The former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olabode George, has disclosed what he discussed with the President-elect, Bola Tinubu’s emissaries who came to broker reconciliation for them.
George, a critic of the President-elect, had threatened to go into exile if Tinubu wins the election and sworn in as President.
Speaking at a recent peace meeting organised by some senior Lagos State indigenes to broker peace between the PDP chieftain and the President-elect, George disclosed that he informed Tinubu’s team of his readiness to work with the former governor ahead of his inauguration on May 29, 2023.
He added that his discussion with the team was on the unity of Lagos State, irrespective of party affiliations.
He said: “Let me say there are no political differences between Tinubu and I. Justice Olorunnimbe is like a father, we respect our fathers in Lagos.
“When I got an invitation from Papa Olusi that he wanted to come and see me the first time, I told my friend who delivered the message that I should go and visit him and not the other way round. But Papa Olusi said he had to come and see and that it had to do with the situation in Lagos.
“This is the second time Papa Olusi is visiting. We had detailed discussions that bothered the unity of Lagos. I must say we re-established the fact that the culture of Lagos is to accept and accommodate other tribes.
“I have explained to Baba Olusi that there is no problem with working together.
“The kind of platform we are trying to have is for a unity of purpose in Lagos State, irrespective of party affiliations.
“On the bottom line, you are a Lagosian though we can have different political affiliations,” George noted.
The party chieftain stressed that he had had no battle with Tinubu, adding: “What had happened has gone; vengeance is not mine but the almighty God. We will have differences, we will disagree but we must not be disagreeable.
“This union and discussion we have had is a positive step towards a new Lagos.”
George further stated that he would decide to congratulate Tinubu on his election victory after the conclusion of court cases, saying: “They made a request, which we are all looking at. They requested that someday we should also congratulate Asiwaju and we said yes, but that I belong to a political party. They are all in the courts now.
“Let us finish the court cases. Whichever way that goes, the issue of congratulating him or not will come to fruition.
“I have nothing personal and nothing happens without the almighty God. As a believer, that is my school of thought,” George added.