By KAYODE OYERO

Ekiti State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Kayode Fayemi, has said that he visited All Progressives Congress National Leader, Bola Tinubu, in London recently to show support for the ailing politician.

Fayemi made this known on Sunday when he spoke on THISDAY Live, an interview programme on Arise TV monitored by The PUNCH.

According to the governor, Tinubu had surgery and he had visited the former Lagos State governor alongside his Ondo State counterpart, Rotimi Akeredolu, to show solidarity.

Fayemi also said his visit to Tinubu was not connected to the 2023 general elections.

The governor said, “He (Akeredolu) and I were in London together to see our leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but it had absolutely nothing to do with 2023 presidential plans whatsoever. That’s not the reason why we went there.

“Asiwaju had surgery, it is simply proper etiquette or behaviour both in the part of the country where I come from but also generally that when a friend and elder is undergoing health challenges, it would be improper on your part not to show solidarity and support.

“That is simply what took us there; we wanted to associate ourselves with him at a time of need and as an elder, as a mentor and as a big figure in our political party, nothing wrong in paying him a courtesy visit to check on him to see how he was faring and we did that and we returned.

“It has nothing to do with 2023; let me make that absolutely clear.”

Tinubu’s health has been a subject of controversy of late.

At least over 30 politicians have visited Tinubu, in London, in the last two months. Notably amongst the politicians include the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.); Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Kano State Governor, Umar Ganduje; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; as well as Fayemi and Akeredolu.

Others who also visited Tinubu in London include House of Representatives Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila; ex-Governor of Ogun State and current Senator representing Ogun Central, Ibikunle Amosun; former Governor of Borno State and current Senator representing Borno Central, Kashim Shettima.

Tinubu, who celebrated his 69th birthday in March 2021 and command an arguably large following of political loyalists, has been rumoured to nurse presidential ambition in 2023.

In recent years, the UK has become a choice destination for the Nigerian elite including the President, who frequent London for medical tourism while perpetual industrial actions, lack of modern equipment, failure of government to pay doctors’ salaries, amongst others, mar Nigeria’s health sector. (The PUNCH)

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