The President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Monday, returned to Nigeria and expressed happiness to be back home to face the task of governance after a month’s vacation in Paris, France.
Tinubu also told some party faithful shortly after his arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja that having rested well and refreshed, he was prepared for the task ahead.
Debunking rumours of ill health, Tinubu said he is fit and ready to hit the ground running as from May 29, saying that : “Forget about what the rumour mill may have told you. I’m strong, very strong.”
The President-elect, who arrived at the Abuja Airport in a private jet, was accompanied by his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and son, Seyi at about 4.30 pm.
Wearing blue agbada with his trademark cap to match, Tinubu arrived at the waiting hands of a tumultuous crowd of party leaders, members of APC National Working Committee (NWC), Governors, National Assembly members and well wishes.
Amidst cheers from the party faithful, the President -elect headed straight to his vehicle after a brief stopover to acknowledge the crowd of supporters who besieged the airport to welcome him.
Speaking to the tumultuous crowd who followed him home, Tinubu said: “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.”
When asked about his plans for the country, Tinubu said he had been consulting and planning to put together a strong team so he could hit the ground running once he assumes office on May 29.
Activities at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja were practically grounded as supporters and well wishers received him from vacation.
After a brief airport ceremony, the President-elect and his wife left in a carnival-like motorcade convoy of over 100 cars and over 50 buses of party supporters.
As early as 2 pm many party leaders, members and supporters from across the country started trooping into the airport to receive the President-elect and his wife.
Among those at the airport to receive him were Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima, as well as Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello (Niger) and former Borno Governor Ali Modu Sheriff.
Members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC) led by the party’s acting National Chairman, who is the Deputy National Chairman (North), Senator Abubakar Kyari, include the Deputy National Chairman (South), Bar Emma Enekwu, and National Women Leader, Dr Betta Edu.
Senate President, Ahmed Lawan and Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila led members of the National Assembly to the VIP lounge of the airport.
Other members of the National Assembly include Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola. Others were also Senators Barau Jibril, Dayo Adeyeye, Sabi Abdullahi and Adele
Some dignitaries at the airport to receive Tinubu were members of the dissolved APC Presidential Campaign Council (APC PCC) led by its Director-General and the governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong.
Other PCC members at the airport were deputy director-general (operations) Comrade Adams Oshiomole, the Secretary of the group, Hon. James Faleke and the director of the defunct Diaspora Directorate of the PCC, Prince Ade Omole.
Others were former APC governorship aspirants in Ondo state, Chief Olusola Oke and former PCC member, Dr Ene Ogbole, Hon. Babajimi Benson and Bayo Onanuga, Director of media and publicity in the dissolved Council.
Other top party officials at the airport to receive Tinubu include a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Godswill Orubebe and Chief Magnus Abe
Popular Nollywood actor, Zack Orji also led members of the Nollywood family to welcome Tinubu from vacation.
