Why Tinubu, Ambode, shunned Fashola’s book launch

In from Olumide Olaoluwa …

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode were some of the prominent leaders of the APC absent at the launch of three books in honour of immediate past governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola yesterday.

It was gathered that their absence was further testimony of their disaffection with the former governor and opposition to his ministerial bid.

The three books The Great Leap, in Bold Print and the Lagos Blow Down written by the Chief Press Secretary to Fashola, Hakeem Bello, were launched in honour of the ex-governor.

Sources said Tinubu, Ambode and APC chieftains considered the launch as an image-laundering exercise for Fashola based on the recent revelations about his stewardships in the Centre of Excellence.

They believe Fashola is working towards keeping himself in public purview so as to be considered for a ministerial slot, a move they are said to frustrate at all costs.

They decided to shun the launch, it was learnt, to underscore the fact that they have severed political ties with Fashola.

Though a former commissioner, Prof. Tunde Samuel represented Tinubu, it was discovered that the move was just a face-saving measure to sell a dummy to the watching public.

A close aide to Ambode said: “You will never find Oga with Fash together. That I can confirm to you. They don’t see eye-to-eye.

“So, there was no way he would dignify a launch aimed at Fashola’s image-laundering with his presence.

“Fashola had his time. He will soon find out he’s on his own.”

It was also learnt that political associates of Tinubu clearly stayed away from the launch, having read the body language of their principal.

“They know where he stands. You won’t see them around Fashola at all. It is either they are for us or for him,” the source added.

The aide added that Fashola carried on while in office as if he got the post without the assistance of Tinubu and never acknowledged his godfather while handing over.

The public ostracisation of Fashola, it was learnt, was what forced former Managing Director of GTBank Plc, Fola Adeola, to describe those who attended the launch as brave.

Adeola said: “I believe everybody that came here today considers Fashola as a friend, brother, cousin, so I greet everyone and welcome them.

“I will also say some people are here just because they are brave and not afraid. The people who are here today are simply telling him that no matter what, they still remain his friend”.

Read also: Inside details of how Fashola, Ambode fell out

He added: “I can tell you that with some faces I have seen here, I think I am fine. At least I can see Palace representatives and majority of our old friends, so for me, it will be a day to remember. I am so happy to be alive in my time that Governor Fashola happened and my prayer is that we will not wait for too long for another Fashola to happen.”

Tinubu, who sources said is peeved by Fashola’s ingratitude, took advantage of the occasion to remind everyone the former governor was his making.

His representative said: “Fashola acquired a lot of apprenticeship in a wired political engineering and this further helped his actions while in office.

“I am happy that your ruggedness in office has shown Lagosians and Nigerians that Asiwaju took a very good decision when he made you his Chief of Staff and later two time governor of Lagos state.”

Ogun state governor, Ibikunle Amosun, was also represented at the event.

Amosun, who is said to have come between Tinubu and Fashola, was eager to point to the achievements of the former governor.

He also tactically refered to Fashola’s battle for ministerial slot when he said: “What you have done in Lagos, the legacy will continue to remain forever. When late Chief Obafemi Awolowo decided to build the Cocoa House, there were several protests from Nigerians that the country was not ripe for such a structure, but he stood with the plan and today, it has remained in the annals of the country’s history. And for Fashola, look at the cable bridge between Ikoyi and Lekki, no one believed that it could happen. You have just left office but Nigerians still need your experience.

 

 

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