Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said only the best is good enough for the country come next general elections, as he wished Senator Bola Tinubu the best outing in his quest to govern the country come next year election.
The Governor spoke, on Saturday, while playing host to the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who was at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, to condole with the governor and people of the state on the death of three notable personalities; the Soun Ogbomosho, the Olubadan of Ibadanland and Ex-Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala.
The governor who was full of kind words also commended the former Lagos State governor for what he described as rising above politics by jettisoning political differences with Oyo State and visiting the state on the loss of two prominent traditional rulers and a former governor in quick succession, saying “we have taken proper notice.”
Makinde said: “We are really grateful for this visit because this is actually a political season. This year, most political parties will elect their candidates towards the election come next year. So, what it says is that you stand for politics without bitterness.”
He seized the opportunity of the visit to tease the APC flag bearer at the 2019 governorship polls, Adebayo Adelabu and a former ALGON chairman in the state, Abass Aleshinloye, who came on the visit with Tinubu, saying they are the ones giving him troubles in the state but added that the kind of politics played in Oyo State is the type that does not betray brotherhood and unity of purpose.
Appreciating Tinubu and his entourage for the visit, Makinde noted that despite their political differences, they all relate well as brothers, saying that is the path to the development of the country as they believe that power comes from God alone and He gives it to whomsoever He pleases at whatever time.
“Let me also use this opportunity to wish you well in your political quest to govern this nation. We want the best for this country and only the best is good enough for us at this particular time,” Makinde concluded.
Earlier, in his remarks, the APC National Leader, Bola Tinubu, commended Makinde for being accommodating and receiving him and the entourage despite the short notice, and for the developmental strides of the Makinde-led administration in the state.
Tinubu stated: “We gave you quite a short notice and you responded. Thank you. That is a demonstration of a good character, it is rare in this world. People get sometimes intoxicated with power and arrogance of office can be overwhelming, but not with you.”
Noting that he was not in the state for politics but to commiserate with the governor and people of the sate, Tinubu lauded Makinde for making Ibadan peaceful and devoid of violence and rancor as is being reported in other places.
Tinubu said: “Having lost the Olubadan of Ibadan, a former governor of this state, Adebayo Alao-Akala and the Soun of Ogbomoso, the essence for us is to go back to the sense of value of the people and their lives. I want to say that we thank God that Ibadan has been peaceful, it is not a den of violent attack or anything, it is a peaceful place.”
He stated that the Olubadan of Ibadan contributed immensely to the stability, peace and love that radiated throughout Oyo land, noting that Akala governed in such a way that contributed so much to democracy not only in Oyo State but also in West Africa and ultimately, in Africa.
Some of the dignitaries in the company of the APC presidential aspirant include, Chief Pius Akinyelure (former National Vice Chairman, Southwest and board member of NNPC), Alhaji Ibrahim Masari (Former National Welfare Officer of APC), Hon James Abiodun Faleke (Chairman, Finance Committe, HoR), Senator Adesoji Akanbi, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle and Hon Tolu Sadipe, among others.
Editor/Suzan O.
