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 an 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 Tinubu’s failure to arrive by 2:00 p.m., as earlier announced by the secretary of the recently-dissolved Presidential Campaign Council, James Faleke.
Tinubu 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, and will then see them all on 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.
Tinubu was accompanied by his wife, Remi Tinubu, and son, Seyi Tinubu.
Recall that Tinubu travelled out of the country on March 21, a day after the first and second runners-up of the presidential election, Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, filed petitions challenging his return as winner of the February 25 poll.
