Kunle ADELABU
Mr Babatunde Sanwo- Olu, the new entrant into the Lagos State Governorship race on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has promised to build on the foundation laid by former governors, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Mr Babatunde Fashola, if he wins the party’s primary and the general election in 2019.
The aspirant told the cheering crowd at his official declaration for the governorship position at the City Hall, Lagos, on Sunday, September 16.
Acknowledging the foundation laid by Tinubu and sustained during the administration of Fashola, Sanwo-Olu stated:
“Modern Lagos State, since the inception of the current civilian republic, has been blessed with innovators and visionaries. Permit me to recognize, specially, the man who laid the foundation for the modernization of Lagos State; the celebrated tactician and renowned certified accountant who has applied his knowledge to democracy and development, our national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“This foundation has survived the test of time because Asiwaju was able to recruit excellent and brilliant successors. But without the ratification of these men by Lagosians who voted massively for them during the general elections, his wish could not have become the popular choices of the people.
“I wish to commend the former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, for his contributions to this glorious path.
“I am inspired by the courage and achievements of all the leaders who have charted the path of development for our great LAGOS. I have decided, like the great American President John F. Kennedy, not to continue to wait for what my State shall do for me, but to challenge myself on what to do for my State.”
The aspirant, who is currently the Managing Director of Lagos State Property Development Corporation, (LSDPC), said that he would restore the glory of the state.
“If elected, I shall immediately embark on the full restoration of the glory of Lagos and make you, the people, the cornerstone of government and revamp the environment that has become a cause of serious anxiety to Lagosians and relieve Lagos of the persistent gridlocks that have made our lives brutish and nasty.
He also promised to work according to the party manifesto, which promised welfare package to the people.
“Our government’s focal point shall be to provide the greatest good for the greatest number of the people of Lagos State.
“I have invited you here today to join me in the journey to take Lagos State to a new dimension by transforming the manifesto of our party to the programme of action. I am sending a clarion call to our party members, men and women, youth and the elderly, that there is a lot of work to be done to achieve the Lagos of our dreams.
“I present myself as a capable, competent and tested hand to make Lagos greater.
“I declare that, I, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, shall be a true party man in the real definition of the word by running an inclusive government according to the ideology of the APC and the long-term benefits of the great citizens of Lagos State. Loyalty is the currency of politics. I shall be loyal to the people of Lagos State, the organs and the leadership of the party.
“I call on party members and citizens to join me to elevate our State in all facets of human endeavour through improvements, enlightenment and development.
“I urge you all to come out with your membership cards and slips to vote for me at the direct primaries ordered by the party so that we can continue the journey towards peace, order and development for the good people of our dear Lagos State.
Looking at the development in Lagos since 1922 when election was first held in the metropolis, Sanwo-Olu paid tribute to those he described as illustrious Lagosians:
“Since 1922, when the first election was decreed in Lagos, our history has been shaped by the values of democratization and the primacy of the people in deciding who rules them. The process has thrown up great men like Herbert Macaulay, Sir Kitoye Ajasa, Dr. John Randle, Sapara Williams, Henry Carr, Candido da Rocha, Dr. Adeniyi Jones and Dr. Caulcrick among others. May the souls of these great Lagosians continue to rest in peace.
Sanwo-Olu also paid special tribute to Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson and Pa Lateef Jakande, both former governors of the state:
“There is no way to review the history of Lagos in the last 50 years without placing on record the contributions of Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson, the first ever governor of Lagos State, Pa Lateef Jakande, the first civilian Governor and many other helmsmen who led the development of our people”.
