Blessed peacemakers By Sam Omatseye
By The Nation Newspaper
It was four years ago when the duel almost broke the state, but the BOS of Lagos broke the ice. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu walked into the venue of Akinwunmi Ambode’s birthday as into an enemy territory. But his walk of folksy charisma and toothy smile suggested it was over. It was just a few years ago when turmoil defined their exchanges. There was malice. There were back and forth of accusations. But all is well that ends well.
We can say only Lagos could have produced the moment at the State House banquet when all governors of the state in one republic stood together as one. It is a testament to the BOS of Lagos who, at least in the open, warmed the icy hands before the handshakes. We saw the Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, the Trojan, once the governor of example in Lagos, Akinwunmi Ambode an alpha governor, all with the BOS and the Jagaban in a shower of smiles, and the president capping it with, “Akin, Thank you.”
President Tinubu is a rare figure for being known both as a ferocious fighter and forgiver. He fights to forgive and could forgive even while in the fight. Better to be at his forgiven zone.
Bitterness has nothing to do with the future. U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt had jousted with his anointed successor President William Taft, who later became a Supreme Court justice. The bitterness last over a decade. But at a banquet, one evening, the people clapped as both men hugged and put the pain behind them. As the Bible says, blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God.
Apostle Paul said bitterness defiles a person. Bitterness defiles everyone around while it lasts.
