Kunle Oderemi
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, and Lagos State deputy Governor Femi Hamzat, on Wednesday, enjoined indigenes of Kwara residents in Lagos to vote for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday.
Mohammed, a former Chief of Staff in Lagos State, said the election was a payback time because the administration had fostered inclusion and protected their socioeconomic and political interests.
Hamzat highlighted the achievements of the government and how it had treated Lagos residents with equity, irrespective of ethnic and religious backgrounds.
He said a vote for the Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat ticket was a vote for experience and continuity, promising that the governor would accomplish more for the State if re-elected.
Mohammed said Kwarans in Lagos had an obligation to support Sanwo-Olu and the President-Elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that many Kwarans have thrived in the State.
He described Lagos as a very accommodating and tolerant component unit of the federation.
The event tagged: “Kwarans in Lagos endorse Sanwo-Olu,” attracted many indigenes of Kwara.
The governor was represented by Hamza. The Molade Oloya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, was filled to the brim.
At the event were current and past political officeholders.
They included House of Representatives member Jide Jimoh (Lagos Mainland), Dr. Samuel Adedayo, Reps-elect for Apapa Constituency, and popular Nollywood Artist, Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello).
Mohammed, who recalled that the association between Lagos and Kwara dated back centuries ago, said the state has accommodated many indigenes of the state who have excelled in business, politics, entertainment, among other sectors.
He disclosed that his maternal grandfather came to Lagos at a very tender age, adding that he died and was buried in Lagos.
Mohammed, who spoke in Yoruba, stressed: “Kwarans have been very successful in Lagos and they have used the fortunes made in Lagos to develop their communities in Kwara.
Through the fortunes made in Lagos, many good things have been done in their respective communities in Kwara.
“This would not have been possible without the peace and harmony we enjoyed in Lagos. Lagos and Kwara are like Siamese Twins. Our destinies are tied together. Without peace and harmony in Lagos, there cannot be peace and harmony in Kwara.”
The minister said endorsement of Sanwo-Olu by Kwarans is a payback for the large-heartedness of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He added: “Our grandfathers and forebears will not forgive any Kwaran who fails to vote for Sanwo-Olu on Saturday because Lagos is good for everybody. We built houses here in Lagos and we also built houses in our various communities in Kwara State.
“I, standing before you, God used Asiwaju to make me who I am today. Who would have known me while doing my private practice as a lawyer if Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu had not appointed me as his Chief of Staff in 1999?
“Whatever I have become today is by the grace of God and the support of Asiwaju who appointed me as his Chief of Staff, who supported me to contest for the governorship of Kwara, who supported me to be appointed as the National Publicity Secretary of ACN before becoming a Minister.
“I, therefore, implore every one of us to go back to our wards and polling units and deliver for Sanwo-Olu come March 11, 2023. This is payback time for the people of Lagos. The people of Lagos have given my people the opportunities they have never been given anywhere before.
“We are gathered here to reassure Asiwaju and Sanwo-Olu that we the people of Kwara State in Lagos are not ingrates. We have asked the people to go back and deliver for APC. We will stand by you (Sanwo-Olu) from the beginning to the end.
“We will sleep at garages and markets to cast our votes. We will not leave until our votes are counted and Mr. Governor is declared the winner.”
The deputy governor said by re-electing Sanwo-Olu and himself on Saturday, the people of Kwara would be protecting their heritage.
He said Lagos, which is the fifth largest economyà in Africa, is too important to be handed over to “dullards,” adding, “Lagos issue is not an experimental situation.”
He urged Kwarans to mobilise their sons and daughters of voting age to come out en mass and vote for APC, lamenting that the ⁷ Kwarans, we are not bastards. Let’s encourage our children to come out and vote.”
The deputy governor assured the people to let their minds be at rest, saying: “It would be fire for fire. No shaking! Let us go out and cast our votes and nothing will happen to you.”
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