A former chairman of the All Progressives Congress, South Africa Chapter, Mr Bola Babarinde, has commended the reconciliatory effort of the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his immediate-past predecessor, Akinwunmi Ambode.
Babarinde, in a statement on Monday, commended Sanwo-Olu for attending Ambode’s 60th birthday party and praising him (Ambode) for his dedication to serving Lagos State as governor and civil servant.
He said the gesture was a significant step toward rebuilding bridges and fostering unity among political leaders and peace-loving Nigerians.
The relationship between Sanwo-Olu and Ambode collapsed in 2019 when the Lagos APC denied Ambode second-term ticket and instead picked Sanwo-Olu to replace him.
According to Babarinde, with such an attitude, Sanwo-Olu has learnt the importance of forgiveness, togetherness and love from his mentor, President Bola Tinubu.
The party chieftain, who noted that Tinubu’s road to the Presidency was rough and tough with many lessons learnt, said Tinubu was never deterred but was determined to achieve his lifetime ambition.
“He was betrayed, abused, denigrated, unjustly accused and demonised by friends and foes, but he was never deterred, rather, he was determined to achieve his long-time ambition.”
Babarinde said Tinubu had done well by raising competent mentees.
He said, “One of his many mentees is Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who organised a reception to welcome him back to his home state, which also served as the reunion for the four governors that served Lagos from 1999 till date.
“Sanwo-Olu started the reconciliation move with Ambode, his predecessor, when he eulogised him during his 60th birthday with big publicity for such magnanimity and humility.”
