President Bola Tinubu has said that the former deputy national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Olabode George has been very helpful to his administration, by offering useful advice where necessary, just as he added that he pleaded with him, not to embark on self-exile in 2023.
Speaking at the 80th birthday ceremony of Chief George and launching of his memoirs held in Victoria Island Lagos Friday, the president commended the former military governor of Ondo state for his contribution to nation building.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said since he became president, Chief George has been very gracious offering advice and suggestions where necessary through many of his interventions on national issues.
“I find many of his suggestions very valuable, enriching,” he said.
The president stated that, when Chief George threatened to go on self exile if he wins the presidential election, he decided to plead with him that he would have a change of heart, “because we would all remain in Nigeria and work together to achieve, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria that was our collective dream.”
President Tinubu said the event of has again demonstrated that, “as politicians we disagree. Still, the values that bind us together as members of household living in different rooms are more enduring and stronger than us.”
The president said: “Politically, Chief Olabode George and I have been on opposite sides since 1999. But that has never diminished my admiration for him as a leader in Nigeria and in Lagos, our home state. I know the respect has always been mutual.”
Speaking at event, former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by Col. Paul Edor-Obi (rtd) said described George as a mentor and father.
Jonathan said: “This milestone is a testimony to a life of service, courage, and unwavering commitment to our nation.
“Over the decades, you distinguished yourself as a professional, elder statesman, and a political leader.
“Your contributions to Nigerian democratic development and national unity remain deeply appreciated.
“You have demonstrated uncommon courage in standing with conviction, and have shown remarkable consistency in promoting justice, peace, and good governance.”
He said George’s autobiography would inspire the generations to come.
Chief George, in his remark, recounted the lessons taught by life, saying he realised that no nation can be built on anger or divisions.
“At 80, I have learned that no nation is built by anger or division. Nations are built by hope, by love, and by a collective will to rise above selfish hatred,” he said.
He urged leaders to prioritise the country’s interests above personal ambitions, describing unity as the recipe to build the country.
“I urge our leaders across all divides to place Nigeria first, to remember that our children, our grandchildren will inherit whatever we build or we destroy. Let us build a Nigeria where truth is not punished, where competence is rewarded, and where the weak are not forgotten.
“Let us build a nation where unity is not just a slogan but a life reality. To the young people of this country, my sons and daughters, and the future of this great country, I say this with love. Do not give up on Nigeria,” he stated.
Governor of Oyo state, Engr. Seyi Makinde, in his speech, disclosed that Chief George saved him from being drown in his political journey by intervening when he was nursing the ambition of becoming governor.
He revealed that he faced restrictions from other contenders, alleging that the Minister of Defence then, Musiliu Obanikoro, attempted to prevent him from using the Eleyele parade ground for his governorship declaration,but intervention of Chief George prevented his political journey from being truncated.
“In 2014, I started nursing the ambition of becoming the governor of Oyo State, and I was planning a public declaration. We chose the Monogram in Ibadan, but people within the party thought Seyi was only joking.
“I was up against a group at that time. Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who was the Minister of Defence, made arrangements that led to the military withdrawing the approval earlier granted to us.
“They said there would be no public declaration at Eleyele Monogram. So I ran to Baba and said, ‘This is PDP fighting PDP — why don’t you want me to make my public declaration?’ Baba called everyone, and on the eve of the declaration, the approval was restored.
“I made the public declaration, and that was the beginning of the journey that has brought me here today as the governor of Oyo State,” he said.
He thanked Chief George for his support throughout his political journey.
“Let me publicly say thank you so much, Baba, for being part of my political journey,” he said.
Speaking, governor of Bauchi state Bala Mohammad commended Chief George for his growth of democracy and sustaining of the PDP, adding that,if not for committed members like him, the party would have gone under.
Present at the event were former governors of Adamawa, Niger, Ogun and Kano states, Murtala Nyako, Babangida Aliyu, Senator Gbenga Daniel, and Senator. Rabiu Kwankwanso.
Also present were, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Chairman, Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos state.
Also at the event were chieftains of the PDP, including the newly elected National Chairman, Alhaji Kabiru Turaki, the National Secretary, Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman, Sen. Adolph Wabara, retired military officers, friends and families.
