Makinde applauds Tinubu’s style of politics, says  only best is good enough for Nigeria at this time

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has hailed the National Leader of All Progressives Congress(APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, for eschewing politics of bitterness, adding that residents of the state have taken proper notice of the former Lagos State Governor’s kind of politics.

Makinde stated this on Saturday while hosting Tinubu at the Government House, Agodi Ibadan.

Tinubu was on a condolensce visit to the governor over the death of Soun of Ogbomoso, Olubadan of a Ibadan and former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala.  

Speaking, Makinde thanked the former Lagos State Governor for the visit, saying that he stands for politics without bitterness.

“We are really grateful for this visit because this is actually a political seaso.  This year that we are in, most political parties will elect their candidates towards the election that is coming next year, so, what this has demonstrated to us is that, you indeed stands  for politics without bitterness.

“This is a political season, you might have said why do I need to come to Oyo Government House that people may  interpret differently politically and all of that, but you sent a message across to me and I am delighted to host you in Ibadan.

“Yes, we lost two prominent traditional rulers almost in quick succession. It was Soun first and we were planning for the burial when Olubadan also happened and we were still in the middle of that, as a matter of fact, I spoke with Governor Akala few days back, telling him that the roads we are constructing from Ogbomoso to Iseyin, he would be the one to flag it off.

“Few people said he won’t accept that assignment from us, but I called him and he accepted. He told me that government will come and go but our state will remain. Whatever we do is where others will take over and continue. So, I can say that in Oyo State, we try to take politics out of what we call Omoluabi, ” Makinde said.

The governor also seized teased the APC governorship candidate in the  2019 poll,  Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and immediate past ALGON chairman in the state,  Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, saying they are the ones causing trouble  for him in the state. 

“We are indeed very grateful for this visit, you are appreciated. When you came in, I looked at some of the people in your entourage, from Bayo (Adelabu) to Aleshinloye, these are the people that are always causing trouble for me in this state.

“But for us, we end it at the political level. Once it is not politics, we relate and we believe that is the path to development of this country.

“Yes, we may fight and struggle for political positions, but once it ends, that is it. It is because we know that power can only come from God, otherwise people like me from 2007 when I started ……

“You addressed me as distinguished governor, but I never went to the Senate, I went in absential because I contested twice to go to the Senate and I lost. 

“So, we believe that power only come from God and He gives it to whoever He likes at any time.

“So, let me thank you and the entourage for this visit, and this is to let  you know that we are very appreciative of it. We have taken proper notice that you have risen above politics of  bitterness to share in our grief and we say thank you.

“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,” the governor added.

Earlier in his remarks, Tinubu commended Makinde for being accommodating and receiving him and his entourage despite the short notice.

The APC National Leader noted that he was not in the state for politics but to commiserate with the governor and people of the state.

“I want to thank you Mr Governor, it was only last night that I learnt that the aircraft that will bring me from Abuja is available and l said we have to do it before it gets too late.
“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.

“When I flashed back to my last encounter with the Olubadan when he came to Lagos with his Olori, I didn’t know he came to say goodbye.

“Suddenly, we heard of Alao-Akala and in this situation, we share in your loss. You as the governor in the saddle of power take responsibility for the situation here.

“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.

“Every thing that has happened has taught us that we are just passing through,one day, we all will go. But no matter how long it is, it is difficult to absorb the loss easily. 

“The Olubadan of Ibadan has contributed immensely to the stability, peace and love that radiated throughout Ibadan  land.

“Akala has governed this state before. We are in an historic environment that has contributed so much to our democracy in Africa and you are beholding the history, not only for Oyo State but our democracy in West Africa.

“Thank you for being accommodating. 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.

“It is very good that we are able to be here, not because  of politics. We love and appreciate you and we share in your grief. May their souls rest in peace, may Oyo State continue to grow in bounds and leaps and have a rapid development which is a dream for all of us. Thank you for receiving us,” Tinubu said.

Some of the dignitaries in the entourage  of the APC presidential aspirant include Chief Pius Akinyelure (former  APC National Vice Chairman, South West and board member of NNPC); Alhaji Ibrahim Masari (Former National Welfare Officer of APC);  Hon James  Faleke (Chairman, Finance Committe, HoR);  Senator Adesoji Akanbi; Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, Hon Tolu Sadipe, among others.