The Lagos polity has lately thrown-up an awkward twist, as deserving political flanks were clearly missing in the combination of the state’s executive cabinet and it is high time this misnomer is addressed dispassionately by the powers that be.
Many keen watchers of the political scene in the state wonder why the agelong secret of Lagos was being ignored by supposed leaders, who were not oblivious of the positives addition this said culture of inclusive governance has brought to the state in times past.
Looking back in history people like Ben Akabueze, Commissioner for Budget and Planning from Anambra State, Aurthur Worrey Commissioner for Land from Delta State, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, third term Federal House of Representatives member, Representing Ikeja Federal Constituency – From Kogi State and Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Chief of Staff from Kwara, were good hands who peopled then Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Governor of Lagos State executive cabinet along others all assembled to deliver the good.
This continued in the era of Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and even in the first term of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu but was abruptly stopped in this second term.
The most disturbing development is the seemingly use and dump style adopted by the Sanwo-Olu led government lately, for instance it is on record that the Arewa Community in Lagos gave massive support all through the election, delivering their bulk votes to the All-Progressives Congress candidates across board.
Even President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attest to the fact that Lagos Arewa Community, have been up to task and deserves a comfortable environment to fare much better in the Lagos polity and Nigeria, when the said group gave their unflinching endorsement prior to the presidential polls in 2023.
“I am glad to receive your endorsement today, we live in harmony, we live in joy, we live in peace, we must do our business and bring prosperity to Nigeria, every part be it Zamfara, Katsina, Kano,Bauchi,Adamawa,Kaduna,every where, any where all of us we belong to the same Allah.
“We belong to the same land, we belong to the same country, we must live together in peace and harmony.” Tinubu said.
The concerted effort of the community’s state Chairman Alhaji Saadu Dandare Gulma cannot be ignored in his attempt to ensure peaceful coexistence amongst the different divides of Arewa Community in the state which includes; Igala, Tiv, Sango Kataf, Kanuri, Shuwa Arab and others and this singular unity rallying move translated to victory even in the far north.
Right at the endorsement rally in the main bowl of Onikan stadium, Lagos, Saadu said: “Arewa by God’s grace is going to give you massive support not only in Lagos even in the northern Nigeria. I tell you categorically sir anybody you see here are the representatives of their people in the north.
“We have sat down to discuss and agree that Arewa is one now headed by me. The Igala, Tiv, Sango Kataf, Kanuri, Shuwa Arab and all others represented here, we are ready to work together to ensure victory for Asiwaju, Shettima, Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat emerge winners.” Saadu promised.
Interestingly, all these promises by Saadu came to fruition but the community remain ousted from the polity. One would have expected a recompense for all the support received from Arewa Community by the Governor of Lagos State Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the community from the feelers made available to sunrise.ng is not too comfortable with this development.
It is important for Mr. Governor to revert and include this community for further harmonious relations going forward. The council polls are close by and given the bulk votes this community is known for, it is anti-progressive for them to be ignored. Lagos has enjoyed a stable polity for so long a time, it is instructive that the secret of this visible positive vibe be kept intact by Governor Sanwo-Olu.
