SUNRISE – Lagos State Governor-elect, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu said he was confident that the people of the State would choose courage over fear in the just concluded gubernatorial election.
Sanwo-Olu polled a total of 739,445 votes to defeat his main challenger, Mr. Jimi Agbaje of the Peoples Democratic Party, who got a total of 206,141 votes.
Declaring the vote as a referendum by the people of Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said that Lagosians had once again, decided that they would continue to take the path of progress that started in 1999 by voting for APC
This election signaled 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. 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.”
”Let us be completely frank and honest so that we may quickly clear
the air of those things that might pollute and soil our politics if we allow
them to linger.” Sanwo-Olu said.
Making reference to some unwholesome part that played up during the
electioneering process, Sanwo-Olu advised political actors to sheathe their
swords adding that the time for campaign is over and now is 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 were 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 declared.
Sanwo-Olu 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.”