‘Tinubu is Joshua of our time’

Monday, April 20, 2015

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the Joshua of our time, who delivered Nigerians from imminent political turbulence; indeed, he is a political legend and hero of our time.”

These were the words of the Minister-In-Charge, C & S Salem Evangelical Church of Christ, Ilupeju, Lagos, Supt. Apostle Babatunde Odele (PawPaw), while assessing Tinubu’s contributions to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the just-concluded elections.

He told reporters in Lagos last Friday that after Moses could not lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, Joshua accomplished it, adding: “Today, the APC through leaders like Asiwaju is leading Nigeria to the promised land through overwhelming victory in the last elections. He brought political emancipation to all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, gender or religion. God anointed Asiwaju Tinubu as a torch bearer to install truly progressive men and women in offices at various levels of governance across the country.”

“Asiwaju Tinubu, the Jagaban of Borgu, has etched his name in gold in  Nigerian history as the Lord has given unto him the possession of the land unto the progressives as in Joshua 2:9. Bola Ahmed Tinubu revived the political deadwoods; he emancipated the poor at the grassroots with his financial blessings. More blessings to him in Jesus name,” the cleric said.

With the rapid development of Lagos State as a reference point to other governors, he said, Tinubu, brought a younger, dynamic and visionary person, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), to consolidate on his political achievements.

Odele said: “He brought Akinwunmi Ambode, an anointed political technocrat, a Fellow in Accountancy, an excellent public servant, a trusted ally and his loyal political son to continue with the mantle of governance in Lagos State. Asiwaju Tinubu, I pray for you with the blessings given unto Joshua in the holy book of Joshua 10:25: “Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for this shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom ye fight. So says the Lord.”

Speaking on the church and government, Odele, a former chairman of Mushin Local Government in Lagos State, said the elections were peaceful because of the fervent prayers of the faithful. He called for prayers for all those elected.

Odele, who was also Executive Secretary, Ifako Ijaiye Local Government and  Board Member, Ministry of the Environment, said it had become a routine to pray for peace nationwide in his church.

Seeking the cooperation of non-indigenes for the incoming administration, the cleric said: “Asiwaju Tinubu did a lot for non-indigenes in the state during his tenure. In the present government, we have an Igbo Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget (Mr. Ken Akabueze). I implore the Igbos to cooperate with the government, the Oba of Lagos, the paramount Custodian of Culture and Tradition that owns the land where their various businesses are thriving.

“During the last civil war in Nigeria, most of their great grandfathers left Lagos; yet, they all returned to have their properties back intact. Today Igbos and all other non-indigenes must thank God that their businesses are blossoming, their well beings are being guaranteed in the state.”