CIAL, ITREALMS
gathered expected that if Sanwo-Olu is elected in the next month’s general
election, the APC candidate should restore the prestige of the state by pushing
for a special status for Lagos. They also called for restoration of Lagos
environment and incorporation of indigenes in the governance of the state.
At a consultative
meeting held at the Awori House in Oregun, the association, which comprises
leaders from all the five divisions of the state, endorsed the candidacy of
Sanwo-Olu, with the agreement that he would get a special status for Lagos.
They promised to stand behind the APC candidate in his effort to take the state
to another level in development.
Describing the Awori,
the indigenous Ikorodu, the Epe inhabitants as well as the people of Isale Eko
extraction as “original stakeholders” in the Lagos project, Sanwo-Olu said his
intention to govern the state was not to fulfil an agenda against any ethnic
group making up the state.
He said the meeting
was necessary to listen to the concerns of the indigenes.
The APC candidate said
his reason for running for the Lagos top seat was not for personal
aggrandizement, but to deploy his three-decade of professional expertise
spanning both public and private sectors to elevate the fortunes of the
Lagos for the benefit of residents and indigenes of the state.
He said: “Since I
declared my intention to run for the governorship seat of our state, I have
consulted widely with various interest groups and stakeholders in the Lagos
project. I believe my consultation would not be complete without meeting
with the indigenes of the state. I’ve come to listen to your concerns as
indigenes of Lagos.
“I am also a son of
the soil. My lineage is a full-fledge Lagos. My father and grandfather are
indigenes of Okepopo area of Lagos Island. In fact my great grandfather's house
is still seating in Omididun in Lagos Island. My mother is of the Cole family
of Lagos Island. I’m also married to a Lagosian, who has Brazilian and Yoruba
ancestries. However, I am not seeking to become the governor of Okepopo or
Lagos Island. I’m not fulfilling any agenda against any ethnic group whose
people are part of indigenous people of Lagos. I will be the governor of all.”
Sanwo-Olu allayed the
fears of the Awori indigenes of Lagos, noting that his government, if elected,
would address all their grievances.
Beyond the quality of
his academic qualifications and professional experience, the APC candidate said
the most valued credential he would bring to governance is his integrity. He
promised not to betray the trust bestowed on him by the amalgamation of the
indigenous Lagosians.
He said: “Integrity is
my greatest qualification I am putting at stake in this race to govern Lagos.
My five-point programmes contained in my manifesto are carefully designed to
take Lagos to a new level of development. Everybody will be part of our
government and no discriminatory agenda will be initiated against anyone,
irrespective of ethnic group or status.”
Responding to some of
the concerns raised by the Lagos indigenes, the APC candidate promised that his
government would review the physical planning and environmental laws of the
state, with the aim to restore sanity and improve the mega city status of the
state.
He also said his
administration would prioritise the provision of quality education that would
be driven by technology. Under him, Sanwo-Olu said the state would revive its
agriculture and improve transportation system.
On the much-talked
about Agboyi-Ketu Bridge, Sanwo-Olu promised that it will be constructed and
delivered by his administration if elected.
Sanwo-Olu dismissed
the concern raised by Alhaja Aishatu Onitiri Kuye, that his choice of running
mate was a discrimination against womenfolk. The APC candidate said he had
always enjoyed working with women because of their efficiency and
result-oriented, promising that women would be the driver of his government.
Prof Rasheed Ojikutu,
one of the leaders of Awori extraction, and chairman of the coalition
described the meeting as family affair, saying it was the first time the Awori
people would be united to meet and support a candidate they believed in.
He urged members of
the association to support the candidate, noting that Sanwo-Olu had the habit
of fulfilling promises.
Pix: Governorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State (middle) flanked by the executive members of the committee of Indigenous Associations of Lagos State after a consultative meeting held in Oregun Lagos on Wednesday 2nd Jan, 2019.
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