By

Bamidele Atoyebi

The ancient narrative in the good book of the Patriarch, Jacob (Yakub) serves as a profound beacon for the modern creative entrepreneur. Faced with a rigged system under Laban, Jacob did not resort to begging for a fair wage; instead, he used a blend of symbolic vision and selective breeding to create the specific livestock he desired. By peeling white streaks into branches of poplar and almond and placing them at the watering troughs, he engineered a reality that did not yet exist. This is the foundational philosophy of the BAT-IG: we don't strive to inherit a political system, but to intentionally breed one that prizes value over currency.

At the heart of our movement is the belief that value must always override money. In a society obsessed with immediate gratification, we assert that no individual truly adds value without first distinguishing themselves as a trailblazer. When a leader becomes a master of their craft knowing their "onions" inside and out, money no longer becomes a goal to be chased; it becomes a shadow that follows excellence. We have moved beyond being a mere "support group" seeking appointments or contracts; we are a creative crucible for the future of Nigerian governance.

Our mission is born out of an urgent necessity to bridge a widening leadership gap. From the smallest wards to the highest national offices, the cry for passionate, competent leadership has become a scream. We observed that the Nigerian political landscape often suffers from a "succession drought." We saw this vividly in the era of the Sage, Pa Obafemi Awolowo. When he passed, many of his followers were left adrift, not because they lacked loyalty, but because they lacked a deep understanding of his specific political methodologies and meditation strategies.

To prevent history from repeating itself, we have turned our gaze towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We recognize that he is a rare political gift, possessing an uncommon intellectual depth similar to that of Awolowo. Our goal is to "tap into" this gift while he is still with us, ensuring his progressive solutions are not buried with him. We are students of his "guts and balls," analyzing how he manages to remain steadfast in his vision when others would have succumbed to the pressures of the status quo.

The distinction between a career politician and a progressive leader like Tinubu lies in the transition from campaign ground to the seat of power. We have critically observed that many groups plan brilliant strategies to win elections, only to suffer from institutional amnesia once they are inaugurated. They forget the promises made to the weary voter. Tinubu, however, has demonstrated a rare fidelity to his manifesto, exhibiting the political will to execute "tough" policies that others shy away from out of fear or populist sentiment.

For instance, the bold removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the Naira. These were not decisions made for temporary applause or appeasement; they were surgical interventions intended for long-term national health. Similarly, the implementation of student loans, interest-free loans for farmers, and support for women entrepreneurs demonstrate a commitment to social engineering. Like Jacob’s rods at the watering trough, these policies are designed to "breed" a more resilient and self-sufficient Nigerian populace.

The link between Awolowo and Tinubu is most evident in their shared pursuit of "firsts." Awolowo’s vision birthed the first television station in Africa (now NTA Ibadan) at a time when even some European nations had not achieved such a feat. This was not mere luck; it was the result of a mind that understood "by book and mentorship." He had the political will to transform a radical idea into a physical monument of progress. Tinubu has inherited this DNA of innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of possibility in the Nigerian context.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the struggle for true federalism. Tinubu can be rightfully called the father of fiscal federalism in modern Nigeria. When he created the LCDAs in Lagos State, he stood his ground while others retreated under the intimidation of the federal government. He never wavered and never succumbed to the "Obasanjo-era" pressures. This doggedness created the very route that has brought governance closer to the grassroots today, proving that one man’s conviction can change the map of a nation.

His pursuit of local government autonomy is the culmination of this lifelong journey. Where previous administrations including that of President Buhari failed to secure full independence for the third tier of government, Tinubu went to court and won. He didn't just win a legal battle; he empowered local chairmen to become "money bags" for their communities, enabling them to embark on projects that far exceed their historical capacity. This is the kind of transformative "inner mind" we want every BAT-IG member to imbibe.

Creativity, however, is a blunt tool without the whetstone of diligence and dedication. To be a member of this group is to accept a mandate of brutal honesty and courage. We must be "brutal with the truth" when the situation demands it, refusing to be timid or sycophantic. A creative mind that lacks the strategy and power to get things done is merely a dreamer; BAT-IG is a sanctuary for doers who understand that service is a sacred responsibility.

We must take service seriously, moving beyond the surface-level politics of optics. We must deliver on every promise made to the people, ensuring that our word is as bond-proof as a signed contract. The society is hungry for leaders who are not just placeholders but are active participants and way makers in the progress of their wards and states. By adopting the Jacob Method, we ensure that the "offspring" of our political efforts are "streaked, speckled, and spotted" with the marks of excellence and integrity.

In conclusion, BAT-IG is more than a name; it is a standard of excellence inspired by the past and committed to the future. We are breeding a new generation of progressive politicians who will carry the torch of Awolowo and the "guts" of Tinubu long after they are gone. We choose to be the trailblazers, the creative entrepreneurs of the political space who put value first. By doing so, we ensure that Nigeria never finds itself "hopeless and comfortless" again, but rather stands as a testament to the power of visionary leadership.

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Bamidele Atoyebi is the Convener of BAT Ideological Group, National Coordinator of Accountability and Policy Monitoring and a publisher at Unfiltered and Mining Reporting