By OBSERVERS TIMES
A resurfaced video featuring Labour Party figure Pat Utomi has ignited a debate regarding his evolving views on President Bola Tinubu. The clip, now widely circulated online, captures Utomi praising Tinubu’s leadership and foresight, a stark contrast to his recent criticisms of the administration.
In recent months, Utomi has emerged as a vocal critic of President Tinubu, notably announcing the formation of a “shadow government” to provide an alternative policy platform. However, the unearthed video presents a different narrative, showcasing Utomi’s past admiration for Tinubu’s governance.
“The gentleman has my respect,” Utomi states in the video, acknowledging Tinubu’s leadership qualities. He attributes the transformative development of Lagos State to Tinubu’s tenure as governor, which began in 1999. “What happened to Lagos was that it got a fellow called Bola Tinubu to be governor in 1999,” he explains.
Utomi recounts his involvement in Tinubu’s transition team and subsequent participation in quarterly retreats, highlighting the collaborative approach to governance. “Everything that is happening in Lagos was planned then. That is why my regard and respect for him are extraordinary,” he asserts.
He further elucidates his admiration by recalling a specific incident during a retreat at Akodo, where tensions between Tinubu and his then-deputy were palpable. “Despite those tensions, everything was going on smoothly. The deputy was very aggressive in stating her view on things,” Utomi recounts. “There would be just quiet, and conversations will continue as if nothing… He would either ignore what she said or politely comment on it and move on. Then I said, ‘This is nice… if this fellow can manage these differences so well.’”
Utomi also highlights Tinubu’s ability to maintain calm amidst conflict, citing another retreat where cabinet members clashed with the deputy governor in Tinubu’s absence. “At the moment, it struck me that it is the aura of Bola Tinubu that is keeping this place working. That was the day he won my respect,” he reveals.
Furthermore, Utomi commends Tinubu’s strategic selection of successors, even when faced with dissenting opinions. “He had good judgment to pick a successor. Most of us disagreed. We thought he should pick somebody else… That successor turned out to do a decent job. And then, again, the next step, we saw wisdom in the choice that was made,” he states.
The resurfaced video adds complexity to Utomi’s current political stance, particularly in light of recent developments, including legal action initiated by the Department of State Services following his announcement of a shadow government. While Utomi continues to critique the current administration’s policies, the video provides valuable insight into the nuanced and evolving relationship between the two political figures.
The video, obtained by OBSERVERS TIMES, has added to the ongoing conversations regarding the changing dynamics of Nigerian politics.
