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  • Tinubu, Akande: Mahama right leader for Ghana

    Former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and National Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Chief Bisi Akande yesterday said President John Mahama has all it takes to lead Ghana.

    Tinubu and Akande spoke with The Nation in Accra after Mahama’s inauguration as Ghana’s fourth elected president.

    Tinubu said Ghanaians should entertain no fear with Mahama at the helm of affairs.

    He said the Ghanaian president has shown since July when he took over following Prof. John Atta Mills’ death that he would be a great leader.

    Tinubu said: “It is clear his people love him. He will lead them well. We need to learn from Ghana how to do things right.”

    Akande said: “Mahama has what it takes to take Ghana to the next level. I see orderliness, which is what is lacking in Nigeria. Having been in the parliament and having been vice president, Mahama has what it takes to develop Ghana. The people should put their mind at rest.”

    In a statement, Tinubu said: “Ghana remains a signpost of good governance and democratic values Africa is in dire need of. For Ghana, this transition from democracy to democracy marks a sparkling moment in the history of the country.

    “I congratulate the elected President of Ghana, John Mahama and the good people of Ghana on this occasion. It is a moment in history many nations still long for and Ghana offers that great hope that even in Africa democracy thrives.

    “To the people of Ghana, once again, I give kudos for embracing with discipline the innovation of the biometric voting system. As with most innovations, there were lapses and delays during this initial use. But the people persevered and did not for once quit on the system. The people of Ghana performed their civic duty with propriety and quiet heroism. There is a lesson for all of Africa in this.

    “Today, Ghana stands tall as a model of democratic practice for Africa and much of the world. You have shown that the soil of Africa is as fertile ground for democracy as any other soil. The Black Star today shines brighter than ever before and with each successful election Africa will advance.

    “Nigeria has a thing or two to learn from Ghana with regards to organising free and fair elections. Nigeria’s electoral system is overdue for a biometric voting system. Our electoral system needs an overhaul. Ghana has shown the way. Nigeria and other African nations must follow the lead.”

     

  • Tinubu: govt failing people

    Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday said Nigerians who have survived the outgoing year and are blessed to witness this season of goodwill have done so, more through dint of handwork, perseverance and courage than through the support of government.

    Tinubu, in his Christmas message, released in Lagos, said the Federal Government has disappointed many Nigerians, with its failure to deliver on many of its promises, particularly that of transforming their lives.

    “This current administration, rather than translating its touted transformation agenda into impactful performance, has hastened the transformation of most Nigerians into poverty, into a world of unemployment and insecurity,” he said.

    Tinubu urged Nigerians not to lose hope and to continue in the spirit of Christmas to make the sacrifices necessary to make Nigeria better.

    He enjoined Christians to continue in steadfast prayers for Nigeria, noting that every good leader needs the support and prayers of the followers to succeed. “ “Our faith will never let us down.We must trust in God and pray for a better country. When we pray, God will give Nigeria leaders that are capable, compassionate and committed.”

    Tinubu also urged leaders to step back and take stock and thereafter, commit themselves to governing this country better.” The situation our country is in today is both sad and unacceptable. We are a people without a leader, a country with no trustworthy men at the helm of affairs and a nation lost at sea. Our leaders must commit to a better country, not tomorrow, but beginning now, today because time is not on our side and the continued patience of the people may no longer be guaranteed.”

    Tinubu prayed the joy and peace of Christmas for all believers and for a better country.

    Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese Bishop Hassan Kukah, urged Nigerians to work towards building a united nation, devoid of religious, ethnic and political sentiments.

    He made the appeal in his Christmas and New Year message in Sokoto, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    He said Nigeria would continue to remain one entity, and stressed the need for all and sundry to work towards the promotion of peace and unity.

    Bishop Kukah praised the Federal Government for resuscitating the rail haulage from Lagos to Kano, adding that the gesture would fast-track the socio-economic and political growth of the country.

    He commended the National Assembly for the early passage of the 2013 budget, adding that ‘’it is a good omen for the nation’s nascent democracy”.

    The bishop, however, called on President Goodluck Jonathan, governors and local government chairmen to “rethink the issues of the massive and unacceptable hemorrhage of the state funds to service lifestyles.

    “This has become clearly unacceptable and untenable with the principles of good governance in the country,” the cleric said.

    He also called on the Federal Government to evolve concrete measures at addressing the insecurity situation in the country.

    Rev. Kukah called on the government to adequately equip the security agencies to enable them deal with the security challenges.

  • ‘Tinubu meant well for Ondo people’

    A group in the riverine area of Ondo State, Ilaje Democratic Forum (IDF), has urged people of the state to stop misinterpreting the campaign speeches of the National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu during the last October 20th, 2012 governorship election in the state.

    The group noted that Tinubu meant well for the people of the state and is also interested in ensuring that Yorubaland witness a rapid development both politically and economically.

    The IDF Chairman, Hon. Nimbe Tawose, who spoke with The Nation in Akure, the state capital, on behalf of the group, said the people of the state had misconception about Tinubu’s campaign statements during the last day of the ACN rally in Akure.

    It noted that the ruling Labour Party (LP) allegedly embarked on a campaign of calumny by alleging that the ACN National Leader vowed to convert the mega schools and Mother and Child Hospital built by Governor Olusegun Mimiko to mortuaries if ACN won the poll.

    Tawose explained, “Tinubu was only comparing the population of some schools in Lagos State to schools in Ondo State and never said he would use the project for another thing. On the Mother and Child Hospital, Tinubu never said the hospital would be changed to a mortuary and also none of the ACN leaders said that.”

    It described Tinubu as another Yoruba leader who has the same political ideology with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, saying the former Lagos State governor is a human developer.

    It added that Tinubu through his passion for Yoruba land had been able to groom several political gladiators who are contributing massively to the development of the South West region.

  • Tinubu: we’ll make sacrifice to unseat PDP in 2015

    Tinubu: we’ll make sacrifice to unseat PDP in 2015

    •Ex-governor says ACN, CPC, ANPP merger talks will work

    THOSE writing off the proposed alliance of opposition parties against the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will be shocked at the end of the ongoing merger talks, National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said.

    Tinubu is optimistic that the ACN’s merger plans by his party with the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) will work.

    The ACN Leader, who spoke on how to dislodge the ruling party, told The Nation that leaders of the concerned parties are ready to make the necessary sacrifice to form united front against the PDP during the next general elections in 2015.

    According to him, leadership of the three parties have subsumed their diverse interests and differences after appraising the decline in the socio-economic life and general well-being of Nigerians under the PDP.

    The former Lagos governor stressed that leadership is all about sacrifices and working collectively for the progress of the country and the welfare of the citizenry.

    He dismissed insinuations by critics that the three parties are ganging up against the ruling party for inordinate ambitions.

    Tinubu said: “What is wrong in forming association of three political parties for the purpose of fighting a worthy cause? What is wrong in our coming together to cooperate?

    “Sacrifices are made by people and their leaders. We have resolved to forge ahead and if you set your mind to do something, you cannot fail.”

    Reacting to the de-listing of 28 political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Tinubu said the move would sanitise the system.

    His words: “There is nothing better than what INEC has done. The weeds must be separated from the crops. If weeds grow in your vegetable farm, you must take away the weeds for your vegetable to grow well.”

    He, however, recognised the right of the de-registered parties to challenge INEC in court, saying that as bona fide citizens, the leaders of the de-registered parties have every constitutional right to seek redress.

    Tinubu compared Nigeria’s electoral system to that of Ghana, where he had gone to observe the last general elections.

    He said: “In Ghana, some political parties scored total votes of about 20 and several others scored about 30 and above. Going by the country’s constitution, those parties are aware that they are already dead.

    “Such parties cannot field presidential candidates for the simple reason that they don’t have any representation in the parliament.

    “The good thing is that the Ghanaian system allows independent candidates to run for election. So, if the operators of the Nigerian system deem it fit to allow independent candidates, so be it.”

     

  • Senator Tinubu gives N13m to senior citizens

    Senator Tinubu gives N13m to senior citizens

    •Urges elders to be change agents 

    Senator Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central District) yesterday inaugurated her pet project, the Elderly Citizens Assistance Scheme (ECAS).

    She shared N13 million to 1,300 elders from the 13 councils that make up the senatorial district. Hundred senior citizens were selected from each of the councils. They were given N10,000 each.

    The inauguration took place simultaneously across the councils, which included Surulere, Yaba, Coker-Aguda, Lagos Island, Eti-Osa, Lagos Mainland, Apapa, Apapa-Iganmu and Ikoyi-Obalende.

    At the Surulere Local Government Secretariat, Mrs. Tinubu said the ceremony was the main highlight of the Fifth Lagos Central Senatorial District Town Hall Meeting. The theme was: “The elderly, our societal treasure”.

    She said: “The legislative agenda I began to pursue when I assumed office was to give succour to the elderly, who have laboured for the country, particularly in the informal sectors, who now wait to no avail to reap the fruits of their labour.

    “I thank God that I have been able to deliver on my promise to them by sponsoring bills to provide social security for the elderly.”

    The senator urged elders to be agents of change.

    She said senior citizens can still make history, citing examples of the Dalai Lama of Tibet; Nelson Mandela of South Africa; Warren Buffet, who is one of the richest men in the world; and the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Alhaja Abibat Mogaji.

    Decrying the neglect of the elderly in many countries, Mrs. Tinubu said many aged people are poor and homeless.

    She said Nigeria would not develop until we make provisions for the elderly, who she said are vulnerable.

    The senator said: “Our budgetary allocations often do not favour the elderly. This is an anomaly. Our society should treasure the elderly, who are custodians of wisdom. We must remember that we can only solve our problems by combining the wisdom of our elders with the knowledge and energy of our youths.”

    She said ECAS was initiated to address poverty among senior citizens, adding that it was based on the populist ideals of her party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

    Senator Tinubu praised ACN governors that have initiated the social security scheme for the elderly and urged senior citizens to engage in healthy lifestyles.

    She encouraged them to transfer their knowledge to the younger generation.

    Mrs. Tinubu said: “Being elderly is a blessing and not a curse. I want our senior citizens to treasure their lives. Senior citizens should not rest on their oars because the society still needs them. Elderly citizens can play a big role in bringing up children. Many children brought up by their grandparents have grown up to become influential world leaders. We have the modern example of President Barack Obama of the United States and the biblical example of Timothy, whose upbringing were influenced by their grandmothers.”

    Chairman of Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Alhaji Olajide Jimoh complemented the senator’s efforts by distributing cloths, towels and consumables to the elders. He described the senator as “a humanist, selfless politician and dependable progressive, who cares for the needy”.

    Coker-Aguda LCDA Chairman Mrs. Omobolanle Akinyemi-Obe surprised the elders when she brought out a big dummy cheque.

    Many left their seats to take a glance at the cheque, which had “ACN, Coker-Aguda LCDA” and the party’s logo on it.

    Senator Tinubu’s name appeared as the “Authorised Signatory”.

    The cheque was presented to the first recipient, Deaconess Olubukola Ajala.

    Mrs. Akinyemi-Obe supported Senator Tinubu’s gesture by distributing fabrics and consumables to the elders.

    Her counterpart at Itire-Ikate LCDA, Mr. Hakeem Bamgbola, was joined by his wife, Alhaja Ashabi; wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola and the Onitire of Itire, Oba Lateef Dauda; to present the cheque.

    Before the arrival of Dame Fashola, the Council Vice-Chairman, Alhaja Mulikat Ajala, and Alhaja Bamgbola danced with the elders.

     

  • Tinubu: Nigeria must use biometric verification

    Tinubu: Nigeria must use biometric verification

    Former Governor of Lagos State and Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Federal Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to learn lessons from the just concluded general elections in Ghana.

    Tinubu, who arrived in Abuja yesterday from Ghana where he went to observe the elections, said the nation’s democratic system would be better off if the Federal Government and the INEC could adopt the biometric system for future elections.

    He said: “Until we adopt the biometric verification system as demonstrated by the Ghanaian electoral body, we will continue to have problems with manipulation, rigging and ballot stuffing.

    “You cannot rig or manipulate electoral materials under the biometric system. You cannot snatch ballot boxes and do multiple thump printing with the biometric system.

    “The ballot box becomes useless for whoever decides to snatch or steal it because the biometric verification system is rigging proof. Even if you take the ballot box away, the machine will reject your manipulations.”

    Tinubu advised the electorate to always demand accountability in the electoral process, saying that those charged with the management of elections must be made to face sanctions whenever they fail to deliver.

    He said: “Before now, the INEC may have excuse for failure. But with the last Ghanaian elections, Professor Jega has no excuse to fail. This is a country that does not have the type of resources we have in Nigeria, yet they were able to conduct free fair and transparent elections.”

    Tinubu said the most interesting aspect of the Ghanaian election was that it was the opposition parties that demanded the use of t he biometric system and despite the constraints, the sitting government had to go along with it.

    He added: “The Nigerian people want to see transparent elections and committed leadership. Investment in democracy is investment in the rule of law. Leadership is all about accountability. We can’t continue to pay lip service to these ideals.

    “The Ghanaian election was well organised, the rules were obeyed, no violence anywhere, no guns and the ballot boxes were properly sealed.”

    He observed that voters in remote areas of the country were unable to vote on election day but that arrangements were made for them to vote the next day and the process went smoothly.

    The former governor commended the high level of awareness among the electorate in Ghana, saying that the voters were orderly in conduct even where there were about 1500 voters in a polling booth.

  • Musical Youth Fiesta Initiative‘ll be exciting, says Senator Tinubu

    Musical Youth Fiesta Initiative‘ll be exciting, says Senator Tinubu

    The Convener of the 2012 Musical Youth Fiesta Initiative (MYFI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, yesterday promised that the fiesta would be more exciting  She spoke at a news conference in Lagos.

    Senator Tinubu said: “The fiesta is conceived as an event of soul-stirring musical performances for youth driven by the youth in the best spirit of Christmas.”

    “Performance is open to church groups, choirs, and even solo acts, sponsored by a church. The only condition is that the youth performing must fall between the age brackets of seven and 21. Let me state that MYFI is not a competition. However, performing acts and those who enter musical works would be given honorariums to assist the music ministries of their various churches, as a token of appreciation for their efforts,” the Senator said.

    The fiesta is slated for December 19 at the Expo Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The theme for this year’s event is “Dare to be like Joseph”.

    Explaining the reason for the theme, Senator Tinubu said: “Joseph is an exceptional person in the Bible. He was a highly disciplined young man who turned down sexual advances from his master’s wife despite all the benefits he stood to get. He was a young man of integrity. And for this reason we decided this year’s theme to be “Dare to be like Joseph”. In like manner, we are encouraging every youth to dare to be like him”.

     

     

  • Visionless leaders bane of Nigeria –Tinubu

    Visionless leaders bane of Nigeria –Tinubu

    Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former Governor of Lagos State and National Leader, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), has again decried the ill-luck that has befallen the country.

    According to him, Nigeria has had the misfortune of being governed by leaders with no vision and who regard the country as a personal farm to plunder.

    He spoke yesterday at launch of the book Neither North nor South, East nor West: One Nigeria at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

    The former governor said, “The present government and the direction it is leading the country is a repudiation of all that these great patriots lived and died for. Because they are reaping where they never sowed, they do not value the power they hold. Rather, they hold Nigerians hostage by their actions and inactions in full glare demonstration of their cluelessness and anti-people orientation.”

    He assured that Nigerians would “Soon enough take their country back. We must reflect on this because the times are challenging. Suddenly, Nigerians see each other as enemies because of the kind of policies and actions the current government has embarked upon. The tide rises high and beats roughly against us. But we must remember that we are not enemies. As a nation, we are each other’s extended family.”

    The former governor reiterated his call for unity, saying, “Families talk, resolve issues, and move on to better things. That is why Nigerians must unite to demand to be governed properly and responsibly by those they have elected. It is impossible that we agree on all things.”

    On the purpose of gathering, he said, “We can vow that the spirit of closeness and cordiality that permeates this hall shall not be left here when we go. That spirit serves no purpose in an empty venue. We must carry this with us.

    “In doing so, we best honour the life and legacy of Shehu Musa Yar ‘Adua. In doing so, turn the name of this book Neither North, Nor South, Nor East nor West from being just a clever title to becoming our national reality. With that thought in mind, I do hereby launch this excellent book and contribution to the civic education of our children.

    “We all know General Yar ‘Adua died for Nigeria. More importantly, he lived for Nigeria when most of us did not. Yet, he never became dispirited.

    “This man lived for Nigeria and he did so heroically, even to his last day. Here was a man born into the status and privilege of a noble family. If he simply focused on his own interests, democracy would not have any appeal to him. He did not need democracy.

    “Yet, he never looked at himself first. He looked at others and realised that they needed democracy. He looked at his people, the poor, the weak, the ones who searched for a champion yet seemed unable to find one. In him, they found what they were searching for. His moral conscience would not allow him to sit in comfort while the rest of his countrymen wandered the alleys of poverty and backwardness. Thus, he deposited all the private advantages and privileges he could have enjoyed into the public undertaking of cementing this nation into a unified, democratic whole.

    “It speaks to the measure of Shehu Musa Yar’Adua’s extraordinary greatness that a military general born of high social station would become one of our nation’s most revered democratic figures. In many ways, he is Nigeria’s parallel to America’s George Washington. He broke new grounds, engendered new political re-alignments between the North and the West and demonstrated to all that strategic thinking is the name of the game.

    “ Shehu Yar‘Adua was a brilliant political strategist and visionary. Founding the People’s Democratic Movement, he brought together like-minded democrats from all corners of Nigeria to fight for justice, for good governance, for the people’s right to determine who shall lead them.

    “The bonds that he built then, still live on today among so many key Nigerians. The spirit with which he carried himself enriched all who came near him. He mentored so many people, including me. What struck me most was that when he looked at a person, he did not place that person’s ethnicity, religion or region in the balance to weigh the person. He merely looked at the person’s character, abilities and commitment to the democratic cause.”

     

     

     

     

     

  • Nigerians must unite to survive, says Tinubu

    Former Lagos State governor and national leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has called on all Nigerians to see the nation’s diversity as a strength to make a better country.

    He made the call while receiving the award of degree of Human Letters, Honoras Causa given to his mother, Alhaja Habibat Mogaji, the Iyaloja General, by the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria during its 50th anniversary convocation yesterday.

    According to Tinubu, “We are one! From north to south, we are one! In pursuit of a better future for our children, we are one! In our love for humanity, we are one! In our hatred of injustice, we are one. In our belief that Nigeria can guide its people out of poverty and into prosperity, we are one! As Nigerians, we are brothers and sisters. While others may try to pull us apart, let us lock our lives together in effective union. If we dedicate ourselves to this task, we shall survive the current storms to enter a new and brighter day.”

    He thanked the university for reaching across to the South West to honour his mother, noting that the lesson from was that in spite of our differences, we have a lot in common.

    The former governor added, “What stirs me today is that this northern university reached its hands across hundreds of kilometres, across the so-called regional divide to honour a woman from Lagos. By this, you demonstrated your firm belief that we are one. You shall not draw back your hand empty. As you have extended a hand to this woman of the Southwest, she and all that she represents extend a hand to you in a familial embrace that cannot be broken by transient setback or idle chatter.”

    He emphasised the need to unite and work together, saying, “I am here to affirm that we are one. You have talents, skills and assets that will enrich my life. I have talents, skills and resources that will enrich yours. We must value each other. We have more in common than we have things that separate us.”

    Tinubu who expressed gratitude to his mother for his upbringing and political tutelage said, “I have to tell you that being the president general of the market women is a rewarding but tough position. It was probably the second toughest job she had. The toughest was that of being a parent for she is my mother. So today, I stand here on behalf of my mother to say thank you for this esteemed honour. If not for her 96 years and the wear the years has put on her physical being, she would be standing here today to say these things for herself.”

    The Asiwaju observed that although his mother was not physically strong as before, her mind and spirit are as agile and focused as ever. “My mother has been a patriot, a true believer in this joint enterprise we call Nigeria. Her belief in the purpose and destiny of this nation has never been doused by the difficulties we have suffered on the road of nation building. This remarkable woman has always seen beyond the events of the day into the horizon of a better and greater future.”

    He applauded the contributions of the university to education in the country, saying it is a revered institution, “ABU deserves its reputation for excellence for it has stood as a monument to knowledge and public service that has brought together Nigerians from every corner of our vast nation to mould them into some of our brightest minds and major players in society.”

     

  • Egbaland honours Tinubu, wife

    Egbaland honours Tinubu, wife

    Amid funfair, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was yesterday installed as the Aare Ago of Egbaland by the Alake of Egba, Oba Michael Adedotun Gbadebo.

    At the colourful ceremony, which held at the ancient Ake Palace in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Erelu Aare Ago of Egbaland by the paramout ruler.

    The insignias of the Aare Ago traditional title were beautifully designed, long warrior cap, heavy beads and a staff of office. After decorating Tinubu with the insignias, Oba Gbadebo, declared that he had become the “Commander of Supreme Eminence” of Egbaland.

    Senator Tinubu was decorated with a lesser crown, long bead and traditional hand fan, before she was pronounced the Erelu Aare Ago, amid cheers by Egba female chiefs led by Iyalode Alaba lawson.

    The ceremony, which drew dignitaries from all over the country, was the climax of the seventh coronation anniversary of the paramount ruler, who was the former Principal Staff Officer under the defunct Buhari Administration. It trailed the anniversary service at the St. Peters’ Cathedral, Ake, officiated by Rev. Samuel Ogundeji.

    It was witnessed by former Military Head of State Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, ACN National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande, Governors Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun State), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Dr. Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo); Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Osile of Oke Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, former Lagos State Governor Lateef Jakande, former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, her Ogun State counterpart, Prince Segun Adesegun, former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chairman and ACN presidential candidate Mallam Nuhu, former Trade Minister Mrs. Nike Akande, former Federal Capital Territory Minister Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, Ribadu, former Speaker of the House of Representative, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, Alhaji Yusuf Ali, Dr. Usman Bugaje, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, Prince Tajudeen Olusi,Pa Olorunfunmi Basorun, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, Mr. Ayo Opadokun, Senator Tony Adefuye, and Ondo State ACN governorship candidate Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN).

    As early as 9:am, the ancient city was aglow with festivities. Palace drummers stationed themselves at vantage points within the palace, hailing dignitaries who thronged the palace. They were complemented by Nifaji talking drummers who entertained the traditional rulers and chiefs from Ake, Oke-Ona, Gbagura, Owu, Ibara and other parts of the state.

    Dane guns boomed intermittently from the town’s hunters, who were dancing round the town, chanting the cognomen of the monarch. Also on the stage entertaining the crowd were musical legend, King Sunny Ade, and fuji maestro Alhaji Abass Akande Obesere.

    Ake Palace was filled to the brim at noon.

    Tinubu and his wife stormed the venue around 3.15pm. The former Lagos State governor was decked in a blue ‘Aso Ofi’. Senator Oluremi’s costume was a white buba and blue ‘iro’. They were ushered into their seats by Lagosians at the venue with ‘Eyo’ festival songs and other lyrics peculiar to Lagos islanders.

    The reading of Asiwaju and Yeye Asiwaju’s citations preceded the oath-taking before the Egba leaders led by the Alake. After an Egba chief called the names of Tinubu and his wife three times, they answered in a manner that showed their readiness to take the titles from Egba.

    Taking his Oath of allegiance, Tinubu agreed to “seek at all times the overall interest of Egbaland and Egba people, pay visit to the Alake at his palace regularly and give advice touching on the cultural, economic and social development of Egbaland.”

    He also pledged “to defend, respect, honour and support the institution of Chieftaincy in Egbaland and to cooperate with and or assist all Obas, title Chiefs and other Chiefs in the performance of their duties and execution of projects that will benefit Egba people in particular and

    humanity in general”.

    Tinubu added: “I, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, now installed as the Aare Ago of Egbaland, today November 19, 2012, pledge to perform all duties of my title honestly, conscientiously and loyally.”

    After taking the oath, he proceeded to pay homage to the Alake and prayed for long life for the paramount ruler.

    The Iyalode of Egabland and Yorubaland, Mrs. Lawson, led Mrs. Tinubu to Alake’s feet, after taking her oath. The ACN senator did obeisance to the ruler, praying for the peace and prosperity of Egbaland.

    Oba Gbadebo said the title was conferred on Tinubu because he deserved it.

    The monarch said: “Aare Ago is not a terminal position. It is a ratification of greatness. Aare Ago is meant for warriors; those who have been to war and fought gallantly.” After praying for Tinubu, he also requested Oba Akiolu to pray for the former governor.

    Following the installation, Egba chiefs supervised the collection of “basket money” from the new chiefs and dignitaries.

    Host Governor Amosun congratulated the couple, saying that they deserved the honour. He urged Tinubu to intensify his service to humanity.

    He said: “You deserve the honour. It is call to do more and a challenge to do more in Egba, Lagos, Southwest and Nigeria.”

    Aremo Osoba, who gave the vote of thanks, recalled that Tinubu would have been given the title seven years ago, in appreciation of his kind gesture to the monarch during the obaship tussle in Egbaland. He said the power-that-be at that time frustrated the move to bestow the honour on the former governor.

    Osoba thanked Tinubu for helping Oba Gbadebo while he was struggling to mount the throne of his forefathers, adding that the regent, Chief Alani Bankole, also deserve a measured of gratitude. Earlier, at the church service, Rev. Samuel Ogundeji, in his sermon urged the monarch and other political office holders to forgive those who had offended them.

    He also charged them to always be attentive to the voices, agonies and complaints of the people so that society can be a better place to live.

    Dignitaries at the ceremony included Senator Gbenga Kaka(Ogun East), Senator Gbenga Obadara(Ogun Central), Senator Akin Odunsi, Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, ACN National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji. Lai Mohammed, Ogun State ACN Chairman, Alhaji Tajudeen Bello, wife of Ekiti State governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, her Lagos and Oyo counterparts; Mrs. Abimbola Fashola and Mrs. Florence Ajumobi, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, Pa Abiodun Sunmola, Alhaji Moshood Tijani, Mr. Dele Ogunsakin, Mrs. Adebisi Abiola, Mr. Bimbo Daramola, Yeyesewa of Lagos Mrs. Kemi Nelson, Olawale Edun, former Minister of State for defence Demola Seriki, Alhaji Oluwatoyin Balogun, Secretary to Ogun State Government, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa, Chief Femi Majekodunmi, former Military Administrator of Sokoto State, Alh. Raji Rashidi, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bashorun Muyiwa Oladipo, Ogun State Information and Strategy Commissioner Yusuph Olaniyonu, Senator George Akume, Amosun’s aide, Bayo Adeyemi, Deputy Speaker, Ogun Assembly, Hon. Tola Banjo, legal luminary, Akintola Adeniyi(SAN), Suraju Ayilara, Ademorin Kuye, Toba Oke, Yetunde Arobieke, Ayodele Adewale, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and Mrs. Hafsat Abiola-Costelo.

    Also present were Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly Yemi Ikuforiji, ACN Lagos spokesman Comrade Joe igbokwe, Sunday Adepoju, Hon. James Faleke, former Lagos State Commissioner for Health Dr. Leke Pitan and Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs Mrs Elizabeth Sonubi.