…Opposition Leaders List Demand for Inclusive Government
By Nseobong Okon-Ekong
The chance of the Lagos State gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu got a boost yesterday with the support of the 45 political parties on the platform of the Coalition of Progressives Political Parties (CPPP).
The CPPP explained that it endorsed Sanwo-Olu, for governor because he represents its vision and passion for the development of the state, while stating that there was no line of ideological demarcation between it and the ruling APC in Lagos State.
The opposition parties include Accord, Freedom and Justice Party, Unity Party of Nigeria, PPP, PPA, AMPP and GPP. The opposition leaders listed their demands, including an improved environment, improved security, resolution of the traffic snarl, correction of the LASTMA and BRT deficiency, and programmes for widows and youths.
Its leader, Otunba Aderemi Fatukasi, said, “The next 50 years of the state must cut a path to create a framework for leaders that are not only visionary, but also inspirational with a passion for development.”
A chieftain of the coalition, Akinola Obadia, said, “This is historic. It has never happened before in Lagos State. Forty-five of the 58 opposition parties in the state are supporting the APC candidate. The coast is clear for him to win next year’s election.”
At the endorsement ceremony, which held at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu promised to appoint a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to serve as a link between his government and the parties, if elected as governor.
He was accompanied by his running mate, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, his campaign manager, Tayo Ayinde, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, Ademorin Kuye, Abiodun Made, Alawiye King, Nosiru Musa, Abiodun Mafe, Bayo Ajisebutu, Goke Salvador, Hameed Olorunoje, Shamusideen Olaleye, Wale Adelana, Joe Igbokwe, Sesan Daini, Remi Adikwu-Bakare, and Gboyega Akosile.
Sanwo-Olu described his running mate Hamzat as a strategist and a dependable ally, recalling that he had done Lagos proud as a former Commissioner for Science and Technology, and Works.
The APC governorship candidate also promised to tackle the challenges highlighted by the opposition leaders, urging them to cooperate with him to succeed in next year’s election.
He said, “I have the interest of the populace at heart. I am passionate about my people. Roads, bridges are important, but, human beings are more important. We genuinely intend to serve. We will not discriminate.”
The Lagos APC governorship flag bearer promised an all-inclusive government, stressing that the implementation of developmental projects will be shaped by need analysis and people’s preference.
Buttressing the group’s stand Fatukasi, said it was imperative that Lagosians vote Sanwo-Olu, adding that he will build on the achievements of former Governors Bola Tinubu, Babatunde Fashola and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
He said the former Commissioner for Establishment and Training will defend the giant strides of the previous governments in infrastructural development, security, transportation, traffic management, education, tourism and health.
Describing Sanwo-Olu as a politician endowed with vision, inspiration and passion for development, Fatukasi said having excelled as a private sector operator, special adviser, commissioner in three ministries and Managing Director of the Lagos State Property Development Corporation (LSDPC), Sanwo-Olu will live up to expectation as governor.
Sanwo-Olu promised to sustain the bond of cooperation between the APC and the opposition platforms and give them a sense of belonging. He promised to perform to expectation, adding that his team was prepared for the task ahead.
