A human rights activist and a former House of Representatives member, Opeyemi Bamidele, has returned to Nigeria from the United States where he went for medical treatment following gunshot wounds he sustained during the campaign for the Ekiti State governorship election.
Bamidele arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 3pm on Thursday.
The former member of the 7th National Assembly told journalists that he was grateful to God for saving his life after stray bullets hit him in the build-up to the election.
He said he was happy about the victory of the Governor-elect, Dr Kayode Fayemi, whom he campaigned for, adding that Ekiti people would have a better deal under his leadership.
Bamidele said he was grateful to his political associates, friends and associates who paid for and facilitated his trip for treatment abroad.
He said, “I am happy to be back home, and I want to express gratitude to God and my family, friends and associates that have shown love to me during the period of my trial after the unfortunate incident.
“I am very grateful to the people of Nigeria and Lagos State for the love they have shown, even the sons and daughters of Ekiti State, they have all been wonderful.
“What is important today is to give glory to God, and to thank all the people that God used to pay for my hospital bills, to fly me out of Nigeria, visit me in London and the United States and to ensure that I got the best rest and treatment.”
He said in a few days, he would address the nation to share his thoughts on the achievements of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration and urged Nigerians to facilitate his return to office through their votes.
“The understanding all of us must have is that President Buhari may not have done what he did in the last few years if not for corruption fighting back, most of the things we are seeing in the country now are organised response by people who feel his administration has not allowed them to do what we have known them for in this country.
“Nigerians need to be resolute in their bid to re-elect Buhari at the centre in 2019. It will be the beginning of new things and Nigerians will be happy for it,” he added.
On the outcome of the Ekiti election, Bamidele said he continued to campaign for Fayemi on his sick bed.