Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has remarked that President Bola Tinubu’s early days in office are not flawless but comparatively better than his tenure as the Governor of Lagos State from May 1999 to May 2007.
Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on Tuesday, George clarified that although he remains a staunch member of the PDP while Tinubu is a powerful figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), he does not consider himself an enemy of the President.
George highlighted a significant distinction between himself and Tinubu, pointing out differences in their methodologies and managerial styles. Drawing from his military background and experience as a logistician, he emphasized the importance of thorough planning and intelligence gathering before engaging in any operation.
When asked to assess Tinubu’s administration in the first three weeks since assuming office on May 29, 2023, George acknowledged that it is a gradual process. He mentioned that Tinubu’s responsibility is to manage both the people and the resources of the country for its overall improvement, emphasizing that he is just getting started.
Regarding Tinubu’s performance as President over the past 22 days, George admitted that it is not perfect but reasonably satisfactory. He suggested that it is an improvement compared to Tinubu’s time as Governor of Lagos, speculating that perhaps Tinubu’s younger age and lack of experience played a role back then. He also highlighted the difference between Lagos and Abuja, implying that leading the nation requires different skills and perspectives.
As a longtime political rival of Tinubu in Lagos, George stated that he would seek permission from the PDP if the President approached him to work together for the benefit of the country. Additionally, he expressed confidence in his party and its candidate, Atiku Abubakar, stating that he believes they will emerge victorious at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal in Abuja.
George concluded by noting that the outcome of the judiciary process will determine the next course of action, emphasizing the importance of waiting for the court’s pronouncement on the presidential election. He added that if the court declares Atiku Abubakar as the President, there would be no room for further resistance but rather a need to pray for the well-being of Nigeria.
