Lagos State Governor-elect, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described his victory in just concluded governorship and House of Assembly poll as a referendum, saying that Lagosians had once again decided that they would continue to take the path of progress that started in 1999 by voting for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
This was just as he said it was also a referendum on choosing between courage and fear as well as between cooperation and confrontation.
Sanwo-Olu said this on Sunday in his acceptance speech at the party secretariat on Acme Road in Ikeja area of the state.
He was announced the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), having polled a total of 739,445 votes to defeat his main challenger, Mr Jimi Agbaje of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who got a total of 206,141 votes.
”This election signalled more than a vote for me or any other candidate. It was a vote, a referendum, on how a state and its people would define themselves,” he said, querying: “Would we be courageous and confident enough to seek our greater place in the world? Or would we turn so scared that we spend the greater number of hours fighting each other instead of joining ourselves in productive cooperation that will uplift the lives of each of us?’
”We were confident that you would choose courage over fear and select cooperation over confrontation. You made this enlightened choice in resounding and clear numbers,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Making reference to some unwholesome part that played up during the electioneering process, the Lagos Governor- elect advised political actors to sheathe their swords adding that the time for the campaign was over and now was the time to join hands together, build peace and stronger collaboration for the benefit of the State.
”There were things said during this campaign that should not have been said. And tactics employed that was shortsighted and potentially disruptive to the social accord and harmony of purpose we have enjoyed in Lagos.
”Those who tried to use ethnicity to bring discord in hopes that such tactics might bring them victory have been sorely disappointed. The election is over. I ask them to cease and desist from this unwise conduct.
”Our people are generous in spirit, compassionate at heart and as fair-minded as any people can be. Despite the challenges that we may face, our people exist in a space that is above hatred,” Sanwo-Olu argued.
Sanwo-Olu, however, reiterated his total commitment to the unity of Lagos regardless of gender, ethnic nationalities, political and religious differences, pledging to lead with fairness and openness.
“To be the leader of a people such as these is an honour of the highest level and a sacred obligation. A leader befitting this state and its people is one who unites and leads them to greater progress; not one who seeks to pit them against each other,” he said.
Tribune
