By Aderioju Ladega
It is with gladness of heart that I write the two sons of Ikorodu vying for the Lagos East Senatorial seat in the upcoming by-election that is scheduled to hold on October 31, 2020.
1. I congratulate Mr. Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru of All Progressive Congress and Mr. Babatunde Olalere Gbadamosi of the People Democratic Party on their individual victory – having them as candidates of their respective parties.
2. As an advocate of oneness, it is required of me to write to both of you as a single entity under the umbrella body of Ikorodu division – the community that unites us as one.
3. The decision to write this open letter was borne out of the need to make known the peculiarity of the candidacy of both of you to the Ikorodu division, I hope this letter meets you well.
4. I am Aderoju Ladega, a worthy daughter of the Ikorodu town whose parents are both from Ikorodu. It should now be glaring to you both and all others why the growth of our great town is so dear to my heart. I have nowhere to run to, Ikorodu is my SOURCE.
5. There is no gainsaying the fact that the candidacy of two Ikorodu sons on different political platforms is another clear indication that the Ikorodu division is abundantly blessed with capable pointers. In effect, I strongly believe that this development coupled with the clamour that a free and fair democratic electioneering process be observed by the good people of the Ikorodu division and other divisions that made up Lagos East Senatorial District would make the forthcoming election a unifying factor for all whilst setting good precedence on holding an election without violence.
6. No doubt, whoever emerges from the choice of the people will only mean a side of the same coin. That is, the victory of one of you is a victory for the Ikorodu division.
7. Pls, be informed that I am a card-carrying member of APC and an executive member in Ward E, Ikorodu LG and I remain committed to the progress of my party. In the same vein, I have met with BOG and I know him as a jolly good fellow and respected uncle.
8. That as it may, my political affiliation and personal relationship are not as important as whatever contributes to the progressive growth of Ikorodu and such must be handled in accordance with the corresponding benefits for all the sons and daughters of our town and its environs.
9. In a contest between two, a man must win and a man must lose. In the case of Lagos East Senatorial by-election, a victory of one over another is a collective victory for all Ikorodu born which both of you rightly belong.
10. Therefore, I beseech you both to act with the interest of our community at heart, viz-a-viz:
* Whoever emerges should bear in mind that power is transient and time waits for no man. He should, therefore, be a great ambassador of the Ikorodu community determined to work tirelessly on the development of the entire Lagos East Senatorial district.
* Whoever emerges should set an example for all to follow. He should turn Lagos East Senatorial District especially the Ikorodu division to a development hub where the dream of a new Nigeria will be achieved.
* Whoever emerges should sponsor people’s oriented bills; he should lobby investors to create jobs and opportunities. He should be closer to his constituents whose strength and voting power have made him a Senator.
* Whoever loses the election should work in hands with the winner, after all, a victory of one Ikorodu son is a victory for all Ikorodu sons and daughters. He should imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship for the benefit of the Ikorodu division.
11. Ensure you discourage any form of violence; let’s have a free and fair election process and let’s make sure our actions and inactions are for the benefit of the Lagos State Senatorial District.
12. May the blessings of God and His hands of protection never depart from all sons and daughters of the Ikorodu division, the people of Lagos East Senatorial District and Nigerians at large. Amen.
13. I wish you success.
Princess Aderoju Ladega
Kiniun Ikorodu.
