How 2002 bomb blast solidarity visits paved way for Sanwo-Olu's political rise, ex-aide reveals

A pivotal moment during the solidarity visits following the devastating 2002 Ikeja Cantonment bomb blast helped forge the political alliance that propelled Babajide Sanwo-Olu to the governorship of Lagos State, according to former aide Professor Dapo Thomas.

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I promised to try.

In his autobiography, 'Lagos Boy and Lagos Politics,' Thomas recounts how he coordinated visits from organizations and prominent Nigerians offering support after the blast, which claimed about 1,100 lives and displaced thousands. It was during this period that he first met Femi Pedro, then Managing Director of First Atlantic Bank.

Pedro sought a personal audience with Governor Tinubu to present a solidarity donation of N1 million. Despite Tinubu's directive to only receive delegations donating N5 million or more, Thomas intervened. He persuaded Tinubu to meet Pedro, an encounter that Thomas describes as the genesis of Pedro's political relationship with Tinubu.

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When he handed over the N1 million donation, Thomas recalled that Tinubu looked at the cheque and exclaimed in surprise after seeing the amount, while he quietly collected it and ensured the visit ended successfully.

Thomas further facilitated subsequent meetings, and less than a year later, Pedro was appointed Deputy Governor of Lagos State. This appointment, Thomas notes, was remarkable given Pedro's limited prior acquaintance with Tinubu before their initial meeting during the bomb blast solidarity efforts.

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When he barely knew Tinubu before their first meeting during the bomb blast solidarity visits.