In what was a reunion and closure to all grudges pre-2019 elections, former governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday evening joined his predecessor, Babatunde Fashola, and his successor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at a reception organised in honour of President Tinubu in Lagos.
The trio were seen in a cheerful mood after meeting together at the Lagos House, Marina, for the first time in over four years.
Recall that prior to the 2019 governorship election in the state, there was a fallout between Ambode and Tinubu’s political camp, which saw the former governor lose his re-election bid to Sanwo-Olu. Earlier this month, Sanwo-Olu had reached out to Ambode with a visit to Ambode during his 60th birthday.
The ‘Berlin Wall’ between godfather Tinubu and godson Ambode also fell apart yesterday after a long sojourn in the wilderness for Ambode.
Both Tinubu and Ambode were last seen together on September 17, 2018 at Jim Ovia’s book launch. Following a week of bold media headlines on their rift, especially with the infamous world press conference by Ambode, guests at the event watched anxiously how the two leaders would break the ice, if ever they manage, but nothing betrayed the animosity between them. It was a perfect act.
Recalled how the scenario played out thus: Ambode was already seated when midway into the occasion Tinubu sauntered in. Then the atmosphere suddenly became electrified. The Lion of Bourdillon took to the podium and delivered his remarks. The organisers might have read the minds of the audience.
For no sooner had Tinubu ‘roared’ than they invited the governor to the podium. The silence that slouched behind the initial applause was palpable. Everyone, even the microphone waited in anticipation.
Then Ambode began. First, an acknowledgement of the dignitaries with nods and a smile, then a moment’s hesitation, and finally the words: ‘Actually, I didn’t prepare to come and say anything here. And who am I to speak after the Jagaban has spoken?’
It was a textbook example of how to diffuse tension; it sent the audience and the governor himself laughing, and social media buzzing with the newest catchphrase. Ambode thereafter gave kudos to the political prowess of Tinubu, and went on to speak about Ovia.
Last night, it was all smiles for the class of Lagos governors since 1999 till date as Tinubu, Fashola, Ambode and Sanwo-Olu all came together for an iconic pose in honour of the godfather, now president, Tinubu. Speaking during the meeting, Tinubu said: “I’m glad to see Ambode.”
The President thereafter went on to reveal that he speedily announced the removal the petroleum subsidy on taking oath of office to put a stop to the bleeding finances of the country, insisting that the country has no choice than to remove the subsidy.
He added that there was a need to re-engineer and control the country’s finances to meet the aspirations of Nigerians promised by politicians and removing petrol subsidy was one of the choices to achieve that.
Tinubu further said that he cannot afford to be Father Christmas to neighbouring countries with the subsidy, promising that he would not relent in working with all Nigerians with available resources.
He thanked Sanwo-Olu for hosting the event and commended all those who came to celebrate him.
Earlier in his welcome address, Sanwo-Olu said the emergence of Tinubu as President is not a coincidence, but what God wants to happen, maintaining that Lagos stands right behind him.
Sanwo-Olu added that Lagos State is proud of Tinubu and will stand in complete solidarity with him.
