He sat down amid President Bola Tinubu’s disciples, allies, and other gentlemen with a smile on his face.
A day of reunions took place. Former governor Akinwunmi Ambode saw his leader again after a four-year absence. That came after what appeared to be a breakup following his defeat by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the 2014 governorship primaries.
Although the President’s successor planned the reception, Ambode also received particular consideration.
He resided there from 2015 to 2019 while serving as the head of state in the Lagos State House in Marina.
Ambode showed up in the public unannounced. With several dignitaries, the former governor extended a cordial handshake.
They included members of the National Assembly, senior presidential advisers, and his fellow members of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF).
Ambode seemed to be in a good mood. He gave other dignitaries hugs and pats on the back. Many people rejoiced that four years of political isolation and self-alienation have come to an end.
To honor Asiwaju Tinubu, their godfather, leader, and benefactor, Mr. Consolidator Ambode joined Mr. Sellable Sanwo-Olu, Mr. Actualiser Babatunde Fashola, and Mr. Actualiser Babatunde Fashola in giving him a unique gift.
The trio has faithfully served the state. under Tinubu’s instruction. When Sanwo-Olu was a special adviser and Ambode was the accountant-general, Fashola served as the cabinet office’s chief of staff and commissioner.
Sanwo-Olu worked as a commissioner and permanent secretary for Fashola and Ambode, respectively.
Sanwo-Olu oversaw the management of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) under Ambode.
The three rose to power under Tinubu via dedication and hard effort. Ambode, however, is crucial because he served as the link in Lagos State between the past and present.
His aloofness suggests that he broke himself apart from the political family and party that helped shape him. It is clear as of right now that a number of actors in Lagos who will be active beyond 2019 did not know or support Ambode.
President Tinubu, who trained former and current leaders at the Center of Excellence, is aware of their advantages and disadvantages.
In the end, his decision-making, which resulted in either the acceptance or rejection of their requests for more service, cannot be criticized.
Like Awo, Tinubu is of the opinion that accommodations will still be made for the impacted person within the overall interest of the party if an opportunity to serve is temporarily lost or the platform requires one of its members to give up personal agenda in order to uphold the collective interest.
The president was beaming with happiness when Sanwo-Olu, Ambode, and Fashola paid tribute to him at Marina, where he used to be in charge between 1999 and 2007.
He expressed his happiness at the accomplishments of his three children. He said “Thank you Akin” as he concluded his remarks by recognizing Ambode’s attendance.
The meal for the president served as a uniting occasion, and on June 14, Ambode’s 60th birthday, Sanwo-Olu led a semblance of a mission of peace and reconciliation to Ambode’s mansion in Ikoyi.
The two APC leaders were really contemplating something. Sanwo-Olu, who in 2019 openly used unprintable terms against him before and after the gubernatorial primary, shown maturity and humility by storming Ikoyi to rejoice with Ambode.
Ambode was courteous and thanked the governor for his leadership. The guest and host concurred that politics shouldn’t be a point of contention when he showed understanding.
What happens following the union of Marina? Ambode has avoided partying since 2019. It was an odd coping technique for the sorrow of losing the second term ticket. But he never said that he was leaving politics.
Even though he is a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the former governor never turned up. Additionally, he distanced himself from the events leading up to the most recent general election.
After leaving government, Ambode was appointed to the APC contact committee. The panel had very little of an effect. Additionally, he appeared to have cut ties with former APC governors and other powerful figures.
Observers claim that yesterday’s ceremony signaled Ambode’s re-entry into the governing party, Lagos politics, and public life.
Will the former governor finally leave the past in the rearview mirror and look forward to the future with optimism and hope?