At least over 30 politicians have visited the National
Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress in London, the United Kingdom in
the last two months.
Tinubu, who celebrated his 69th birthday in March 2021 and
command an arguably large following of political loyalists, has been rumoured
to nurse presidential ambition iin 2023.
Tinubu’s health has been a subject of controversy of late
but in a press statement on July 31, 2021, his Media Adviser, Tunde Rahman,
said though the former Lagos State Governor was out of Nigeria, he was not
hospitalised as claimed by some reports.
“He (Tinubu) is out of the country at the moment. He will be
back shortly,” he said, adding that his boss was “hale and hearty”.
In an effort to dispel the overwhelming rumour about
Tinubu’s reported ill health, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, told
reporters in Lagos on August 4, 2021 that he visited Tinubu in London and took
photos with him.
Sanwo-Olu said, “Yes, indeed, I am the one you saw in the
picture that I took when I visited our leader in London just to dispel all of
the rumours that were flying around that he was sick and hospitalised.
“You saw him (Tinubu). He is well, he is healthy and we
conversed. We talked about what is happening in our party, what is happening in
the nation and just to say to him that all is well.
“I went to see things for myself. It is just to put the mind
and heart of people to rest that there is nothing for us to worry about,” the
governor disclosed.
In recent years, the UK has become a destination for the
Nigerian elite including the President who frequent London for medical tourism
while perpetual industrial actions, lack of modern equipment, failure of
government to pay doctors’ salaries, amongst others mar Nigeria’s health
sector.
On August 12, 2021, presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, shared
photos on Facebook that showed Tinubu leaning on a walking stick as he posed
for a shot with the President Muhammadu Buhari.
Buhari also visited the APC chieftain in London,
presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, subsequently confirmed.
In a statement by his Media Office, Tinubu described the
President’s visit as “friendly and welcome one”, adding that, “By this gesture,
Mr. President has, again, demonstrated his personal thoughtfulness and
humility; defying the erroneous commentaries peddled by his critics.
Following Buhari’s visit, scores of politicians and loyalist
of the APC leader including governors, senators, amongst others have since
visited him in London as seen in viral photos after such visits.
Aside from Sanwo-Olu, Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu;
his Ekiti State counterpart, Kayode Fayemi; as well as Kano State Governor,
Umar Ganduje, have visited Tinubu in London in the last two months.
In the entourage with Ganduje were his wife Hafsat Ganduje;
their son, Umar Ganduje; three lawmakers as well four other members of the
Ganduje’s family.
Others who also visited Tinubu in London include House of
Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila; ex-Governor of Ogun State and
current Senator representing Ogun Central, Ibikunle Amosun; former Governor of
Borno State and current Senator representing Borno Central, Kashim Shettima;
and member representing Gubio, Kaga and Magumeri Federal Constituency of Borno
State, Usman Zanna.
Also on the list are Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi
Hamzat; Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor, Tayo Ayinde; Deputy Chief of
Staff to Lagos State Governor, Gboyega Soyannwo; Special Adviser to Lagos State
Governor on Education, Tokunbo Wahab; former APC National Legal Adviser, Muiz
Banire.
Others are Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru
Obasa; Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation, Temitope Adewale;
Chairman of the House Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development,
Nureni Akinsanya; as well as Chairman of the House Committee on Overseas
Investments and Sustainable Development Goals, Sylvester Ogunkelu.
The Senator representing the Lagos East Senatorial District,
Adetokunbo Abiru; Senator Opeyemi Bamidele from Ekiti Central; Senator Adeola
Solomon from Lagos West; Senator Adelere Oriolowo from Osun West; and Senator
Mohammed Sanni from Niger East Senatorial District also visited the ex-Lagos
governor in London.
Chairman of Isolo Local Council Development Area, Adebayo
Olasoju; another politician, Adekunle Akanbi; and popular Fuji musician, Wasiu
Ayinde, popularly called KWAM 1.
Though Tinubu’s spokesman had said his principal was “hale
and hearty” the APC leader continues to receive dignitaries, most serving
politicians, in his London home, with many Nigerians wondering the purpose of
the visits.
Some critics of the visitors have also taken to social media
to ask whether the serving politicians funded the UK trip to check on Tinubu
with taxpayers’ money.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com