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Asiwaju Tinubu and James Faleke, right
By Ambassador Adamu Abdul Loko
On May 29, 2023, less than one month away, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu would be sworn in as the 5th democratically elected president of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. As a strategist that is focused on getting excellent results, it is inestimable that His Excellency has already casted a wide net, surfing for the best brains to aid in achieving the heinous task of governance. One delicate office in supporting the day-to-day activities of Mr. President is the office of the chief of staff, which requires a courteous personality with the right acumen of knowledge and experience to handle.
Currently, names of intriguing political figures permeate the media space, competing for attention to be named for the arduous task and position. One name that is on many lips is Hon. James Abiodun Faleke. Without dubbing a heap of facts about the profile of Hon. Faleke, I will hinge my analysis of his suitability for the position on two broad perspectives – the micro and macro paradigms – considering the multifaceted factors that need to be taken into consideration in determining who occupies this position.
A cursory glance at the personality of Faleke indicates that he is an embodiment of rare political virtues. He cut a dash in intelligence and has been a loyalist of Mr. President-elect for over thirty years. Besides, he is well-cultured in administration and the art of politicking, which are quintessential factors for the demanding position. Modeled on the American system, the Office of Chief of Staff to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria requires someone with tact, astute intelligence, absolute loyalty and sheer determination to execute the will of Mr. President and no one else!. Being the most senior political appointee in the Presidential Villa, the chief of staff operates in both managerial and advisory capacities, weighing great power and influence due to his close contact with Mr. President and control of the executive office. These make Faleke, a loyalist and confidant of Tinubu most fitting for the position.
Added to the aforementioned, having garnered vast acumen of legislative experience in the sacred chambers of the Federaly Republic of Nigeria, Faleke will build bridges and facilitate cordial relationship between the legislative and executive arms of government, irrespective of political affiliations or ideologies.
Again, Faleke’s sheer empathy for the plight of the less privilege and adherence to the principles of equity and fairness as further displayed in the handling of the affairs of Tinubu Support Group(TSG) the umbrella body of all support groups that worked for the election victory of President-Elect are remarkable in the mildest sense. He is every inch abreast of the needs and aspirations of the masses which he stands a good chance to advice Mr. President accordingly.
More so, as secretary of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Faleke brought his mobilization prowess to bear on the campaign. This contributed in mean measures to the president-elect’s victory in North-Central Nigeria where I come from. Thus, it is my subtle submission that Faleke’s striking performance during the electioneering period should be an added feather to his cap when appointment to key positions in the Tinubu administration is considered.
At the macro level, a number of factors stick out why Hon. Faleke is apt for the position. Firstly, his appointment in such prestigious position will avert the fears that the Muslim-Muslim ticket was designed to usurp power for Muslim oligarchy in the country. This notion raised eyebrows throughout the president-elect’s campaign and is still peddled in the media. Thus, being a Christian, Faleke’s appointment will go a long way in erasing the erroneous belief and uprooting the seeds of discords already sown by those who wrongly uphold the belief.
Above and beyond the call of duty, as the president-elect weighs his options from the expedition he has embarked on to attract the best brains into his cabinet and administration, his foresight, instinct and experience should be balanced with public opinion. Democratization can never be complete without aggregation of interests. Thus, if this remains a truism, Faleke has caught the admiration of many, which is crystal clear that he is the man for the position.
Ambassador Loko, Turakin Loko, is National Coordinator, Tinubu/Shettima Strategic Alliance
