- Insists Tinubu might be too “old for the rigour of the office”
Nigerian flutist Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli who had been in the eye of the storm over the age discrepancy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu had recanted, saying his reaction, which trended wildly at the weekend was taken out of context.
Tee Mac had told Nigerians that Tinubu, who is married to his cousin, Oluremi, was 86, adding that the leading contender to the office was not qualified for the office.
But less than 72 hours after the viral message, Tee Mac issued another statement, setting the records straight.
He said the viral opinion which was extracted from a private conversation with an acquaintance on Facebook was not meant to carpet his inlaw, whom he described as a consummate politician, whose footprints has changed the face of Lagos.
Tee Mac, 74, said he used to call Tinubu who lived with his step dad for a while, Uncle.
The statement reads:
“My attention has been drawn to a post that has gone viral on Social Media regarding a private banter with a Facebook acquaintance on the eligibility of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Whilst it is regrettable that such a private conversation went viral vide from a Facebook Account, let me state that the conversation was taken out of context.
In the first instance, I have high regards for the person of the APC Presidential candidate; a two-Term Governor of Lagos State, and a revered leader of the APC. I have lived in Lagos since I relocated from Switzerland, and I can attest to his transformational impact in the state.
More significantly is his ability to identify and engage exceptional and committed technocrats in governance with tangible results over time, and maintaining relationships with them, and others across board. This, I believe will be replicated if he is given the opportunity at the Federal level.
His all-inclusive style of governance has seen people from other states, ethnicities and faith take up appointments in Lagos, serving meritoriously too!
Consequently, his competence is not in doubt.
I only expressed my fear for the rigours of the office.
My personal view is that anyone can choose any candidate, but must ask themselves if they have chosen rightly. This is a pertinent question for everyone. I simply admonished a friend to vote his convictions.
My only grouse, which I still stand by, is that it was Tinubu who sold Buhari to the nation in 2015, which candidate, contrary to all expectations, underperformed.
The above notwithstanding, I neither have a personal grudge with Asiwaju, nor would pursue a path of acrimony with my cousin, Remi Tinubu, whom everyone adjudged pleasant and supportive.
Tinubu remains a man I admire regardless of what sychophants have tried to make of my comment.
Signed.
Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli.