Society Gists

Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, a close ally of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has refuted the claim by the Plateau State Governor, Solomon Lalong, that the former governor of Lagos is sick.

Lalong had claimed that Tinubu was absent at the last Saturday’s Ondo State APC governorship rally because of ill-health.

But in a press release issued in Lagos on Tuesday, Afikuyomi described the claim credited to Lalong as absolutely incorrect.

Afikuyomi, who claimed that he travelled to the United States of America with Tinubu to witness the recent US elections, said that the former governor “Is in a remarkable state of mental and physical wellness.”

He said, “It is therefore absolutely incorrect and most embarrassing for anyone to attempt to invent such a laughable reason for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s absence at the rally. The fact that somebody went for medical check-up does not mean he is ill.

“In the likely event that Asiwaju, like all mortals, was ill at all, I doubt if Mr. Lalong would be the first to know by reason of relationship, proximity and trust.

“Prominent politicians like the Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, have been speaking with Tinubu. Governor Amosun particularly communicated with him a day before the Ondo rally and he can never claim not to have spoken with him. I have also remained in constant touch with Asiwaju Tinubu since my arrival in Nigeria. We speak daily as a matter of fact.”