By Nurat Uthman
President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday,in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, relived the obstacles he had to surmount in the build-up to the general elections to achieve his presidential ambition.
The President spoke at the palace of the Paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, in Ijebu-Ode, during what he called a thank-you visit to the monarch.
Tinubu, who was in Ogun State on a private visit, also visited the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo,at his palace in Abeokuta.
Tinubu, who arrived in a presidential chopper 5N FG2, Nigeria Air Force, landed at the Dipo Dina International Stadium in the Ijebu-Ode area of the state at exactly 10.18am.
In his entourage were the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and presidential spokesperson, Dele Alake.
He was received by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; former governors of the state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Segun Osoba; and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, among others.
At the palace of Oba Adetona in Ijebu-Ode, Tinubu said his path to Presidency was not easy, adding that he had to invoke the spirit of ‘Baba Emilokan’ to overcome various challenges, including the naira redesign and cashless policies of the Central Bank of Nigeria ahead of the general elections.
Tinubu said, “Our monies were confiscated. The cashless policy didn’t work, it was terrible then. I realised that I came to this palace to invoke the spirit of freedom which we are noted for.
“I invoked that spirit twice. The spirit of Baba Emilokan. That’s baba (Awujale). Being blunt, being decisive, that’s him, he will tell you. The second spirit is that money or no money (we will do the election and we will win).”
Awujale, in his remarks, urged Tinubu to be fair to all Nigerians in everything he does.
The monarch said, “You have started well; you must continue that way.
“My joy knows no bounds because I know that you will give us the Nigeria of our dreams.
“It is a must for you to bring positive changes to Nigeria and Nigerians.”
Also speaking at the palace of the Alake of Egbaland,Tinubu begged Nigerians to go with him through what he called the baby steps of pains.
He said, “At least, we delivered, despite the hardship of no money, no fuel; I credit you, thank you. I don’t know that it will be like this, I just wanted to sneak in and sneak out, to greet kabiyesi. Now, I know exactly what it is to be a President.
“Having achieved the prayer point of ‘Emi lokan’ and then being here, I have redeemed a pledge that I will be back with victory and the crown.
“Now, what I ask for is prayers that will help the country and we are determined to help our country, to steer the ship of the nation, build a good team, positive for this country and deliver on all the promises that I have made.
“The hope is recharged; it’s here. That hope will never fade. That hope will recharge your life in a positive manner.
“I’m here still making that pledge of the campaign promise that there is no difference between us and any members of the Nigerian family.
“I have seen that in France during this discussion and we are the children of the same parents, living in the same house, we are only sleeping in different rooms, just recognise that.
“Let us be united, no distraction, we will arrive at the destination, a positive destination for this country and it is all in our hands to make history and I promise that.
“We will see positive changes as we move along, just go through these babys’ steps of pain, baby steps of pain, I’m taking baby steps as the President, not marching in a hurry, being ready to listen, maintain an open-door policy, let the freedom flow, let the confidence return to Nigeria.
“This country is the only country that we have. I have been a refugee, I know what it is to be a refugee in another country and my green passport is what I still have now.
“We need your prayers, we need your support, we need your interventions to get our people’s change of mind, so that the economic prosperity of this country being opened up will affect all of us positively.”
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