- Safiu Kehinde
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has dismissed the alleged rift between him and President Bola Tinubu.
NPO Reported that the governor had alongside the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) paid a courtesy visit to the President at his Ikoyi residence on Sunday.
According to sources, Tinubu had at the meeting declared an end to the cold war between him and the governor days.
This is coming days after Tinubu publicly snubbed Sanwo-Olu, skipping him to greet other governors present at the inauguration of the 30km phase of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway- a viral moment which reignited the speculations of feud between the duo.
At the closed-door meeting , the President declared that he was no longer angry at Sanwo-Olu with members of the GAC reportedly prostrating before him in a show of remorse and appeasement.
Speaking after the meeting, Sanwo-Olu claimed he had no issue with the President, describing their relationship as a father and son affair.
“Did you see any discord? Can’t you see? Even you are smiling and I’m smiling. There is none.
“You know, there people that believe that they are more Catholic than the Pope.
“They cry more than the bereaved. Father and son are things that we always make sure we clear.
“There is nothing at all. He is my father. He is my leader and we are grateful that he is giving us the audience today to come in and say hello to him.” He said.
On the motive behind the visitation, the governor stated that GAC came to felicitate with the President for Sallah celebration just like they always do annually.
“Nothing much. It’s our usual festive period courtesy visit and a time for Mr. President to meet with his brothers, leaders of our party, the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC). It’s something that they are always looking forward to.
“We all came around to felicitate with him, to pray with him, to wish him well, to say to him that Lagosians and everyone is happy with him. That we can see and feel the impact of what he has done in the last two years.” He said.
Sanwo-Olu hailed the President’s economic reforms while also acknowledging him for his contribution and effort to the newly received four sets of blue line trains in Lagos.
“Coincidentally, for us in Lagos in particular, earlier today I went to unveil new blue line trains at the National Arts Theatre which were just received-brand new four sets each. At that unveiling, we actually acknowledged and thanked Mr
President because he actually made it happen for us.” Sanwo-Olu said.
On the planned June 12 protest, the governor urged Nigerians to exercise patience with the President as he questioned the basis of the protest.
“I also want to use the opportunity to admonish and to tell, we are hearing people saying on June 12 they want to protest. What will be the basis? We will engage them and talk to them In two years, give this President more time.
“The economy as you can see has made a positive bend. All we need to do is to continue to wish him well and see those effects becoming reality.” He added.