By Lami Ibrahim
Prominent Lagosians have unveiled plans to reconcile President-elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Peoples Democratic (PDP) leader Chief Bode George.
The peace initiative is being spearheaded by 94 year-old Justice Isola Olorunnimbe, a retired Judge of Lagos State, in concert with some All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders and associates of the President-elect.
A peace meeting in George’s Ikoyi office at the weekend trailed the initial one held in May with the former Ondo Military Governor at the request of a Lagos Prince and Lagos Central APC leader, Oluyole Olusi.
George, Olusi and Olorunnimbe hailed the parley, saying that the discussions were cordial.
Olusi was accompanied by former Deputy Governor Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and Prince Abiodun Ogunleye.
With George were former Deputy Governor Kofo Akerele-Bucknor, Mrs. Onikepo Oshodi, Gen.Tajudeen Olanrewaju and Dr. Akintoye.
After the four-hour meeting, Olusi told reporters that many elders of the State were concerned about the sour relationship between the President-elect and George.
He said:”This is rarely a gathering of eminent Lagosians; representatives of Lagos. It is my own second meeting in Chief George’s house.
“Today, the president-elect is from Lagos State. He is a former senator from the state and a former governor of the state. We are indeed, happy.
“But we know as a matter of fact that the relationship between the President-elect and Chief Bode George is not cordial. We think it is important that, we as leaders of the community should take steps to improve the relationship.
“At today’s meeting, we have with us our elder, Alhaji Justice Olorunnimbe, retired Judge of Lagos State, over 90 years. I required him to be here to put his elderly posture and experience, to ensure that we have a successful meeting.
“We have agreed on the mission, that we give our support for the President-elect and when he is sworn him as president for the good of Lagos and for the betterment of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The discussion has been very cordial and successful.”
Justice Olorunnimbe said:”I concur. The discussion was very cordial. We as elders of the community must cooperate with the President-elect. This is not a political meeting. It is a meeting of Lagos community elders.”
George thanked the elders for their concern, noting that there is no rancour between him and Olusi. He showered praised on the retired nonegenaian judge for fatherly role.
Highlighting the importance of the parley, he said:”The visit bothered on unity in Lagos State. The culture of Lagos is to accept, accommodate all other tribes. There is no tribe that does not reside in Lagos. That is why Lagos is the nerve centre.”
George added:”There is no problem working together. We need a unity of purpose in Lagos. Despite the political differences, we are Lagosians. I have no battle against Tinubu. We should work in unity.
“On whether I should congratulate Tinubu, I belong to a political party. The case is in court. After the court, we will congratulate.
“I thank our elder, Pa Olusi for his humility, which is very rare.”
