• Allow me eat amala, rest, and see you tomorrow – Tinubu tells supporters
Though it was not another political campaign, the surging crowd was enough to prove otherwise. At exactly 4.17p.m., when the doors of the private jet that brought the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, swung open, an elated Tinubu emerged with his two arms raised to acknowledge greetings from the relieved supporters.
Betraying neither signs of ill-health nor fatigue, the President-elect yesterday returned to Nigeria after overseas vacation that lasted five weeks. The waiting audience of supporters went into frenzy with exultant joy that dispelled earlier suspense and tension caused by the President-elect’s failure to arrive by 2:00 p.m., as earlier announced by the secretary of the recently-dissolved Presidential Campaign Council, James Faleke.
The Vice President-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima, alongside other top members of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), including the party’s erstwhile national secretary, Waziri Bulama, were on hand to welcome Tinubu.
Due to strict airport security restrictions, only few supporters, who were earlier accredited to join in the welcoming party were allowed into the international wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The President-elect appealed to his overwhelming supporters to allow him rest upon his return to the country. Addressing the elated crowd, Tinubu said he would be taking some rest tonight (Monday), and will then see them all tomorrow (Tuesday).
The President-elect also said that after a long time, he would like to eat some amala, a Yoruba delicacy.
“I’m happy to be back. I have rested, I’m refreshed and I’m ready for the task ahead. Forget about what the rumour mill may have told you. I’m strong, very strong.”
Asked about his plans for the country, he said he had been consulting and planning with a view to putting together a strong team, so he could hit the ground running once he assumes office on May 29.
“I am extremely excited to be back home after my trip to Europe. I am hale and hearty. I am preparing for inauguration on May 29, and consulting with those who will be part of the new government,” he said.
The President-elect was accompanied by his wife, Senator Remi Tinubu, and son, Seyi Tinubu.
