I returned hale, hearty – Tinubu declares

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Sunday, reunite with his political associates and protégés at a welcome-back event and prayer hosted by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the State House in Marina.

The APC leader who clad in a dark grey kaftan and a blue cap to match said he was highly elated to return after his three-month absence from the country.

According to Tinubu, the prayer event was an emotional one for him, saying he was overwhelmed by good wishes from Nigerians while he was away, adding that he took all prayers as valuable compliments.

“I’m a little emotional now but I’m happy. God is the giver of life and the only one who can take life. And he (God) says if I grant you the power and the privilege in this life; I am the only one who can take it from you if you don’t use it in the way and manner that promotes humanity. God can give power to anyone he wills.

“It is the same God that has spared us till today and has given us the privilege. I give glory to God because I’m standing before you hale, hearty and well. Today is a day of joy for me, having fixed today for this great event. We are here giving praises to God. May God bless all of you in attendance. I am grateful. I cannot say more than that today. Thank you all,” Tinubu said.

Correspondingly, Sanwo-Olu while speaking at the event said Tinubu’s return was more than cheery news for his supporters across the country, noting that the APC leader had been rejuvenated with renewed vigour for his next political move.

The Governor said: “We have countless reasons to be grateful to God for bringing Asiwaju back home, fully rejuvenated. Since Friday when our leader and father came back, it has been a joyful moment for the teeming residents of Lagos, his supporters and Nigerians across the country. We give glory to God who brought you (Tinubu) back with sound health and stronger vigour.”

The simple event was attended by all elected officeholders and political appointees in Lagos, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.

Members of the State Executive Council, Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) and council chairmen were also in attendance.

Also, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Hamzat said Tinubu’s return deepened his associates’ belief in God, stressing that the APC National Leader’s full recovery from the knee surgery was a sign of strength and favour from God.

“Now that Asiwaju is back, we are ready for work. The work has started and we are committed to doing it,” the Deputy Governor said.

Gbajabiamila, who spoke on behalf of the National Assembly members, described Tinubu as “an eagle”, who is focused and always ahead of the game.

The Speaker wondered why a “simple knee surgery” became a national issue, but the solidarity shown towards Tinubu across ethnic divides indicated the APC National Leader is an enigma.

Obasa called Tinubu a teacher and benefactor, saying his return had put malicious rumour against him to rest.
Chairman of Conference 57, who spoke on behalf of the council chairmen, said members of the Conference were ready to join Tinubu in his next political move.

Others who spoke glowingly about the APC National Leader included the lawmaker representing Lagos West in the Senate, Sen. Olamilekan Adeola, and GAC chairman, Prince Tajudeen Olusi.

Prayers were offered for Tinubu by Muslim and Christian clerics, while party leaders at the event took turns to welcome him back to the fold.