Those insinuating that a gulf had been created between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu got it all wrong, the governor said yesterday.
He said there was no rift between him and the president and dismissed such rumours as not only unfounded, but mischievous.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the President at his Ikoyi Lagos residence, Sanwo-Olu said there is no discord whatsoever, reaffirming his loyalty and that of Lagos State to Tinubu’s leadership.
With the governor at the meeting were members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC). They were on routine festive visit to the President, who is in Lagos for the Eid-el-Adha celebration.
“There’s none”, the governor said in response to a reporter’s question about reported tension between him and the President.
He went on: “Even you are smiling and I’m smiling. There are people that believe they are more Catholic than the Pope. There are things that you see – people crying more than the bereaved. He’s my father, he’s my leader, and we’re grateful that he gave us audience today.”
Sanwo-Olu said the group took the opportunity to show support for the President and expressed their satisfaction with his leadership over the past two years.
“It’s our usual festive period courtesy visit. It’s a time for Mr. President to meet with his brothers and leaders of our party. The GAC looks forward to it every time he is around, and this was no exception”, the governor explained.
Sanwo-Olu praised President Tinubu’s administration for delivering tangible. Improvements, particularly in the areas of the economy and public infrastructure.
Highlighting recent developments in Lagos, he pointed to the unveiling of newly-acquired Blue Line trains, a project he credited the President for supporting.
“Coincidentally, earlier today, I unveiled our new Blue Line trains at the National Arts Theatre. We received 12 brand new coaches – four sets of three-car trains.
“At that unveiling, we acknowledged and thanked Mr. President because he made it happen. About a year and a half ago, he supported us under his intervention for subsidy removal, understanding that Lagos would need additional means of transportation.”
The governor added that the economic reforms implemented under Tinubu’s leadership are beginning to yield visible results.
“We can feel it. We can see it. For the first time, you see petroleum pump prices coming down. You see food prices coming down. These are things that put money in citizens’ pockets. If you’ve done well, let’s say it”, he said.
On the recent call for protests by some groups ahead of June 12, Sanwo-Olu questioned the motives behind the planned demonstrations.
He urged Nigerians to allow the President more time, stressing that the economic trajectory had taken a positive turn.
Sanwo-Olu said: “I also want to use this opportunity to admonish… we’re hearing people saying they want to protest on June 12. What will be the basis? We’re engaging them, we’re talking to them. In two years, give this President more time. The economy has made a positive bend, and we just need to stay the course.”
During the meeting, President Tinubu reportedly charged party leaders to focus on grassroots mobilisation ahead of next month’s local government election in Lagos.
Describing the gathering as one marked by unity and enthusiasm, Sanwo-Olu said: “He (President) was very happy to see us – extremely happy. He was excited that we are one big, happy family and not divided in any form. We all honestly pledged our full loyalty to him and his government. It was unanimous.”
“We’re not just excited because he’s our father and leader…we’re excited because we can feel the impact of his leadership. Lagosians are happy, and we are firmly behind him,” the governor said.
