Politics

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

News

The national leader and presidential hopeful of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu will be visiting the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi II at his palace.

Mr Tinubu’s scheduled visit to Oyo town is his continuation of his engagement with traditional rulers across the six geo-political regions in respect of his 2023 presidential ambition.

Meanwhile, an unconfirmed report had it that the monarch had invited the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola to his palace to break truce between him and his political leader.

Aregbesola had last week at Ijebubesha during a campaign slammed Tinubu and the Osun governor, Gboyega Oyetola over the current raging political misunderstanding between the Minister and his successor.

“We exalted him beyond his status and he turned himself to a god over us and we had sworn to ridicule anyone who compares himself to God. God has no competitor; He is enough to be God.” Aregbesola said of Tinubu in a video now viral.

“The rift between the father and eastwhile godson has created a political tension in the southwest, hence the planned intervention of the foremost monarch”.

Adewumi Faniran /Westernlife

News

National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has met with Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, in his Aso-Villa Abuja residence.

Tinubu arrived Kalu’s residence at exactly 4:25pm according to a statement by Kalu’s aide, Kenneth Cole.

According to the statement, both men hugged, exchanged cordial pleasantries and went into a closed-door meeting.

The statement reads in part: “Reports gathered that shortly before they engaged in the meeting; Kalu expressed his gratitude to God for Tinubu’s speedy recovery.

“Tinubu, returned to Nigeria on October 8, 2021, after spending months in London, where he underwent a knee surgery”.

“The reason for their meeting is not yet known to newsmen but it might not be unconnected with political and economic reasons”.

“The visit comes amid talks that both men are being strongly positioned for the 2023 presidency to succeed the incumbent President Buhari”.

“Both men were former Governors of their respective states within the same tenure”.

“While Tinubu was a former Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu is the current Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District in the ninth Senate.”

Adewumi Faniran/The Nation

Politics

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), recently paid President Muhammadu Buhari a visit in Aso Rock.

In photos obtained by TVC NEWS, Buhari and Tinubu can be seen greeting each other, then having a chat on the couch in the government house.

Tinubu said he came to thank the president for paying him a visit while he was in London in a brief statement.

This comes just weeks after the former governor of Lagos returned from the United Kingdom and met with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Both men were wrapped in a warm embrace as they met amid speculation that they would run for president in 2023.

TVC News

Politics

The National Leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has called on those clamouring for secession to jettison the idea, as the country is better together than separated.

Tinubu spoke in his goodwill message at the Special Ramadan Prayer Tafsir Lecture, held at the Lagos House, Marina, on Sunday.

According to him, the war drums some people are beating, will result in the disintegration of the country like Sudan and Iraq.

He further said the country is yet to recover from the effects of the civil war, adding that the country cannot afford to experience another war.

“For clamouring for war, God will not allow Nigeria to experience war. If we say Nigeria should separate, people should remember what war caused in Sudan and Iraq. Such war does not end on time. We are yet to recover from the civil war.

“We are better together. I have nowhere I am going. Whoever has experienced war in the past, will not pray for such. Nigeria will not separate, it’s not acceptable to us. Our prayer is for prosperity and more wealth for the country,” he said.

Tinubu also praised the governor of the state, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, for their achievements in the state.

He said Lagos has witnessed massive developments since the administration of Sanwo-Olu came on board and expressed satisfaction with their performances.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his message, promised to fulfill his campaign promises and deliver dividends of democracy.

He said the state government is in the process of installing 2000 cameras across the state, for security surveillance.

“We are going to install 2000 cameras across the whole state. We will stop at nothing at ensuring dividends of democracy.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu assured the Islamic clerics that the proposed Last Mile buses, which his administration would unveil this month (May), would eradicate the menace of Okada riders.

On security, the Governor said more funds would be deployed into the Security Trust Fund, to empower the police and other security operatives, while technology would be deployed around Lagos.

The National Missioner, Ansar-Ud-deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Ahmad Raman, also called on those clamouring for the country to divide, to have a rethink.

He admitted that though insecurity is on the increase, with constant prayers, change of thoughts and character by Nigerians, the country would come out of it.

“Today are hard times, these are uncertain times. This is the time men are supposed to be separated from boys. This is the time that regions need to think out of the box.

“We are insecure, we are unsure, there is hunger, there is anger and confusion in the land. This is the time we need divine intervention. If we gather and pray till 2023, Allah will not listen to us till we do some things,” he said.

He added: “This is the time action is required, backed by deep thoughts for today and our tomorrow. We have often blamed leaders but we have to choose the kind of leaders we deserve. Everywhere is unsafe, even the police station is not safe. We need to rejig.

“For those clamouring to divide the country, maybe you should have a rethink. Ask yourself; where will this clamour for so-called independence lead us? We should reinvent this country. Nigeria will be great.”

Sheikh Muyideen Ajani Bello (Oniwasi Agbaye), called for more prayers, saying what Nigeria is facing is as a result of sins in the country. He called for unity among Yoruba leaders to support the aspirations of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to become the President of the country.

Politics

President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila and governors have eulogised ex-Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who clocks 69 on Monday.

Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, described Tinubu as a key pillar of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that the ex-governor had inspired many leaders across the country.

He prayed for a longer and healthy life for the party leader and acknowledged his role in stabilising the ruling party, as well as his works towards engendering good governance in the country.

Buhari said the theme of the 12th Bola Tinubu Colloquium: “Our Common Bond, Our Common Wealth: Imperative of National Cohesion for Growth and Prosperity’’, reflected Tinubu’s patriotism and benevolence.

The President affirmed that the former Lagos State governor has continued to nurture talents for the benefit of the country.

Lawan described Tinubu as a leader with unwavering commitment to the unity of Nigeria.

The Senate President, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Ola Awoniyi, said he joined the family members, friends and political associates in rejoicing with him for marking the day in good health and high spirits.

The President also rejoiced with the “patriot and statesman” on the 12th colloquium, an intellectual gathering to commemorate his birthday, that had over the years turned into a veritable opportunity for discussing topical national issues, and harnessing ideas that will move the nation forward.

Nation

Politics

Minister of Youth and sports Development Sunday Dare has congratulated the  National  Leader of the APC and Former Governor of Lagos State Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 69th birthday, describing him as a  builder of men and mobilizer of resources.

” Let me sincerely  congratulate  our leader, mentor, astute political strategist and builder of men and mobiiizer of resources Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 69th birthday  celebration. You stand tall amongst the political crowd. You have made immense personal sacrifices  for the enthronement  of democracy  in our country today working with others. 

Your political astuteness, patriotism, uncommon leadership qualities  and service  to Lagos State,  Nigeria and humanity  is simply unrivalled. Indeed, a higher calling beckons. 

As you mark another birthday, I join millions  of your political followers, our great party the APC and indeed all Nigerians  in wishing you happy birthday  and many more years  of fruitful  service to  the development  of our great country.”

The statement further said “You will be called upon more often now to help craft solutions to the challenges facing our dear nation. There is no doubt that you will consistently lend your wisdom, voice and where possible resources to birthing solutions to these problems. Nigeria celebrates you today because there are just a few like you. The Yoruba nation celebrates you on your birthday because they recognize their own and can recognize noice makers from those who silently and courageously play the chords of developmental music”. 

May you live long to see the actualisation of our  collective dream of an enduring  democracy and  the betterment  of the welfare of our people” the statement concluded. 

Born on March 29th, 1952 in Lagos, Tinubu served as Lagos State Governor for two terms.

Adedayo Adelowo