For the first time since he returned to Nigeria on October 8 after a three-month long medical trip to the United Kingdom, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Sunday featured at a welcome-back reception at the State House, Marina, Lagos.
“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.
“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 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,” an ecstatic Tinubu told the audience.
The APC leader said the prayer event was an emotional one for him, adding “l’m overwhelmed by good wishes and prayers from Nigerians while I was away.”
Persecondnews reports that the event which was hosted by Lagos Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and attended by political associates, was Tinubu’s first outing since his return.
Attendees included the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, members of the State Executive Council, and Lagos council chairmen.
Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu described Tinubu’s return as 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”.
“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.
“On behalf of all political office holders, party leaders and faithful, we welcome our leader back and we give praises to God on his behalf that the intention of evil-minded people who spread malicious rumour against our leader did not materialise.
“This event shows Asiwaju is healthy and possesses more energy to embark on his next move in politics,” he said amid cheers.
Gbajabiamila, who spoke on behalf of the National Assembly members, described Tinubu as “an eagle”, who is focused and always ahead of the “game”.
He wondered why a “simple knee surgery” became a national issue, but the solidarity shown towards Tinubu across ethnic divides indicated that Tinubu is an enigma.
Persecondnews also reports that part of the highlights of the occasion was prayers offered for Tinubu by Muslim and Christian clerics.
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