President Bola Tinubu on Thursday recounted in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, the challenges he faced in the run-up to February’s general elections.
He was addressing guests at the palace of Ijebuland’s paramount ruler, Oba Sikiru Adetona, in Ijebu-Ode, while on a thank-you visit to the monarch.
Tinubu, who was in Ogun State on a private tour, also paid a courtesy call to Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, at his palace in Abeokuta.
The President arrived at 10:18a.m. on a presidential chopper 5N FG2, Nigeria Air Force. The chopper landed at the Dipo Dina International Stadium in the state’s Ijebu-Ode area.
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His entourage included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Adviser on Media, Dele Alake.
He was greeted by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, as well as former governors Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Segun Osoba.
Dimeji Bankole, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, was also present.
Spirit Of ‘Baba Emilokan’
Tinubu said that his journey to the presidency was not simple.
According to him, he needed to channel the spirit of ‘Baba Emilokan’ to overcome several hurdles.
These hurdles, he said, included the currency redesign and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s cashless policies ahead of the 2018 elections.
“Our funds were confiscated,” Tinubu stated. “The cashless policy proved ineffective at the time.
“I realised I came to this palace to inspire the spirit of liberty for which we are known.
“I called on that ghost twice. Baba Emilokan’s spirit. That’s Awujale (baba). He will tell you that he is direct and decisive.
“The second spirit is that we will do the election and win whether we have money or not.”
In his remarks, Awujale asked Tinubu to be fair to all Nigerians in all he does.
“You have started well; you must continue in that manner,” the monarch said.
“My joy is limitless because I know you will give us the Nigeria of our dreams.
“It is imperative that you bring positive changes to Nigeria and Nigerians.”
Tinubu, at the palace of the Alake of Egbaland, pleaded with Nigerians to accompany him through what he called the “baby steps of pain”.
Determined To Help Our Country
“At least, we delivered, despite the hardship of no money and no fuel; I credit you, thank you,” he stated.
“I’m not sure how it will go, I just wanted to sneak in and out and greet Kabiyesi. Now I understand what it’s like to be President.
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“By reaching the prayer point of ‘Emi lokan’ and then arriving here, I have fulfilled a pledge that I will return with victory and the crown.
“Now, what I ask for is prayers for the country, and we are determined to help our country.”
He promised to pilot the nation’s ship, develop a good team, be positive for Nigeria, and keep all of his pledges.
“Hope has been recharged; it has arrived. That hope will not die. That hope will positively revitalise your life.
“We Need Your Prayers”
“I’m still here making that campaign pledge that there is no difference between us and any members of the Nigerian family.
“I saw that in France during this discussion, and we are the children of the same parents, living in the same house, just recognise that.
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“Let us be united, no distractions, and we will arrive at our destination, a positive destination for this country, and it is all in our hands to make history, I promise.
“We will see positive changes as we progress; just take these baby steps of pain, baby steps of pain.
“As President, I’m taking baby steps, not hurrying, being ready to listen, and maintaining an open-door policy.
“Let the freedom flow, and let Nigeria’s confidence return.
“This country is the only one we have. I’ve been a refugee. I know what it’s like to be a refugee in another country, and I still have my green passport.
“We need your prayers, your support, and your interventions to persuade our people to change their minds.
“As a result, the increased economic prosperity of this country will benefit all of us.”
