Former
Lagos State Governor and a national leader of the All Progressives Congress
(APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, has described the decision of the Speaker of the
House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, to jettison his
presidential bid as bold and patriotic.
In
a statement issued on Wednesday evening, Tinubu said the APC had become
stronger since Tambuwal joined the party.
“Your
bold decision to suspend the pursuit of your presidential ambition is cast in
the mold of defining sagacious political decisions that have set the tone for
positive and progressive thinking so badly needed to lift our country up.
“This
sacrifice you have made will not be in vain. It must be noted by all democrats
across the country as an act of great patriotism. We all appreciate the
position you have taken and the sacrifice you have made,” he said.
Tinubu
said there are lessons to be learnt from all that are unfolding in the party
towards building a better future, adding that the sacrifice the Speaker made
would serve as a good example to the young and old in the party.
“This
is noted by the party and Nigerians. You have demonstrated the true
spirit of democracy. You have indeed shown the way to all other party members
on the kind of sacrifice expected of them. You are a good example to the young
and old and the leading lights of our party.
“You
secured the wish of a virile section of our party, especially your colleagues,
honourable members who meant well in their desire to have you vie for the
highest office of the land. And excited by your politics and candidature,
most Nigerians looked in your direction hopeful in the prospects of your
candidacy and a new Nigeria.
“But
rather than pursue a selfish ambition, you humbly submitted yourself to the
service of the common good. Whatever anyone may say, you have made history.
“Since
you joined our party, the APC has become stronger. You have brought strength to
our party through a political profile that is unrivalled. Having travelled
through over 300 federal constituencies, the widespread support you enjoy
across the country validates you as a leader for our generation and a political
asset for our great party.
“Undoubtedly,
you have what it takes to lead this country to a better future and we take note
of your astuteness, brilliant political trajectory and preparedness for higher
service.
“Your
sacrifice for the cohesion of the party and a greater Nigeria will go down in
history as one of the greatest pragmatic and progressive political sacrifices
ever made in the politics of our country.
“You
have demonstrated to all that after the political calculations are made and the
dust of competition has settled, it must be this nation and its people who
shall stand. Therein, we find the lessons of your decision to suspend your
participation in the presidential contest for now.
“You
have demonstrated that your political convenience will never triumph over
patriotic conviction. You no doubt joined the APC not to advance any personal
ambition. Your decision in this delicate moment gave no space for emotion to
intrude into the path of objectivity and blind you and many of us from what is
best. The APC is the best vehicle to enact the progressive and broad change
this nation cries for. I salute you for eagerly lending yourself to this
fine cause. You will never walk alone.
“Though many, including
myself, may call what you have done a sacrifice, I wish to again call it
otherwise. It is a patriotic contribution and duty, “ he added
Tags
Politics