Popping the BATified Myth: A Reality Check by Donu Kogbara

Donu Kogbara notes that ardent fans of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, BAT, are a unique breed, unwilling to tolerate dissenting views and opting instead to disregard negative stories about his performance and past, while absolving him of blame for Nigeria's current woes.

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These fans, dubbed the BATified Brigade, take issue with Kogbara's contrarian stance, which challenges their perception of Tinubu as a brilliant leader, especially in light of his recent state visit to the UK, an event they see as a testament to his excellence.

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Kogbara counters that Tinubu's invitation to the UK was motivated by the British government's need for Nigeria's support, rather than any admiration for the president, and that the UK would have extended a similar welcome to any Nigerian leader at this time.

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The reason for this overture, Kogbara explains, lies in the current dynamics of European-African relations, where the French are vying to supplant the UK as Nigeria's preferred partner, and the Europeans are keen to prevent other global powers from filling the vacuum left by the French in West Africa.

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This complex geopolitical landscape, Kogbara argues, is driving the UK's efforts to strengthen its ties with Nigeria and exert influence in the region, even if it means hosting a leader like Tinubu, whose democratic credentials are questionable.

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What Kogbara finds surprising is not the UK's hypocrisy in hosting Tinubu, but rather the starstruck response of many Nigerians to the president's interaction with the British royal family, which she believes betrays a lingering colonial complex.

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Kogbara expects more restraint from Nigerians, particularly those from Lagos, who have had greater exposure to education and foreign influences, and laments the fact that this enthusiasm for royal approval makes Nigeria appear to have a slave mentality.

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Despite her reservations, Kogbara concedes that it is nice to see an African leader receive such a reception from the UK and hopes that the trip will yield positive outcomes for the Nigerian people.

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Kogbara references an article by Ikechukwu Amaechi, one of Nigeria's finest writers, who has written about Tinubu's conquest of Nigeria, a topic Kogbara plans to explore further in her next column.

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Kogbara invites readers to share their opinions on Tinubu's conquest and whether they agree that this dominance need not be permanent, particularly with the 2027 elections approaching.

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Amaechi's article is quoted as saying that with months to go before the 2027 elections, the opposition is being stifled, and Yoruba irredentists are warning against opposing Tinubu, resulting in a hypnotized political nation and castrated politicians.

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The quote from Amaechi's article describes Tinubu as the sole administrator of Nigeria, unencumbered by the Constitution, and the source of fear for the political elite, who have become submissive in his presence.