National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, on Saturday in Lagos formally welcomed former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, to the party, expressing the belief that the return of Obanikoro to APC, alongside those who defected with him, would further strengthen the party in the state ahead 2019 elections.
Those who defected with Obanikoro, who was also former PDP governorship candidate in 2007 in Lagos State, include Chief (Mrs) Modupe Sasore, Chief Jide Damazio, Alhaji Kola Balogun, Mr Jide Ladeinde, a former Lagos PDP youth leader; Hon Kamal Olorunoje, Yinka Balogun, among others.
Tinubu, who was represented by leader of APC in the South West, Chief Pius Akinyelure, while recalling that most of the decampees formerly belonged to the progressives family before they left for PDP, said, “The coming back of Obanikoro and others to their former home where they belong would further strengthen the APC in the state.”
The former Lagos State governor, who expressed joy at the development, thanked various leaders and members for their contribution to the growth of APC in the state, urging them not to waver.
Speaking after receiving his new party flag at the event that took place at the Campos Square on Lagos Island and attended by Lagos APC chairman, Chief Henry Ajomale; Alhaji Kazim Imam, Cardinal James Odunmbaku; among others, Obanikoro equally acknowledged that his defection to APC alongside others was a return to their “natural habitat,” declaring that APC was his home.
Obanikoro, in his speech titled, “The Exigency of Time and the Dynamism of Politics,” while tracing his “political voyage,” which he claimed started from associating with those in the progressives camp, said he was proud to have learnt under Asiwaju Tinubu, declaring that the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, was the greatest politician of all time while Tinubu remained the greatest politician of the moment.
“My good people of Lagos. I am humbled by the presence of you all. This mammoth crowd is a testimony to the affection you have for me and for our beloved state, Lagos.
“To me and to all my associates, it is a return to our natural habitat. This Is my home.
“My political voyage started from this association and I am proud to have learned under our great leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo is the greatest politician of all time and I make bold to say this that the greatest politician of our time is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
Speaking further, Obanikoro maintained that it was important at this stage of his life to return to his original base and be part of the giant strides that had been achieved in Lagos State under past administrations, including present one headed by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
He, however, said such achievements wouldn’t have been possible “but for the wisdom and sagacity of the architect of our modern democracy, my indefatigable Oga, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.”
While saying that politics was based and premised on ideologies and powered by interests, the former Nigerian Ambassador insisted that he was a progressive and his conviction about leadership was the need to identify with the yearnings of his people.
“I am a very proud son of Lagos and I will always do my best to support and fortify any efforts and/or movement be they social, economic or political that is directed at repositioning my home state for more development and prosperity,” he vowed.
Obanikoro, who admitted he was already a fulfilled person, equally vowed to impact the people of Lagos State putting into use all the experiences he had garnered all over the years while serving the country in privileged positions.
“The question on the lips of many is why is Obanikoro returning to the APC?
My fellow Lagosians. It is not a secret that I am among the few in this state and in this country that has been privileged to serve in high places.
“Having achieved so much during my period of service, this is the time to impact on my people. I am already fulfilled. According to the Maslow’s hierarchical theory of needs, I have gotten to the peak of the ladder. In other words, self-actualisation.
“Today, with thousands of my followers, I rededicate myself to the progress and prosperity of Lagos,” he further pledged.
Speaking earlier, chairman, Lagos State chapter of APC, Ajomale, expressed happiness at the return of Obanikoro and others to the APC fold, saying with such development no other party existed anymore in the state.
He declared that the APC was now more united in the state and, therefore, resolved to more Lagos forward and also transform Nigeria into a better and stronger country that would be the envy of all nations.
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