Defend Lagos Coalition (DLC), a group of patriotic Lagosians, spread across various civil society organisations and pressure groups across the State has risen in defence of the Governors Advisory Council’s decision to approve Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term bid.
The group carpeted recent statement credited to one Professor Isaq Akintola, the proprietor of a group, known as the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), where he described the endorsement of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, by the Governors Advisory Council (GAC), as being against the religious rational principle of electing Governors for Lagos State.
The DLC, in a joint statement by 10 leaders of the group, among who were Comrades Declan Ihekaire, Olufemi Lawson, Gbenga Soloki, Nelson Ekujumi, Edafe Brume, Jubril Ogundimu, Raji Andright, Elijah Ajanu, Bayo Ogunlana and Rasak Oladosu, said it is disturbing, that Mr Akintola, with this statement, is out, with a well orchestrated plan, to destabilize, not only the politics of electing Governors in Lagos State, but also, to bring a strange culture of religious disharmony, into Lagos, arguably, the most peaceful state in the country.
As Lagosians, we have never witnessed a scenario, where religion, is ever a factor, in electing leaders in our state. It is imperative, to remind Mr Akintola, that various positions at Executive and legislative level, since our return to democracy in 1999, have witnessed successions, purely on the ground of merit, and not tribal, religious or any other primordial factor.
“It is therefore important to tell Mr Akintola and his co-travellers, in this irresponsible campaign, that such will never be allowed, to have a place, in our polity as Lagosians.
“We also wish to state, that the GAC decision, asking Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to make himself available, is in line, with the popular opinion of Lagosians, who have greatly reposed a lot of confidence, in the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, based on his brilliant performance, since being in saddle, as the Governor of Lagos, in 2019.”
The group urge Lagosians across every line, to disregard the ignoble call of Mr Akintola, and continue to promote the peaceful co-existence, that we have enjoyed, as one people.