A former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in South Africa, Mr Bola Babarinde, has described the reconciliation between President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu as a great relief.
Babarinde remarked in a statement Tuesday in Lagos, which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Tinubu declared that he had forgiven Sanwo-Olu, saying they had resolved the rift between them.
According to the report, Tinubu made the comment during a closed-door meeting with members of the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) on Saturday.
Babarinde, the General Secretary of Renewed Hope Global, described the reconciliation as a beacon of hope for the party.
He noted that the rift news caused concern, while the speculations, criticisms and calls for punishment of an “innocent friend was deeply troubling.”
“Thankfully, the recent reconciliation between President Tinubu and Governor Sanwo-Olu offers significant relief.
“It is a positive sign for Lagos, Yorubaland, and Nigeria.
“Peace in Lagos means stability for the entire nation. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Asiwaju of Yorubaland have once again demonstrated wisdom, forgiveness and political maturity.
“He will not regret reuniting with a loyal son like Governor Sanwo-Olu, who worked tirelessly to support him during the 2023 elections, even amidst unexpected setbacks in Lagos,” he said.
Babarinde noted that he was proud of Sanwo-Olu’s leadership and accomplishments as a friend and former schoolmate.
According to him, Sanwo-Olu is humble, principled, and progressive-minded, and I can confidently vouch for his character.
“If there were missteps, they were undoubtedly not deliberate or intended to hurt Asiwaju Tinubu, and political enemies may have fabricated some accusations.
“I have supported Sanwo-Olu from outside the country until a few years ago when the governor invited me to return and contribute to his administration.
“While I wasn’t part of his government formally, I supported him from outside and remain proud of his leadership.
“We pray that peace and cooperation will continue between Lagos’s executive and legislative arms.
“May the state retain its place as Nigeria’s number one economy and a source of pride for Africa,” the APC chieftain said.
