Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), the Lagos PDP candidate for governor, has reassured Ndigbo in Lagos State of his commitment to forming an inclusive government and ending all forms of harassment against them in public places.
This was expressed by Adediran on Monday during a conversation with Ndigbo leaders in the palace of Eze Ndigbo of the Ikeja Local Government in Lagos.
The Lagos PDP gubernatorial candidate reasoned that Ndigbo investment in Lagos State may be linked to the state’s growth.
“I am here to assure the Igwe that this time around, the party that you love, will jointly form the government of Lagos State with you in 2023.
“Although, we know it is difficult for one to have been working all over the years with no results, but l appeal to you that this is not the time to give up.
“This is a different time and by God’s Grace we are going to have a different result which will be positive,” he said.
Adediran pledged that his administration would do away with anything that has caused Ndigbo to be treated unfairly in the state.
He asserted, “When we join, everyone will applaud us and exclaim that Lagos is a very wealthy state because we cannot be a wealthy state without Ndigbo’s participation in Ladipo and Alaba International Markets.
“So if we are rich today, it is because of the huge investments and contributions of Igbo community in our state. For us, we recognise and appreciate that.
“If elected as governor, I will eliminate every form of harassment in the markets and make sure nobody, in whatever name under my administration closes down your markets.
Shutting down the market, according to Adediran, has no economic benefit, and those who do so will face jail time.
He declared that his administration will not support any kind of prejudice in delivering the Ndigbo people what is rightfully theirs.
“I am going to put a stop to all extortions and harassment as the governor of Lagos State.
“We are going to run a government that will not consider you as second class citizens in Lagos State. This is your home and I am going to treat you as our own.
“I am here to assure you that though you have been supporting PDP over years without anything, I am telling you that as the light of PDP, we are going to win,” he said
In Lagos State, every legitimately purchased landed property will receive a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) from the PDP gubernatorial candidate’s administration, the PDP candidate for governor informed Ndigbos.
Ndigbo voters must support Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate, according to Adediran, if they want him to win the election and take office as governor.
He asserted that every vote cast in favour of Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party will ensure the continuation of the current government.
“Any vote you give to Mr Peter Obi, my own brother who brought me to PDP, is a vote to APC.
“We love him (Obi) but if you vote for Obi, you want APC to win again,” he said.
Eze Agbawodikeizu Nwalozie, the Eze Ndigbo of Ikeja LGA and the head of the Council of Eze Ndigbo in Lagos State, responded by praying to God for luck and favour for Adeniran in his endeavours.
According to Nwalozie, the PDP candidate already identified as Ndigbo, which is why a chieftaincy title was given to him.
“Please, when you get into office in 2023, do not forget Ndigbo. We need a change in the governance of Lagos State.
“We need a government that will affect the lives of Ndigbo positively in Lagos State.
“We need an all-embracing leadership. This is our aspirations and we pray that God Almighty will make it come through in 2023,” Nwalozie said.
Counselling Adeniran, the Eze said: “A good leader is someone who knows the way, shows the way and lives that way.
“A good leader must establish principles concerning the way people should be treated and the way goals must be pursued.
“A good leader listens to advice, follows due process and puts the people first. Such a leader must be selfless, lead by example and show respect and care for those he is leading,” he said.
Ndigbo zonal heads, computer village representatives, market men and women, and other Igbo leaders were present at the conference.
Chief Jonathan Nnaji, the chairman of the Igbo-Speaking Community’s board of trustees, as well as other title holders, attended the meeting.
Adediran’s campaign train visited with stakeholders earlier in the day, among other places like the Onigbongbo Community Social Club and the Onilekere Furniture Village.
Beginning their ward tour on October 19, Adediran and his running mate, Ms. Funke Akindele, have interacted with a number of stakeholders and visited marketplaces to solicit support from traders for their aspiration.
The campaign train has so far made stops in every ward in the local government areas of Alimosho, Badagry, Ojo, Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos Mainland, Epe, Ibeju Lekki, and Eti-Osa.
