*Recalls emi lo kan declaration started in Ogun 

*Says he invoked spirit of freedom, determination twice to overcome poll obstacles *Pledges to fulfil all promises, urges Nigerians not to be in hurry*Obi chides president over convoy formation 

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, said he remained optimistic of emerging victorious in the February 25, 2023 presidential poll, despite obstacles thrown in his way, like what he called the ineffective cashless policy implemented by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The president spoke in separate meetings in Ogun State at the palaces of the paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, in Ijebu-Ode, and Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, in Abeokuta, during a thank-you visit to the royal fathers. 

Tinubu recalled that the “emi lo kan” declaration started in Ogun State and ultimately manifested.

Reflecting on the challenges that piled up in the build-up to the 2023 presidential election, Tinubu, according to a release by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Mr Dele Alake, confessed to invoking the spirit of freedom and determination to win the presidential poll.

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Recounting his concerns about the confiscation of funds and the failure of the cashless policy, and how he had previously sought wisdom and guidance from Oba Adetona during his visit to the palace, the president pledged to fulfil all his campaign promises. He enjoined the Nigerian people not to be in hurry.

The assertions came as the presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the February election, Mr Peter Obi, yesterday, reacted to the viral video of the long convoy of Tinubu in Lagos. Obi said there was need to cut down the cost of governance, saying this has always been his position about governance.In his engagement at the palace of the Awujale, Tinubu said, “Our monies were confiscated. The cashless policy didn’t work, it was terrible then. I realised that I came to Ogun State to invoke the spirit of freedom, which we are noted for. 

“I invoked that spirit twice. The spirit of Baba Emi lo kan. That’s Baba. Being blunt, being decisive, that’s him, he will tell you. The second spirit is that money or no money (we will do the election and we will win).”

The president acknowledged that these spirits had been the driving force behind his service. He expressed his gratitude to Oba Adetona, all the other Obas, elected officials, particularly his personal friend, Senator Gbenga Daniel, the Senator for Ogun East.

He thanked them for their loyalty and commitment during those crucial times in the 2023 election, and described his visit to Ijebu-Ode as a homecoming.He stated, “The way you have taken me, the way you have responded to me, all I can say is thank you. May you live long and may you witness a prosperous Nigeria.”

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Tinubu also acknowledged the presence of Chief Mike Adenuga, Nigerian billionaire businessman, and expressed pride in his contributions to the Nigerian economy.

During his visit to Abeokuta, Tinubu thanked the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, for receiving him, and described him as a great leader.

He expressed his commitment to fulfilling his promises and appealed for prayers from the citizens of the state to ensure progress and stability in the country.

Tinubu said, “I have redeemed my pledge that I will come back with victory and the crown. The hope is recharged; the hope is here. That hope will never fail. That hope will recharge your lives in a positive manner.

“By the grace of Almighty God, we shall reap the fruits of our labour. Nigeria will see positive change; just endure these baby steps of pain. This country is the only one we have. I have been a refugee and I know what it means to be a refugee and my green passport is what I still have now.

“Let’s go through this baby steps of faith. I am taking baby steps as the president. Let’s not be in a hurry. Be ready for this. Maintain an open-door policy. Let the freedom flow. Let the confidence return. This country is the only country we have. I’ve been a refugee and I know what it means to be a refugee.

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“Having achieved the prayer point of ‘Emilokan’, what I ask for is prayer for this country. I am determined to help this our country, to steer the ship of the nation and to deliver on all promises that were made.

“I am here still making that pledge of the campaign promises. There’s no difference between us and any other member of the Nigerian public. I said it in France that we are children of the same parents, living in the same house, but we are only sleeping in different bedrooms. Just recognise that.

“Let’s be united, no distractions. We will arrive at a positive destination in the country. It’s all in our hands to make history and I will do that. By the grace of God, we shall reap the fruits of our labour. Nigeria will see positive changes.

“I was determined to be here to say thank you to a great leader, Oba Gbadebo, and to all of us here present. Aremo Olusegun Osoba well-done. Dimeji Bankole, well-done. Ibikunle Amosun, well-done. Chairman of our party, I’m grateful, at least, we delivered, despite the hardship of no money, no fuel; I credit you.

“This visit, I didn’t know that it would be like this. I only wanted to sneak in and sneak out; now I know exactly what it is to be a president. It is awesome. The hope is recharged right here. That hope will never fail. That hope will recharge your light…

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“Please, we need your prayers, we need your supports, we need your interventions so that the economic prosperity of this nation being opened up will affect everyone of you positively.”

In separate remarks at the palaces of the paramount ruler of Ijebuland and Alake of Egbaland, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State thanked the president for the visit to the state, and described him as a man of uncommon grace and a living testimony of resilience.

Chronicling the oresident’s antecedents as a visionary politician, the governor said the pronouncements of Tinubu in his first few weeks in office had defined him as rightly prepared and qualified for office.

Oba Adetona and Oba Gbadebo, in separate remarks in their palaces, commended Tinubu for his leadership, acknowledging him as an instrument of God chosen to rectify past shortcomings.

They offered prayers for the president’s guidance and good health, urging Nigerians to support his administration.

The Akaraigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, who commended the president for starting his administration exceptionally well, noted that the people needed urgent palliatives to mitigate the effects of the current challenges.

He lauded the wise decisions so far taken by the administration, and reminding the president of his promise to bring development to Remo.The paramount ruler stated, “I remember when you came to the palace and all we said is our dream is for you to go and win the primaries, and that once you win the primaries, I’m sure that God will take us there. I’m glad that God took us there.

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”I want to remind you of what you said when you came to Remo. You said with the proximity of Shagamu to Lagos, you were surprised at the level of development in Remo. This is the time for Mr President to walk that talk.”

Obi Chides Tinubu over Needlessly Large Convoy

Presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the February 25 election, Mr Peter Obi, chided President Bola Tinubu over his large convoy. Obi called for sacrifice by leaders of Nigeria as a way to show example to the followers on what was expected of them.

Obi spoke yesterday at St Faith Cathedral, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Awka, during the burial mass for the late Dean Emeritus of the Church of Nigeria, the Most Reverend Maxwell Anikwenwa, who died at 83.

Obi, while reacting to the viral video of Tinubu’s long convoy on Wednesday in Lagos, said there was need to cut down the cost of governance. He said that had always been his position about governance.

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Obi stated, “I have not seen the video you talked about, but let me tell you what I have always said that the present Nigeria requires, that all those who serve and lead must do so by example. The behaviour, character and public conduct of those who serve must be in consonance with what the society requires today. You cannot continue to preach for the people to sacrifice, without sacrificing.

“The sacrifice must start from the leaders, visibly, measurably at all time, because the people are suffering and we must all be at the forefront of the suffering.”On the life of the late Archbishop Anikwenwa, Obi said, “He was not just a pastor of God, but a great Nigerian, who contributed to this country beyond his pastoral work, in building a better Nigeria.

“He was involved in advocating a better Nigeria, good governance and others. He was a great Nigerian and a great Igbo man, and I am not surprised about the number of people at the burial ceremony today.”

“The sacrifice must start from the leaders, visibly, measurably at all time, because the people are suffering and we must all be at the forefront of the suffering.”On the life of the late Archbishop Anikwenwa, Obi said, “He was not just a pastor of God, but a great Nigerian, who contributed to this country beyond his pastoral work, in building a better Nigeria.

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“He was involved in advocating a better Nigeria, good governance and others. He was a great Nigerian and a great Igbo man, and I am not surprised about the number of people at the burial ceremony today.”

Several prominent Nigerians present at the occasion paid tribute to Anikwenwa. They included Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo; his deputy, Dr Onyekachi Ibezim; Senator Victor Umeh; and Archbishop, Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Dr Chibuzo Ibezim. 

THIS DAY