Seyi Tinubu: Whose first son?

Seeing him walking in front of the President of Nigeria, clearing the way for him, trying to shake the Pope after him, and also standing in line to greet the Qatari Royal family, goose pimples will just be going through my body as pride envelopes me: what a handsome, young and brilliant man!

The whole thing gives me goose pimples as his exuberance continues to break all protocols and blur the lines between family ties and the presidency.

All the presidents and heads of government in this world have sons fully qualified and equally as bearded, but they never jump in front of protocol like this simply because they are not as gifted.

No matter the trip or event — from a United Nations appearance to a personal trip to France, through a state dinner in the UK and passing down to Kenya and Rwanda — our son is not only on the entourage but is visibly directing things and being a strong part of the delegation, and we thank God for him.

It is very clear that he has overall competence in all areas of governance, and this is why he is a critical part of every delegation the president is involved in.

From international economy through diplomacy, sports, health, agriculture and all, he is in pole position to be part of it all.

It is beginning to look like he was a major factor in Nigerians’ choice of his father as president. All that emilokan war cry would not have given them victory without Seyi’s political sagacity.

This is why he has to hold the president’s hand as he walks, clearing the way or casually just strolling into a hall, even after the president takes his seat.

The other day, I was speaking with a top official from the protocol office, and I asked: What were your colleagues doing when Seyi tried to shake the Pope?

He just looked at me and remained mute. What I didn’t know was that the Vatican had refused to grant the visit until our son stepped in, working with the Roman branch of the City Boy movement and pronto, the visit was approved, and for that, I apologise.

The Ghanaian first son, I hear, has reached out for training, same as the South African one. Even Donald Trump, with a huge family, doesn’t seem to understand how this first son thing works.

They should all come to my masterclass on the role of the first son in political cohesion.

Now we have City Boys who are now running parallel with APC structures and better positioned to deliver the votes with their strong moniker – money na water.

My keen advice to Mr President, if he emerges for a second term, is to look for a very visible appointment for his very energetic and overtly passionate son.

I would recommend chief of staff or minister of youth and sports, since he has shown huge talent in mobilisation and youth engagement.

Better still, since he loves foreign affairs, let’s just make him the minister of foreign affairs or the permanent representative to the United Nations, so he can go with Obi Cubana and Chief Priest as principal aides.

Whatever it is, Nigeria must be able to tap into his huge energy and harness it for our betterment.

We truly need him at this time of our national development.

Come and beat me.