Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, APC presidential candidate , Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Sunday met with Afenifere leaders in Akure, Ondo state capital.
Afenifere is a socio-cultural organization for the Yoruba people.
Team@orientactualmags.com learned the meeting was held at the residence of Pa Reuben Fasoranti and the attendees include Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Professor Isaac Adewole, Chief Olu Falae, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, retired General Alani Akinrinade, retired General Olu Bajowa, Mr Sola Iji, Dr Kunle Olajide, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, a one-time governor of Kwara state, Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa, APC National Secretary, former Senator Iyiola Omisore, Chief Bisi Akande, Dare Babarinsa, Chief Pius Akinyelure, Deputy governor of Oyo state, Bayo Lawal, deputy governor of Ondo state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Chief Segun Adesegun, former Senator Tony Adefuye and former Senator Dayo Adeyeye.
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Tinubu said visiting Fasoranti’s residence to hold meeting with the Afenifere leaders was in fulfillment of the promise he made before the APC presidential primary election. He also submitted that his winning the APC presidential nomination in June this year made President Muhammadu Buhari happy and elated.
‘I promised to come back after winning the APC presidential nomination . I am here to thank all Yoruba leaders and also ask them to thank Buhari and northern governors for their steadfastness and for being promise-keepers.
The North proved to me that Nigeria can survive its unity. Some people wanted President Muhammadu Buhari to announce someone, but the President said no. He insisted the process must go on democratically. The President said that anyone that would mess up the APC process would see his other side.
He remained upright to the end. Northern APC Governors resolved that the presidency must go to the South and, especially, South West. Governors Nasir El-Rufai, Abdullahi Ganduje and others supported me to the end.
The battle was tough and, at a point, I was in doubt. There were many rumours and I became confused over what to believe. Buhari told me I promoted his name with the way I won the primary election because the process was clean and transparent and nobody could accuse him of manipulating it.
The president said I gave him credibility and I deserved to be President. When I asked him to nominate the Vice Presidential candidate, he said I should pick whoever I wanted and that was why I chose a competent man in Kashim Shettima who has never lost any election. I particularly went for him because he had protected Christians in time of trouble in his state’ he said.
Former General Secretary of Afenifere, Chief Seinde Arogbofa urged Tinubu to be a leader that would unify the country and work for its progress and development .
‘You are not just a Yoruba man but a Nigerian. When you become the president, take Nigeria into consideration in all you do, but never forget home.
Our demands are what you know already – restructuring, security and the economy. Our country is no longer safe. We want state police so that the country will be safe’ he said.
Also speaking, the Deputy Governor of Ondo state, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who received Tinubu and his delegation on behalf of Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu, said Ondo state people are ‘Afenifere’ and would support Tinubu to win the presidential election.
‘Asiwaju has the reach, the competence to lead Nigeria’ he said.
Ekiti state governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji assured the Yoruba leaders that all the South West governors and the entire Yoruba people will support Tinubu.
‘We are happy to receive our leader, Asiwaju Tinubu, today. I want to assure him and our fathers that we will support him all the way ’ he said.
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae told Tinubu to ensure that he fixes the economy while decrying the falling value of the Naira, adding that he had spent his life serving Nigeria and would not be happy if such efforts were allowed to be in vain.
‘When you become the president, please work to fix this country. We are here to offer advice. I am old and no longer looking for job. We need to fix security, fix our economy.
Our naira is almost becoming useless and will soon become N1000 to a dollar. We must change that. I know your ability. We will always be here to support and I wish you well.
We will be here when you bring the trophy home by the grace of God’ he said- Team@orientactualmags.com
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