NRM gubernatorial candidate denies stepping down for Sanwo-Olu
South South (SS) residents in Lagos yesterday, declared their support for the re-election bid of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Babafemi Hamzat, citing continuity of development and inclusiveness in their governance of the state.
They, under the auspices of Cross Rivers, Rivers, Edo, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa (CREDAB) People’s Association and South South Peoples United Forum, expressed optimism that Sanwo-Olu’s re-election would ensure development and conducive environment for all.
Their joint declaration for Sanwo-Olu was contained in a statement read to journalists in Lagos by their chairman, Otunba (Engineer) Isaac Emiyede, who was with coordinator, Chief Lucky Oyakhire, and other members of the groups.
The groups noted that the reasons for the Labour Party victory in Lagos during the presidential election on February 25, was because the people were not sensitised, adding that 40 per cent of the votes in Lagos were from the SS people in the state.
They stated that they witnessed the giant strides of the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu in various sectors, ranging from infrastructure development, improvement of the health sector, educational sector, housing, support for Small Medium and Enterprises (SMEs), human capacity development, among others.
Sanwo-Olu’s stride in Lekki Deep Sea Port, Imota Rice Mill, Blue rail and various policies to cushion and combat the effect of COVID-19, among others make him to deserve re-election, they stressed. .
They pointed out that the governor has delivered on his social contract with the people of Lagos through the famed THEMES mantra, while he literally saved the country from the scourge of COVID-19 through proactive measures that underscored his responsive and responsible attributes.
The groups went on: “Conscious and determined as interested participants in the political process, moved by the desire for more dividends of democracy, propelled by visible developments, encouraged by the need for sustainability and persuaded by the desire and determination to make Lagos the smart and Africa’s fastest developing city, we have resolved to support the second term bid of Governor Sanwo-Olu.
“Having widely and sufficiently consulted and interacted with our people at different levels of associations, town unions, state leaders, women groups, professional bodies from the six states of the region, namely Cross River, Rivers, Edo, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa, do hereby express our unflinching and collective support for Governor Sanwo-Olu. We are bold to formally endorse the candidature of Governor Sanwo-Olu for a second term.”
Members of the group were urged to mobilise grassroots support and vote massively for Sanwo-Olu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates at the gubernatorial and State Assembly Saturday polls.
They added: “A vote for Sanwo-Olu is a vote for continuous development. It’s a vote to sustain the peace that Lagos has enjoyed. It is a vote to protect and secure our collective investment and open more doors of opportunity that Lagos provides for Lagosians and residents.”
SIMILARLY, the Accord Party (AP) in Lagos State has endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, for a second term in office.
The state chairman of the party, Dele Oladeji, who spoke during a media briefing, yesterday, where the AP in Lagos collapsed its structure and declared for the APC gubernatorial candidate, said that the adoption of APC’s candidate is a watershed.
Oladeji, who promised that they would not allow overzealous persons to cast a shadow on Lagos State by putting a blemish on it, added that the governorship candidate of the AP in the state, Peter Obayuwana, and other candidates had stepped down for those in the APC.
ALSO, the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) of the late Dr. Fredrick Fasehun’s faction, yesterday, urged the electorate to re-elect Sanwo-Olu.
President of the organisation, Otunba Wasiu Afolabi, stated this at a pre-election media conference in Lagos.
HOWEVER, the governorship candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) for Lagos State, Akinwunmi Braithwaite, has denied withdrawing from the race and endorsing Sanwo-Olu of the APC.
In a statement, yesterday, Media Director, Akinwunmi Braithwaite Campaign Organisation, Yemi Daniels, described the report as untrue and mischievous, saying that no such thing happened.
“For the avoidance of doubt, our candidate has not endorsed any other candidate. The happiness of Lagosians and the emergence of a more humane society remains the topmost priority of our campaign,” the statement stated.
“Akinwunmi Braithwaite is happy to continue representing those Lagosians that are passionate about the people-centered agenda that he represents. It is common knowledge that the downtrodden, as well as public-spirited Lagosians are yearning for a new deal, which will deliver social upliftment, full employment and economic emancipation, which Braithwaite seeks to deliver.
“Our candidate is a lover of peace with a sterling track record in ethical corporate leadership and noble causes, as well as community development.
“He is not averse to inclusive governance, but insists that this must be based on candour, proper consultation and broad based agreement. He is saddened by the actions and posturing of various groups who have heated up the polity and wishes to seize this opportunity to request that all stakeholders be circumspect and reticent about their electioneering. They should show respect for all and work towards the happiness of Lagos.
“We urge our teeming supporters to remain resolute in their conviction, as we navigate the maze of our current political landscape.
