2023: The South Is Waiting For Tinubu For Directions – Gov. Akeredolu

By Adesina Soyooye

Ondo State Governor, Rotimi  Akeredolu, SAN, says Southern Nigeria cannot quite take any political decisions with APC chieftain, Bola Tinubu, out of the country. He says the South is waiting for his return before it takes any serious position.

Tinubu has been out of the country – the United Kingdom – since July 2021, recovering from, allegedly, a knee replacement surgery.

Among many Political heavy  weights who had gone to visit him in the UK is President Muhammadu Buhari. Governors, including  Akeredolu had also gone to visit him.

Akeredolu is the Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum. A few days ago, he let it be known that the South would not support any Political Party which does not pick its Presidential candidate from the South.

Speaking on Arise Television on Sunday, Akeredolu described Tinubu as the Capo of  Southern Nigeria, saying they are waiting for him to come back in order to take directions.

Tinubu is reportedly very interested in running for the Presidential seat in 2023.

Akeredolu denied going to the UK to discuss politics with Tinubu when asked if he would support Tinubu’s candidacy. But he said:

“APC will decide who the candidate will be. For me, whatever APC says, I will follow.

“We went to London because it was important for us to go and see for ourselves how he (Tinubu) is doing. He’s the Capo for us here. By the time he comes, we can make some serious decisions.”

Governor Akeredolu has been talking tough on a number of national issues, including the Anti-open grazing bill which he has signed into Law and the VAT  controversy between some State Governments and the Federal Government.

Southern Governors are in support of both, except  Dave Umahi, Ebonyi State Governor, who is against States collecting VAT.