By Jubril Bada
|
Yesterday was a symbolic and emotive moment for the APC Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the most respected Afenifere leader, Pa Rueben Fasoranti poured blessings and encomium on him in his quest for the presidential seat.
With his two palms firmly placed on Tinubu’s clean shaved head, the nonagenarian wished him a triumphant sail through in his presidential ambition.
In what seems like Abraham’s blessings from God, Tinubu bowed before the Afenifere leader who prayed for his victory at the polls and wished him a smooth sludge in the race for Aso Rock.
As Fasoranti began to pray, a hush fell on the crowd of eminent personalties present and he said “you shall receive from God, your heart desires, and no evil shall overcome you,” to which a resounding amen followed.
Fasoranti gave the blessing at his country home, Akure when Tinubu came to unveil his action plan.
The blessing came weeks after the acting leader of the group, Ayo Adebanjo had earlier endorsed the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.
The Yoruba socio cultural group in a statement by its Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu said the antecedent of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu speaks volumes of him as the preferred candidate.
“Having taken cognisance of his commendable antecedents as Lagos State Governor and his demonstrated ability in building physical and human capital, the Yoruba Leaders at today’s meeting are in no doubt that Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria offers the best opportunity to produce a government that will usher in a new Era of hope, peace, security, harmony, gainful employment for the multitude, economic development, social and political stability.”
The APC standard bearer arrived in the state to present his Action Plan on how to reposition the country to the Yoruba social cultural and political organisation.
The 80-page Action Plan document christened Renewed Hope, was formally launched in Abuja on 21 October by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Other Afenifere leaders at the event include: Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Lawal, Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji and Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetota was represented by his Chief of Staff, Charles Akinola.
Former Secretary to Government of Federation, Chief Olu Falae, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Gbenga Daniel, Alani Akinrinade.
Other dignitaries are former interim National of APC, Chief Bisi Akande, former Minister of Health, lsaac Adewole, National Secretary of APC, Iyiola Omisore, Secretary General of Afenifere, Oludare Babarinsa, Minister for State of Transport, Adebola Adegororye, former Governor of Ogun StateSegun Osoba, the State Chairman of APC, Ade Adetimehin.
Members of the group, who spoke through Chief Seinde Arogbofa described Tinubu as not only a Nigerian, but a Yoruba man to the core.
Arogbofa described the party’s primary that produced Tinubu as the APC presidential candidate as peaceful, free and fair, devoid of any rancour.
While reminding Tinubu not to forget Nigerians when he becomes the president, he urged him to implement restructuring which he described as important.
Another chieftain of the group, Chief Olu Falae, charged Tinubu to prioritize the issue of security, economy and financial crisis rocking the country.
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji who spoke on behalf of Southwest Governors assured the support of the governors in the region for the presidential ambition of Tinubu.
The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who was represented by his Deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa said the South West region is Afenifere and not ‘Obedient’.
Speaking, the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu explained why he decided to go for Muslim-Muslim ticket on the platform of the party for his presidential ambition ahead of next year general elections.
While presenting his Action Plan on how he intends to tackle the economic and other problems the country is grappling with, Tinubu pointed out that he decided to go for the same faith ticket because he is a minority, adding that it would be unwise to pick Christian as his Vice as minority from the northern part of the country.
He opined that all this happened after he met with the President Muhammadu Buhari who gave him go ahead to pick his choice of vice president.
Buhari, he said has given him all the support and strategy to use for him to be the next president of the country.
According to him: “l asked President Buhari to nominate somebody of his choice to be my vice, he said l should choose by myself, explaining that those who lobbied to be his Vice, only took advantage to cause crisis in the party.
“I know there will be opposition only if they have the strength to compete. With your prayer, we will change the narrative of the country.
“This is not Yoruba project but Nigeria project”.