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I’m happy to be back, I’m ready for the task ahead – Tinubu
Tinubu received a rousing welcome upon landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after departing Nigeria on March 21 to rest in Paris, France.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the next president of Nigeria, on Monday, said he is prepared for the work ahead.
He refuted rumors that he was ill by adding “I’m happy to be back. I have rested, I’m refreshed and I’m ready for the task ahead. Forget about what the rumor mill may have told you. I’m strong, very strong.”
He discussed starting immediately after taking office on May 29 to carry out his pledge in a tweet.
He wrote: “Our promise to deliver a nation of Renewed Hope for all Nigerians remains in motion.”
Giving an insight into his preoccupation during the 34-day vacation, he said he had been consulting on how to put together a strong team for the smooth take-off of his administration.
Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima led the reception party, which included his wife Nana, and House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila.
Tinubu arrived in company with his wife, Oluremi, and son, Seyi to the warm embrace of All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders.
Decked in a flowing blue agbada, Tinubu was received by members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), governors, National Assembly members, Nollywood actors, and well-wishers.
Amidst cheers from the party faithful, the radiant-looking President-elect headed straight to his vehicle after a brief stopover to acknowledge the crowd of supporters who besieged the airport to welcome him.
After a brief airport reception, the President-elect and his wife later left in a carnival-like motorcade of over 150 vehicles – cars and buses – of party supporters. They ended up at Tinubu’s private residence in Asokoro.
The president-elect overruled his security aides by allowing many of the supporters into his compound.
The APC NWC was led by the acting National Chairman, who is the Deputy National Chairman (North), Senator Abubakar Kyari. They include the Deputy National Chairman (South), Emma Enekwu, and National Women Leader, Dr. Betta Edu.
Gbajabiamila led members of the National Assembly to the VIP Lounge. Other members of the National Assembly include senators Opeyemi Bamidele, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, Barau Jibril, and Sabi Abdullahi. Also there was Prince Dayo Adeyeye.
Members of the now-dissolved APC Presidential Campaign Council (APC-PCC) were led by its Director-General and Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong. The defunct council members were Deputy Director-General (operations) Comrade Adams Oshiomole, Secretary James Abiodun Faleke, and the director of the Diaspora Directorate Prince Ade Omole.
Others were Chief Olusola Oke, Dr. Ene Ogbole, Babajimi Benson, and Mr. Bayo Onanuga, who was the Director of Media and Publicity in the dissolved Council.
Other top party officials at the airport were former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, former Minister Godsday Orubebe, and ex-Secretary to Rivers State Government Magnus Abe.
Zack Orji led popular Nollywood actors to the airport.
