Former Honorable Commissioner for Lagos State Ministry of Tourism & Inter-Governmental Relations, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, has described claims by Governor Solomon Lalong of Plateau State that the National leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu was absent at a grand rally of the party for the Ondo governorship election held last Saturday because of ill health as incorrect.
Tinubu, alongside governors Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) and Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos), were absent at the APC rally, an action thought to be indication of their protest against the primary election that produced Rotimi Akeredolu, the candidate of the party in the election to be held this Saturday.
“If a leader was not there and he said he was not there because of ill-health, we have prayed that God will heal him,” Governor Lalong who was the Chairman of the Ondo State Governorship Campaign told State House Correspondents after visiting President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday.
But Afikuyomi said in a statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday that the assertion of Plateau State Governor was not correct.
Afikuyomi said, “I travelled to the United States of America with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to witness the recent US elections. We traversed a number of cities together where we engaged with a number of Nigerians who are genuinely concerned about the state of affairs in our dear country.
“Jagaban was in a remarkable state of mental and physical wellness. When we ended our trip, I saw him off to the airport in Chicago from where he headed for Europe again. I still met with him in Europe thereafter.
“It is therefore absolutely incorrect and most embarrassing for anyone to attempt to invent such a laughable reason for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s absence at the rally.
“The fact that somebody went for medical check-up does not mean he is ill. In the likely event that Asiwaju, like all mortals, was ill at all, I doubt if Mr. Lalong would be the first to know by reason of relationship, proximity and trust.
“Prominent politicians like Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun have been speaking with Jagaban Tinubu. Governor Amosun particularly communicated with him a day before the Ondo rally and he can never claim not to have spoken with him. I have also remained in constant touch with Asiwaju Tinubu since my arrival in Nigeria. We speak daily as a matter of fact.
“I have been inundated with calls by friends, associates and other well-meaning Nigerians trying to ascertain the veracity of this ludicrous claim. I hereby ask all friends and lovers of Asiwaju Tinubu to dismiss the claim and know that he is hale and hearty.”