Former Lagos State Governor and chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Bola Tinubu says he is determined to become the president of Nigeria as no intimidation or blackmail can stop him from pursuing his ambition.
He stated this when he led his Presidential Campaign team to to pay homage to the new Olubadan at his Alarere residence.
Senator Tinubu said irrespective of the blackmails and allegations, he was ready to ensure that he becomes APC Presidential candidate.
“I’m out to become President of Nigeria. No intimidation, no blackmail can stop me. I have read about a Greek philosopher that if you want to fight a pig, you must be ready to be smeared and I’m ready to be dirty”.
He described this period as an historical moment and a reminder of history, recalling that each time a Yoruba wants to be President, issues are raised, questions are asked and all sorts of hang-up are encountered.
The APC Presidential aspirant said he was honoured to be in Ibadan and said the purpose was to beg the monarch and Ibadan people to pray for him in his quest to become the country’s president.
“I come here to request for your prayer for me and the Yoruba race. We are at a crossroad, people are volunteering to confront me when they were asked that who would confront the lion of Bourdilon”? Tinubu stated.
Senator Tinubu congratulated the new Olubadan for the grace to ascend the throne which he said would give the ancient city a new outlook considering the robust background of Oba Lekan Balogun as an educationist, politician of progressive leaning and a humanist with a prayer for a long life and sound health.
The leader of the campaign group, Prince Tajudeen Olusi in his opening remark traced the historical linkage between Ibadan and Lagos and requested that if a Lagosian is seeking the support of Ibadan people as they had come to do, it was not out of place.
“We both own Ibadan, we have been working together before. We bring Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to you and Ibadan. It would be a great thing for Ibadan and the Yoruba race if we can produce the country’s president in 2023”, he added.
Responding, the new Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun lamented the unsavoury state of the nation’s unity just as he called for a leader that would pull back the country from the brink come 2023.
The monarch who spoke through his brother and Senator representing Oyo South , Dr. Kola Balogun, said the country is badly divided.
“Nigeria is badly divided today and we are looking forward to a Yoruba president that will unite the country, come 2023. We need a leader that has a national focus and acceptability, the road may be rough, but, by God’s grace, you will triumph”, the monarch prayed.
He described Senator Tinubu as a long time progressive politician as well as the governor that laid the foundation of the present Lagos.
“Yorubas are the leading light of Nigeria, our people contributed a lot to make Nigeria what it is and without the Yorubas, Nigeria cannot be where it is today.’
In attendance to receive Senator Tinubu and his entourage were Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, Ekarun Olubadan, High Chief Hamidu Ajibade, former Minister of Industries, Chief Onikepo Akande and former First Lady of Oyo State, Chief Mutiat Ladoja.
Ridwan Fasasi
