2023 Poll: The masses rescued Tinubu from powerful forces – Sanwo-Olu 

IBRAHIM QUADRI 

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday said that the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the President-Elect was a result of support by the masses, as the mighty placed a lot of obstacles in his way.

Sanwo-Olu made the disclosure during the special birthday prayers organized for Tinubu in Lagos. 

Prayers were conducted simultaneously in the Secretariat Mosque and Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, Ikeja.

At the Mosque, Sanwo-Olu’s Deputy, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat was on the ground together with the Lagos Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and members of the State House of Assembly.

Sanwo-Olu’s Chief of Staff, Mr Tayo Ayinde also stood in for the Governor at the Chapel where ex-deputy Governors of the State, Otunba Femi Pedro and Prince Abiodun Ogunleye were also present.

Hamzat said it was a great coincidence to have President-Elect’s birthday in the month of Ramadan, saying a lot of obstacles were placed on his way to forestall his ambition from coming to reality.

Hamzat stated, “We thank God for having his birthday in Ramadan and God has chosen him as the President-Elect. A lot of obstacles were placed in his way so prayers are essential.”

“By the special grace of God, I believe Asiwaju will perform well. It’s the masses that voted for him, the mighty stood against him.”

He cautioned those drumming for war, saying “We are many in this country. We can’t afford to go to war. On behalf of the President-Elect, I thank you all for your support.”

On his part, the Chief of Staff said, “Today is an auspicious occasion because it is a day we are gathered to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of a great man, a visionary, transformative leader and by the special grace of God the President-Elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

“On behalf of my family, Government and the people of Lagos State, | congratulate and rejoice with our leader as he celebrates his new age, and wish him many more years in good health, happiness and above all God’s mercies,” Ayinde added. 

“His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a pride to us in Lagos and a priceless global icon; an unrelenting fighter for democracy, an inextinguishable guiding light to the nation and an inspiration to me as well as the progressive’s family,” Ayinde continued.

“It gives me great pleasure and honour to be present here today. I thank the organisers of this special prayer in honour of our icon to ask for God’s wisdom, guidance, and direction for him as he prepares to take the reins of leadership in Nigeria.” 

“I will use this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation and that of our great party, All Progressives Congress, to all our ministers and religious leaders for your ceaseless prayers for the peaceful conduct of the just concluded general elections, both at the national and state levels.” 

“We give glory to Almighty God for answering all the prayers as evidenced in the declaration of the celebrant of today, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as President-Elect of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

“This prayer session is therefore not just to express our gratitude to God on Asiwaju’s birthday, but also to appreciate Him for the victory achieved at the last election.” 

“Furthermore, and most importantly, we also want to beseech the Almighty God in this Lenten season, to strengthen him, grant him good health, wisdom, inspiration and all that he will require to accomplish all the laudable plans, programmes and policies that will uplift our dear country and indeed all Nigerians to greatness.”

The preacher at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Prelate Emeritus Methodist Church, Nigeria, Dr Sunday Ola Makinde said, “What Asiwaju needs from us now is ardent prayers. I’m happy the Muslims have done their own and we are doing ours.”

“He needs undiluted loyalty and support, divine wisdom and victory over his enemies. If a mad woman could have enemies, how much more about him? Pray for him to finish his term successfully. He is our own,” he stated.

The Cleric added, “I don’t covet him for being the President of the country at this time but why I’m not afraid is because of his antecedent in private and public lives.

“Asiwaju’s election is a destiny for a purpose. He was elected for the purpose to rebuild Nigeria as he rebuilt Lagos.”

He, therefore, advised him to choose members of his cabinet carefully, saying “Good men and youths who are Godly and not corrupt. People should be selected irrespective of their tribes, religions and parties. He has to work for religious harmony, unity and tolerance.”