Bola Tinubu, the President-elect returned home on Monday after spending a 34-day vacation in Paris, France. Tinubu, accompanied by his wife Remi and his son Seyi, arrived at Nnamdi International Airport at 4:40 p.m., and was enthusiastically received by party supporters.
The former governor of Lagos State left the country on March 21, weeks after being declared the winner of the presidential election.According to a statement by his Media advisor, Tunde Rahman, the trip allows Tinubu to rest and plan for his transition programme ahead of his inauguration on May 29.
Mr Rahman added that the president-elect will travelled to Saudi Arabia from Europe to participate in Lesser Hajj and Ramadan.
Weeks after his departure, speculation arose that he was admitted to a French hospital with an undisclosed illness.
However, addressing the crowds at his home in Asokoro, the president-elect denied rumours that he was taken abroad for treatment. He further stated that he is strong after his vacation.
Dressed in a flowing blue agbada, Tinubu was received at the airport by the Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima. As well as House of Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila; Governors Simon Lalong (Plateau); Abubakar Sani-Bello (Niger) and former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff.
Others were former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole; ex-Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; APC Deputy National Chairman for North, Senator Abubakar Kyari; Deputy National Chairman for South, Emma Enekwu, and National Woman Leader, Dr Betta Edu.
There were also a considerable number of Senators such as Barau Jibril, Adeola Yayi, Opeyemi Bamidele, Dayo Adeyeye, Sabi Abdullahi and Adelere Oriolowo as well as the Director of Media and Publicity in the recently-dissolved Presidential Campaign Council, Bayo Onanuga.
Other loyalists at the airport included a former APC governorship aspirant in Ondo state, Chief Olusola Oke. As well as former PCC member, Dr Ene Ogbole, and veteran actor, Zack Orji.
Ahead of his arrival, Tinubu’s campaign office in the central business district was a hive of activity. Hundreds of supporters flocked to obtain accreditation in preparation for his arrival.
Around noon, when supporters and journalists began to be certified. Stern-faced officials were seen at the entrance and exit of the campaign office.
Tinubu addressed the raucous crowd that followed him home from the airport. Also, he urged them to ignore the speculation that had spread last month.
He said he left the country on vacation on 21 March after a busy campaign and election season.
“I am happy to be back. I have rested, I’m refreshed and I’m ready for the task ahead. Forget about what the rumour mill may have told you. I’m strong, very strong.”
He also reassured that while in Paris, he never stopped working as he was ‘consulting and planning’. Further claiming that it was in order to put together a strong team. Tinubu says he hopes to hit the ground running once he assumed office on May 29.
The former governor also teased his supporters and party loyalists, saying-
“Allow me some rest, to eat Amala and sleep. Work will commence tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, a close ally of the president-elect and the Secretary of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council, James Faleke, disclosed that the former Lagos governor spent more of his time consulting with stakeholders.
He stated that the majority of the party faithful were excited to see him.
cc: Punch Ng
