Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, has expressed strong confidence in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the country is yet to experience the peak of his capabilities.
Daniel, a former governor of Ogun State, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja during the unveiling of four books commemorating his 70th birthday. The high-profile event attracted prominent dignitaries, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the Yar’Adua Centre, Daniel described Tinubu as a pragmatic leader whose governance style and intellectual depth significantly influenced his time in office.
According to him, Tinubu served as a valuable source of ideas and inspiration during his tenure as governor, noting that several policies implemented in Ogun State were adapted from the President’s approach to governance.
Daniel emphasized that Tinubu remains one of the most practical-minded individuals he has encountered, adding that many political leaders have drawn lessons from his methods and vision.
Representing the President at the event, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, praised Daniel as a trusted ally and longtime associate. He commended the former governor’s achievements across engineering, business, and politics.
Tinubu, through Edun, highlighted Daniel’s entrepreneurial success, particularly his role in establishing Kresta Laurel, which has grown into a leading firm in elevator installation and maintenance in Nigeria.
He further noted that Daniel brought the same vision into governance after assuming office in 2003, with a focus on industrial growth, infrastructure development, education, and public-private partnerships. Among his notable contributions, Tinubu mentioned the development of an agro-allied cargo airport and the establishment of Tai Solarin University of Education.
Beyond personal reflections, Daniel addressed pressing national concerns, including misinformation, corruption, and declining ethical standards in public service. He stressed that poor access to credible information often leads to misguided political decisions.
On corruption, he proposed structural reforms, including the possibility of granting amnesty for the repatriation of illicit funds held abroad, noting the role of financial systems in facilitating such flows.
He also called for a revival of ethical leadership rooted in the “Omoluabi” values of integrity, accountability, and moral discipline, describing them as essential for national development.
On security, Daniel expressed support for ongoing conversations around state policing but urged the inclusion of safeguards, such as State Police Councils, to prevent misuse of power.
The event also featured the presentation of four books—Daniel in the Lions’ Den, My March through the Courts, Path to Justice, and Otunba Gbenga Daniel in the Eyes of Time—highlighting his life, career, and contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape.
