Former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday said elder statesman, Chief Ayo Adebanjo taught him (Tinubu) the art of rebellion in Nigerian politics.
The national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) said this on Tuesday during the public presentation of Adebanjo’s autobiography titled Telling it as it is, which was presented in Lagos on Tuesday as part of activities to mark his (Adebanjo’s) 90th birthday.
Tinubu, who strolled into the hall unexpectedly, told the audience that he was on his way to Abuja to attend his party’s meeting when he was informed that Adebanjo’s book launch was holding today (Tuesday) and he decided to be there, even if it was for only two minutes.
He described the celebrator as “a nationalist worthy of emulation. “He has been a father to all of us in politics; he is a man of principle, who is always ready to defend his position on any issue”, Tinubu said of the nonagenarian.
He went on: “If not for his honour and integrity, I wouldn’t have been Lagos State Governor. He stood against rigging the Alliance for Democracy (AD) governorship primary in 1999. He insisted that direct primary should hold. And when the result came, some people wanted to manipulate the result; Adebanjo stood his ground that the result of the primary should be upheld. If he had been a corrupt leader, he would have taken money and my name would have been substituted.
“I respect you; you are a mentor to me. We can disagree. If you call me a rebel, you taught me the act of rebellion. If I go the other side, I am not a bastard, I have a good father. Please, continue on the path of integrity and honesty you are known for.
“You can’t but praise and honour him for his principled stance on restructuring. Restructuring means true federalism; there should be opportunity for each federating unit to govern according to its blueprint; it is about management of resources. I agree with Chief Adebanjo on this. We thank God for you and want you to continue to serve humanity in good health,” Tinubu said.
