The national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu returned to the country on Saturday after a successful knee surgery in the United States.
He arrived aboard a chartered jet marked CS-DPF at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, around 1.35pm in company of his wife, Remi Tinubu, a member of the Nigerian Senate.
As expected, Tinubu did not shy away from answering question bothering on national issue even though he was returning after three months absence from the political scene.
When asked if his party, the APC would participate in the proposed national dialogue, the former Governor of Lagos state was evasive, saying he could not take decision for the party without consultations.
However, he said for the proposed conference to succeed, fundamental issues that are crucial to nation-building must be put on the table.
President Goodluck Jonathan, had in a national broadcast marking the 53rd Independence Day celebration announced his government’s decision to organize a national dialogue to discuss the future of the country.
He set up a 13-man committee headed by a former Senate member, Femi Okurounmu, to work out the modalities for the proposed national dialogue.
Speaking on his trip, Tinubu expressed delight to be back in te country, saying the operation was successful.
“I am happy to be back in Nigeria today, after a successful surgery, which was performed with a 21st Century approach in medicine in Chicago, United States of America.
“Some of those experts who facilitated the surgery are Nigerian medical practitioners. This is my longest absence from the political scene since 1993.
“I have never been away for so long except when I was in exile. I am glad I am back. I am as fit as a runner and I will beat anybody running.
“The surgery was absolutely necessary. I told Nigerians and I went for it. I am a political leader and I am accountable to my people,” he said.
On ground to receive him at the airport were Governors Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State and Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Senators George Akume and Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon.
Also on ground were members of the House of representatives- Femi Gbajabiamila and Yakub Balogun, APC chieftains across the South West and party supporters.
