By Adekola Afolabi
National Leader of All Progressives Congress and a presidential aspirant, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday promised that to rebuild and reunite Nigeria if given the opportunity to rule the country.
The APC National Leader, who spoke in Akure yesterday as part of his ongoing consultations lamented the division in the country and assured that he will unite the country if voted into power.
” I will develop Nigeria, we can use our diversity for prosperity other than division. There is merit in our collaboration. I have begged Aketi to join me in our efforts to revive first national anthem. I can promise you that you will see prosperity.
He commended Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State for recreating the future and setting the Sunshine state on the path of economic prosperity.
He mentioned the giant stride of the governor in reviving agriculture in the state declaring the agriculture is the mainstay of the state and Nigeria.
“I saw you planting cocoa and distributing seeds. That is the road map to the future, prosperity. Just three days ago, I saw him again, putting down oil-palm plantation seed, talking about the future. That is what we need. If we look at the missing part of the past, we will stay depressed. But if we look ahead, we can recreate the future,”
“I am here to say, thank you always. Thank you for inspiring one of our bests. I watched a programme of the Sunshine State and I see a very brighter future. The Governor has been recreating the future,” He added.
“We created APC. I am one of the founding fathers of APC. I am very proud of it. What has been missing in this country, is the spirit of unity. Problems, sorrow and anguish are created by human beings. Divisions are created by those who benefit from divide and conquer. The truth is, we are Nigerians. And we hold that green passport proudly. Yes , it is difficult right now. The democracy we choose . It is twist and turn.
“Ondo State has Bitumen. You need a Federal Government that will put research in place and make it work. A sea port is a very capital intensive matter. Unfortunately, the country has no long term money except short term funds. We have to find investors and partners and build a deep sea port for Ondo state.
“When I got to Lagos, it was a jungle city. Dead bodies on the streets. But I started with a good team. I referred to them as unbreakable team. Yes, there is a limitation on calendarised term. There is no amount of steel and metal you build that will be as great as a legacy than the people you developed. That’s my philosophy.
“We must recognize the need for our country faster. and make it a priority. Ondo, you are working. Aketi is working. What he needs is me. A very solid federal partnership that will forge the economy of this country and state ahead of us. We can reproduce glass. We have so much on the ground that we can use for revenue generation and we will be rich for it.
“We will set the path of prosperity for our children. I have the brain. I am a better thinker. I am a better doer. That is why I want to beg you delegates, to recognize me, to distinguish me. I will rebuild Nigeria, I will unite Nigeria, I will develop Nigeria. Use our diversity for prosperity other than division. There is merit in our collaboration. I have begged Aketi to join me in our efforts to revive first national anthem. I can promise you that you will see prosperity,” Tinubu stressed.
Welcoming Tinubu at the Cocoa Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure, Governor Akeredolu said the reach of the APC National leader is not easy to come by, noting that his reach even as one of the founding fathers of the APC is uncommon.
“Your visit is different. We must be able to accept the fact that Asiwaju has done a lot. No doubt, we have noticed that Asiwaju has crisscrossed the length and breadth of this country.
“And let us all be frank to ourselves. His reach is not something you can get easily. His reach as one of the founding fathers of our party, many candidates have been here, but your reach has also made it possible to have one of the Special Assistants to the President here. That will speak volume,” Akeredolu stressed.
The Governor added that the party and the delegates must think about an aspirant with years of investment, competence, capacity and reach while choosing the candidate to fly the flag of the party.
“We have said it on your behalf. The presidency must come to this South-West. The Governors in the South have spoken. By the grace of God, some of us believe that the train of this country must have a smooth ride.
“Think about Nigeria. Think about the investment over the years. Think about competency. You must look at the background of anybody, the reach and capacity. You have our good wishes as you proceed. Only God enthrones,” he submitted.
