Influx of PDP, other opposition members into APC not a threat to us ~ Tinubu
By; Bayo Akamo, Ibadan.
National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu yesterday declared that the influx of politicians from the opposition political parties in the country into APC cannot be any threat to the ruling party.
Asiwaju Tinubu who stated this in Ibadan during a chat with newsmen said the coming of those politicians does not portend any danger for APC, stressing that the party believes in freedom of movement and association and will not discriminate against anybody.
According to the APC National leader, “human being must be able to associate and join any political party he or she wants, so you cannot stop them, or discriminate against them,” adding that, “if any member of a party is coming into APC and he is discriminated upon it will be unfair”.
“A good political party must be tolerant, accommodating to any member of a party coming into APC as long as they do not import corruption, and injustice into our party. It is very necessary for us to be tolerant and that is why APC is welcoming them into the party and we shall not discriminate against them” he said.
Asiwaju Tinubu pointed out that “the more the merrier, the more the better and the more the party will become stronger when other members of a political party joins”.
On the dwindling oil sector, the former Lagos state governor maintained that Nigeria was not the only country affected, but “it is universal,” adding, “we have to manage ourselves, challenge ourselves, and be more creative in a way it will not affect the welfare of the people because the government is about the people.
“We should also be innovative and develop our economy in such a way that will show the leadership position that we always espouse in Africa. Now and years back we have been talking about diversification of the oil sector but it is only in the drawing note, and we never implemented it. There are so many ways to revitalise this economy. It is not as bad as people make it appear. The past is nauseating and there has never been a principle of good governance. We have to support and encourage this present administration in its struggle against insurgency, because if you do not clear terrorism, foreign investors will not come in”.
Speaking earlier during a condolence visit to the family of Late Olubadan Of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana, the APC National Leader declared that the late monarch stood by APC and Governor Ajimobi to “break the second term jinx in the last general elections without betraying or disappointing us because Ajimobi performed above expectation and has turned Oyo State around”.
Asiwaju Tinubu however described late Olubadan as an honest, diligent, and straightforward person, who uphold truth in all his endeavours. “He was a good father to all of us. We are happy and sad at the same time. We are happy that he grew old and lived a fruitful life. Olubadan was a disciplinarian and was orderly in his endeavours. He was elegant and has integrity. Oba Odulana was very predictable and I wish he will be the type we will be having on this throne”. He stressed.
“Baba did not put us to shame. He was honest and forthright. He was downright in his judgment on issues. Because our governor, Ajimobi changed the face of Oyo from dirtiness to cleanliness, our Baba conferred him with the title of “Atunluse of Ibadanland”. This development has prevented the spread of Lassa fever in the state. Baba left the state in progress. I pray the progress is not retarded” he said.
He advised politicians in the country to learn from the Ibadan chieftaincy system of selecting the Olubadan of Ibadan which he said was the best and most or orderly chieftaincy system in the country.
“I wish Nigerian politicians can adopt that style but because of their self-centeredness they will not want to adopt it. We thank God that Governor Ajimobi broke the second term jinx and that was with the support of late Oba Odulana. I pray that God will continue to support this family and all that our Kabiyesi left behind”.
