Yesterday, Tuesday, August 18 the Shell Hall was filled to capacity with dignitaries from all works of life, all beaming in smiles and the ambience was super cool. The event of the day was Book Launching by former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola’s books launch.
The former head honcho of Nigeria’s most populated city launched three books, The Great Leap; In Bold Print and The Lagos Blow Down.
Former chairman of Guaranty Trust Bank, Mr. Fola Adeola, who was chairman of the occasion, described those who came for the launch as brave. Also present at the book launch were political associates of the former governor, former governorship aspirant, Mr. Supo Sashore, former deputy Governor, Alhaja Lateefat Okunnu, former commissioner for finance in Lagos State, Mr. Wale Edun, Senator Munirudeen Muse, Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Funmilayo Atilade and Mr. Joe Igbokwe, the spokesman of the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Also present were the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Mr Gbenga Makanjuola, who represented Senate President Bukola Saraki, Mr Lanre Babalola, Jide Sanwoolu, Rotimi Oyeko, among others. Tinubu was represented by Prof. Tunde Samuel, a former commissioner in the state. Governor Ibikunle Amosun was represented by Otunba Bimbo Ashiru.
However, personalities of the ruling All Progressives Congress were conspicuously missing at the event. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (although he was represented), Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Governor Aregbesola, Ajimobi, Bisi Akande and rest, all were missing.
There are indications that their absence is not unconnected to the current alleged rift going on in the party.
Recently Fashola was accused of spending a whopping N78 million, the former Governor replied in a very harsh tone. In his press statement, Fashola noted that he was being witch-hunted he said, “When you wrestle with a pig, the pig gets happy and you get dirty.” His comment according to insiders has sparked off serious controversy ever since.