On Wednesday, the Coalition of Oodua Self Determination Groups (COSEG) and other Ethnic Nationality Groups supported Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo- Olu’s bid for reelection.
Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is running for reelection in the general elections of 2023.
At a rally to support Sanwo-Olu’s re-election, coalition representative Mr. Dayo Ogunlana stated it was preferable for the governor of Lagos state to be re-elected.
According to Ogunlana, the endorsement would set the stage for Oodua people in every social class to understand why Sanwo-Olu needed to be consistently supported and re-elected.
“We must mention here that various discussions though informal have been held among various nationalities here prior today on various thoughts on governance in Lagos state.
“But on Tuesday, these groups representing most of the ethnic groups in the state met formally to set standards on what should be the yardstick for adoption of any of the gubernatorial candidates.
“The standards set and contributions of various groups in this regard culminated in the adoption of Sanwo-Olu by all ethnic groups here present,” he said.
According to him, the adoption was based on the projects and programmes the governor started and finished, as well as the concepts behind them and the values they would offer to the state of Lagos’s economic and infrastructure growth.
According to Ogunlana, the adoption was also based on the affinity Sanwo-Olu shared with the populace in terms of fostering justice, fairness, and equality, as well as their cooperation with other branches of the government.
He continued by saying that Sanwo-Olu was qualified for reelection due to his leadership skills and competency.
Ogunlana emphasised that continuity was still the cornerstone of effective leadership and that Sanwo-Olu had been tried and trusted as opposed to others who were still learning.
Ogunlana said: “We want to put the records straight that Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu excellently passed these aforementioned standards set.
“Since assumption of office, he (Sanwo-Olu) has never disappointed those who supported him to the exalted office as he continues to impress all and daze naysayers that he has what it takes to continue the development of Lagos as envisioned by the emeritus governor, Sen. Bola Ahmed TInubu.
“In his over three and half years in the saddle, he has not failed to showcase development projects that are impactful to the people of the state,” he added.
None of the people who had expressed interest in the position, according to Ogunlana, had a proven track record of success in both the public and private sectors.
He claims that by collecting a group of committed Nigerians into various ministries and agencies to carry out his THEMES agenda, Sanwo-Olu is demonstrating the trust placed in him by his party and Lagos people.
Ogunlana praised Sanwo-Olu for finishing the massive projects started by his predecessor, including the Pen Cinema Bridge, the Ajah Jubilee Bridge, the rail line projects, and initiatives in the housing, education, and transportation sectors.
“A man who has displayed such commitment to good governance deserves a second term to continue his good work and build on the legacies he laid so that Lagos will continue to be at its rightful place.
“Lagos is not a learning arena, only a trusted and tested administrator of repute should be left with the fortunes of the fifth largest economy in Africa, not a neophyte.
“We are ready to match our talks with action and as such, all ethnic groups here present are ready to match round the city of Lagos with or without the governor to show our massive support for his reelection.
“We shall move to houses, abodes, markets and offices to canvass for votes because we know he merits it and he has worked for his reelection whilst not ruling out opposition trade mark of tales of lies and some who will want to confuse Lagos residents with mischief.
“We, therefore, use this opportunity to urge and appeal to our people and other residents in Lagos to support him for a second term for the continuation of his good works,” he said.
Motion to adopt Sanwo-Olu was proposed by Ogunlana of COSEG and backed by Mr. Mohammed Kudu Abubakar of the Northern Youth Coalition, Mr. Linus Okoroji of Ndigbo Lagos, and Mr. Rasak Olokooba.
