Tinubu in Owo, condoles Akeredolu’s family, visits Fasoranti -

Vows to ensure fiscal, true federalism

President Bola Tinubu (right) with Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu during his condolence visit to the Akeredolu family in Owo, Ondo State on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.

President Bola Tinubu said on Wednesday that the void left by the departed Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu will be difficult to fill, adding that his legacies will endure forever.

He spoke at Akeredolu’s Owo residence during a condolence visit to the departed’s family days after the former governor was buried.

Akeredolu, the Chairman of both the Southern Governors’ Forum and South West Governors’ Forum who passed away in Germany in December 2023, during a protracted illness, was buried at his country home on February 23, 2024.

During the visit, President Tinubu said “He (Akeredolu) truly embodied courage and fearlessness, especially in his relentless pursuit of good governance. I can only describe him as a fearless fighter. His unwavering commitment to the welfare of his people and his courageous nature will always be remembered,” he said.

Akeredolu’s widow, Mrs. Betty Akeredolu, thanked President Bola Tinubu for the visit and the Southern Governors for their contributions towards the burial of her late husband.

She said after the visit: “As you are aware, the President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu paid his condolence visit to my family. Present at the visit were my children and extended family members.

“On behalf of my family, I appreciate Mr. President. We understood he couldn’t attend the burial ceremony due to the dictate of Yoruba culture. He couldn’t have attended the burial of his younger brother.

“Coming today (Wednesday) is a big deal because we are in a better atmosphere. I also express my profound gratitude to the Southern Governors for their immense financial contributions to the burial. Most especially, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu, who singlehandedly brought Aketi’s remains back to Nigeria. We appreciate this huge show of love and we are grateful and forever indebted to him.

“I requested that Mr. President see where Aketi has been laid to rest and he followed me. We are deeply grateful to Mr. President for coming. He is indeed, Aketi’s brother and friend.

“I told Mr. President, yes, Aketi has left but he lives because he left behind legacies. It is our wish that those legacies continue and are built upon where necessary.”

While welcoming the president to the ancient town, the Olowo Oba Ajibade Ogunoye expressed appreciation to Tinubu for the visit.

He described the late Akeredolu as a true democrat who was fully committed to democratic principles and practices.

The President who was accompanied by Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, his Ekiti counterpart, Biodun Oyebanji, top government functionaries, and prominent politicians thereafter visited the Afenifere Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti in his Akure home, where he promised to ensure fiscal and true federalism.

Tinubu said that in reforming the country, his task will be to ensure fiscal and true federalism, as well as the broad-based manifestation of the philosophy of “what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.”

He made the declaration while addressing Afenifere leaders at Fasoranti’s residence.

Also, he affirmed that his administration is working to ensure that Nigeria is reformed for greater efficiency with a particular emphasis on systematically inculcating fairness and equity in all aspects of national life.

The president emphasized his commitment to leading Nigeria towards economic and social prosperity.

In his remark, Pa Fasoranti commended President Tinubu for his commitment to Nigeria’s progress and expressed support for his administration’s efforts.

He stated: “You have kept your word to return to this place where we all prayed for you, and this shows that you are a man of your word.”

Pa Fasoranti asked President Tinubu to be fair and courageous, declaring that such traits were the hallmark of the Afenifere family.

“Today, you are carrying our flag. We are noted for integrity, competence, fairness, and courage. Your performance so far has shown that you understand the full gravity of your mandate, which is to show the Nigerian people that a good government is possible,” the elder statesman added.

His address was read by Chief Olu Falae, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

Earlier, Tinubu landed at the Akure Airport in the Ondo State capital in a Nigerian Airforce jet that conveyed him and his entourage at exactly 11:35 am.

A presidential parade was put in place at the airport terminal to welcome the president.

He was received by Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, his Ekiti State counterpart Biodun Oyebanji, and top government functionaries and prominent politicians.

Later, a statement issued by Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) quoted Tinubu as saying: ”Nigeria will survive the current economic challenges. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I requested the job, and I am not complaining about it. I take full responsibility.

”We are meeting our obligations to the international community. To lenders, we have not defaulted, and we are not going to default. We are navigating the twists and bends on the road to Nigeria’s prosperity.”

President Tinubu acknowledged the understanding and support of all Nigerians in the face of the tough but temporary economic conditions, assuring them that their patience and perseverance will not be fruitless.

The President added: “The economic challenges we have endured since assuming office are not new to me. As the former governor of Lagos State, I faced similar calls for my resignation. But, through perseverance, Lagos emerged as the fifth-largest economy in the entire continent of Africa. We must manage this moment with wisdom and grow Nigeria responsibly.

“I campaigned for this office to serve Nigeria’s interests, and I was elected. Some said I would not last in the tribunal and came up with all sorts of predictions, but even when in court, I remained focused.

“We cannot allow Nigeria’s economy to be exploited. We cannot abandon our economy to marauders. I am determined to re-engineer our finances and curb selfish interests permanently.”