By Olanrewaju Adesanya
The All Progressives Congress presidential candidate Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has declared that the Arewa community in Lagos under the leadership of Engineer Saadu Yusuf Dandare Gulma through today’s endorsement reaffirmed the unity and oneness of Nigeria.
Tinubu who appreciated the Arewa Community Chairman pledged to fulfill all his campaign promises to Nigerians, while urging Nigerians to keep hope alive for a glorious future.
The APC presidential candidate made the assertion at the Arewa Community APC Lagos endorsement rally for Tinubu/Shettima 2023,Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan Lagos.
“I respect the Chairman of Lagos Arewa community for leadership qualities displayed here by this gathering.
“We belong to the same land, we belong to same country, we must live together in peace and harmony, we need peace for everyone to be able to go about his or her business without fear.
“I thank all of us for being here, my respect for this country will continue to increase and I will honour all my pledges that we all will live in harmony.
“From Sokoto to Kaura Namuda,we deserve development, we deserve infrastructure, from Daura to Zungeru.
“We deserve clean water, we deserve education for our children don’t be angry but whether you are angry or happy Alma Jeri system must end.
“We will make provision for those children they will have school, they will have education, they will have clinic, they will have somewhere to sleep, they will have food to eat. Nigeria is our country, today I got your endorsement.
“In unity we will stand, whether you speak,Yoruba,Fulfulde,Hausa Fulani, Shettima Kassim,myself all of us we belong to the same home, the same God almighty.
“May God be with you, may God bless Nigeria and all parts of this country, give peace to all, give mercy and blessings to everyone.” Said Tinubu.
The Lagos Governor Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu who ushered all other dignitaries to the rostrum,was wowed by the massive turnout of the Arewa Community, he signalled his approval of the gathering as he took time to sing along with the Arewa merry makers the special rendition for Asiwaju presidency.
The Chairman Lagos Arewa Community and Southwest coordinating Chairman Engineer Saadu Yusuf Dandare Gulma, who had given his all to ensure the community comes to good reckoning with the government and stakeholders in the Nigerian polity, reaffirms their preparedness in ensuring greater leap for APC at the 2023 polls.
“Arewa will give massive support not only in Lagos but in the north. We will tell our brothers and sisters about what you have done since 1999, this we will circulate through our 19 northern states Governors to the senators, House of Reps, State House of Assembly, northern people living in Lagos have to spread the good news about what you have been doing from 1999 till date.
“You have tried your best to see Lagos become a mega city unlike before when anybody from the north is coming to Lagos we mourn because of the uncertainty of survival, but now everybody is happy to come to Lagos state because of the masterplan you left behind.
“If we are having like six Asiwaju in the six geo political zones of this country we can reduce poverty, cattle rustling and all other social vices.
“We will give 100 percent support for this to come to reality. I urge you all to go and collect your PVC and come 25th February vote Asiwaju/Shettima for President and all APC candidates across board.”
The close ally and staunch supporter of Tinubu in his presidential bid, Kano state Governor Abdullahi Ganduje was quick to note that Kano people loved Tinubu more than those in Lagos.
Ganduje said that: “Asiwaju is a symbol of unity in diversity, the right man to be endorsed and the man best to win election in 2023.
“We love Asiwaju more than the people of Lagos State but you are doing what your home state expected you to do.
“The Governor of Lagos state asked me to tell you that you have increased his bond of love and likeness for you by your gathering here today .”
Pastor Ojelabi Cornelius the Lagos APC Chairman, who could not hide his delight for the Arewa community charged other ethnic groups to emulate their unflinching supportive nature and help deliver the good governance only APC can give.
“This is a demonstration of strength and support, I want to appreciate the Arewa in Lagos State for their sincerity of purpose, you will recall that we started cementing this relationship in 2014.
“When we came together under the umbrella of APC and they demonstrated that sincerity of purpose in 2015 general election.
“We built on that particular relationship in 2019 and today we are here to consolidate that relationship we started 2014,2015 and 2019.
“You can see the practical demonstration of the number of Arewa in Lagos that has turn out to show that they belong to APC.
“I want to appreciate and encourage them that yes this is the way to go. This is the time for all of us to come together irrespective of where we come from to believe that to move the country forward we need to come together.
“I am highly impressed with what I have seen here today, to me it is a challenge to other ethnic group in Lagos State to come out and demonstrate their sincerity of purpose as far as APC is concerned.
He also reasserted that Tinubu has all it takes to revamp the hailing Nigerian economy, while urging all to vote him as President come 25th of February.
“You have also shown your appreciation for the governor’s support during COVID-19 and EndSars, I urge you all to vote him use your PVC to attract development, banish poverty and unemployment.
“Talk to your neighbours, wife, friend to get their PVC. No other better candidate to support than Tinubu/ Shettima for President, Sanwo-Olu for Governor.” Said Pastor Ojelabi.
The Director General of the Lagos Campaign Council, Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon (GOS) noted that he is not too surprised with how history was made at the Arewa gathering, which speaks volume about their active participation in the politics of Lagos.
“ Just on Friday we were still contemplating whether they can do it today but they said they will be ready to do it and I’m really carried away with what they have done here.
“I was not expecting this massive turn out given the short notice, it is impressive and they are still coming,I have been here for over two hours and they kept on coming and coming ,it is really beautiful.
“We have no doubt that APC is going to win and it is going to win arms down.
“What we are doing is just to make sure that we don’t have a slight winning margin,we want a very huge margin and that is exactly what we are working for.
“From what we have seen here now, we are becoming more confident everyday because they want to let us know that Arewa are integral part of Lagos State and this is what they are showing.
Elated about the development, Mr.Ayoola Fatai the Director Ethnic Affairs Lagos State Campaign Council and Chairman Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area, said he is proud of the Arewa community by their show of unwavering support for Asiwaju presidency.
“I can tell you for free that they have made us proud and this is going to transcend from what you see here into all polling units in Lagos.
“APC Asiwaju,Mr Governor and all our candidates are going to win.”
The Arewa endorsement rally Chairman mobilization committee Alhaji Shehu Usman a.k.a Sampam was quick to charge the youths to get the PVC and vote APC candidates into office.
Alhaji Usman who is the executive Chairman Mile 12 international market, also tasked the youths to desist from being used to cause violence during and after the election.
He counseled them on the importance taking active part and playing their role in how who is to govern them emerges.
