Former presidential aide and journalist, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, has shared a harrowing experience where he and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu narrowly escaped an accident on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos. According to Ojudu, the incident occurred shortly before Tinubu became governor of Lagos State. The accident happened at about 1:30 am when Tinubu's driver, the late Mustapha, reportedly fell asleep at the wheel while returning from the residence of a senior security official in Ikoyi.
Ojudu recounted the incident in an open letter to Tinubu on Nigeria's Independence Anniversary, where he also urged the President to review policies that have made life increasingly difficult for millions of Nigerians. The vehicle struck the bridge railing, but both men survived the crash. Ojudu noted that Tinubu subsequently asked him to drive them to Alausa, despite the fact that he had never driven a car with an automatic transmission.
Ojudu said he recalled the incident because it illustrated the length and nature of his relationship with Tinubu, which he traced to their days in the struggle against military rule and Tinubu's campaign for the Lagos governorship. He said shortly before Tinubu's election as governor, he had taken him to the residence of a senior security official, Ibrahim Solomon, in Ikoyi over fears that the election could be rigged against him.
According to Ojudu, Solomon assured them that the security apparatus would ensure fairness and subsequently kept his word. Following Tinubu's electoral victory, Ojudu said he helped manage the transition committees and inauguration programme, but declined an offer to take a position in the new administration. He opted to return to journalism because he believed Tinubu needed at least one person outside the government who could speak honestly to him without seeking personal advantage.
During Tinubu's eight years as governor, Ojudu said he tried to play the role of an honest critic, often providing feedback without seeking an appointment or a favour for himself. He recalled that Tinubu's then Chief of Staff, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, would sometimes see him at the governor's office and jokingly ask, "Our opposition has come. What have we done wrong again?"
Ojudu said the two men had not seen each other since 2022 and that he had openly stated that he neither worked for Tinubu's election nor voted for him in 2023. However, two recent sermons on hunger and poverty eventually persuaded him to publicly communicate his concerns to the President. He chose to write the open letter despite the strained relationship between them.
Ojudu's letter to Tinubu highlights their long-standing relationship and his concerns about the current state of the nation. He urged Tinubu to review policies that have exacerbated the suffering of Nigerians. The incident on the Third Mainland Bridge serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of reflecting on past experiences.
Key points
- Senator Babafemi Ojudu recalls a near-accident with President Tinubu on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.
- Ojudu urges Tinubu to review policies that have made life difficult for Nigerians.
- The incident highlights the long-standing relationship between Ojudu and Tinubu.
