Col Umar To Tinubu: Shun Akpabio, Other Sycophants

Social critic Col Abubakar Umar (retd)has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to shun the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other sycophants in his government.

Instead of listening to them, the retired Army Colonel urged President Tinbu and other leaders in the country, to rule with the fear of God and based on their oaths of office to protect democratic tenets.

Col Umar made the remark in a piece, to appreciate President Tinubu over the recent conferment of a national award of CFR on him, as one of those who fought for democracy in the country.

The magazine reported that the president had, a fortnight ago, in commemoration of June National Democracy day, conferred different levels of national honours on some prominent Nigerians and others who he described as heroes of democracy.

Umar in his letter to Tinubu appreciated the president for the conferment of the award, he also called on Tinubu to ensure that other unsung democratic heroes are recognized.

Calling on the president to do the right thing, and not listen to the voices of sycophnats in his adminsitration , he mentioned Akpabio as one of those that do not wish his government well, saying that the president should ignore them, while he focuses in ruling the country with the fear of God.

He urged the president and other leaders in the country to provide good governance, rather than politicking and self enrichment.

“This can happen only if leaders at all levels govern with the fear of God and in accordance with the tenets of democracy. It remains the hope and prayers of all patriots that nothing is done to derail this infant democracy.,” Umar said.

“To achieve the stability and progress of our democracy, leaders must prioritise good governance over politicking for self aggrandizement.

“The three co-equal branches of government must operate independently while cooperating with each other.

“One enduring lesson from the conduct of the officers and men is their decision to operate above sycophancy but to hold their superior officers to account.

“Sadly, this does not appear to have a positive impact on our political leaders. Sycophancy everywhere has become the scourge of selfless and accountable leadership. It is the reason for the arrogance and vanity we see in our leaders at all levels. Men of straw are widely and falsely being elevated to the position of icons by self seeking sycophants.

“Mr President must lead in a war against sycophancy in all its forms. This must allow for no exceptions including the rapidly growing trend of naming and renaming public institutions, facilities and other infrastructure after a President or State Governor while in office.

“The other day, the Senate President was reported to have predicted that President Bola Tinubu would win the 2027 election with 99.9% of the votes! Even allowing for the fact that this Senate President is widely known for his humorous incitement, Mr President will do well to shun such oracles,” the retired Army officer said.