National Leader of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Tinubu on Sunday expressed his thanks to God for bringing him back to Nigeria safely, noting it is only God that gives and can take lives.
He spoke at the Lagos State House in Marina, at a welcome back home, Asiwaju party, organized by the State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Tinubu returned to the country, landing in Lagos Friday evening, October 8. He arrived from London, United Kingdom where he underwent surgery on his right knee as well as rigorous post-surgery physiotherapy.
His recuperation which had taken not less than three months had recorded political bigwigs visiting him.
In a message signed by his media office upon his return, the former Governor thanked President Muhammadu Buhari “for taking the time to visit him in London to express his wishes for a speedy recovery from the knee operation.
“He thanks House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, governors, party leaders, members of Northern Caucus of the House of Representatives, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly and indeed many others who called on him in London to wish him well.”
Present at the gathering to welcome him back were the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila who led other Reps members, State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat and his wife, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and other members of the House, first Lady of the State, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, former Lagos Deputy Governor Mrs. Idiat Adebule and Senator Olamilekan Solomon.
Others present were members of the State Executive, members of the 57 council chairmen, Governor’s Advisory Council, GAC members among others.
While expressing joy during the welcome party, Tinubu said, “I am a little emotional, but I am happy to be back home. God is the Giver of lives and He alone can take it. It is a day of joy for me. We are here thanking God Almighty. God will bless all of you and grant your desires. I can’t say more than this today.”
Eaiier, Sanwo-Olu who was also highly elated said, “On behalf of the teeming Lagosians that cannot come to this premises, to welcome you back home. Today, being the 10th of October, God has brought you back home.”
The Govenror thanked those who have prayed for the safe return of Tinubu, saying, “the best is yet to come.”
Also speaking, Gbajabiamila prayed, “From today, the best days of your past will be the worst days of your future.”
He added that the northern caucus of the House of Representatives’ visit to Tinubu in London was a strong statement, saying the southern caucus had also planned to make similar visit only for his arrival on Friday.
He said, “Where you are going, it is destined, we are ready in the national Assembly. There are men and there are.”
He added, “The history of Nigerian cannot be written politically without you occupying three quarters of the pages.”
On his part, Obasa said, “It is a great homour to be here and be part of this gathering particularly to welcome our leader and mentor.
“We told them you are hale and hearty. Thank God you’re back We thank you for your guidance, we pray, we will continue to enjoy your mentorship.”
Hamzat said, “It is only God that is constant; He cannot sick. Any human being can be subjected to anything but we thank God that our father has come back.”
He stated that every man always envious of greatness, adding that it is not a defect that people envy Tinubu.