic hardships many Nigerians are currently facing. He compared the President’s recent policy changes to a medical “defibrillator shock” intended to restart a failing heart. While the experience is undeniably painful, he insisted it is necessary for survival. He pointed to the rise in foreign reserves as a sign of early recovery, even as he brushed aside concerns about the national debt. For him, the focus should not be on how much we owe, but on what the money is being used for. If the debt fuels infrastructure and prosperity, the growth will eventually take care of the repayment.
On the persistent issue of insecurity, Obanikoro’s tone became more somber. He suggested that the challenge is often exacerbated by “fifth columnists” within the system—people who publicly condemn violence while privately fanning the embers of discord for ethnic or religious reasons. He called for more sincerity, especially from regional leaders, and urged the government to fully embrace the technology available to track and crush criminal elements.
Despite the complexities of managing a nation as diverse as Nigeria, Obanikoro remains optimistic. He believes that if Nigerians can look past their ethnic and religious differences and support the current reforms, the country could rank among the top 20 economies in the world within the next decade. Success, he noted, depends on having a leader who is conscious of his place in history—a quality he firmly believes President Tinubu possesses.
