Sanwo-Olu, Obasa, legislators-elect receive certificates of return

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; the Speaker of the State’s House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and other 39 lawmakers-elect on Thursday received their certificates of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), having contested and emerged victorious at the just- concluded March 18, 2023 elections.

Sanwo-Olu in his remarks, thanked the leadership of INEC for a job well done, hoping that in future elections it would continue to raise the bar, even as he called on Lagosians to hold his administration accountable as it commenced the next phase of the journey, that would take it till 2027.

He assured that his administration would take its mandate to a new level of performance, deliver dividends of democracy and complete all ongoing projects as well as ensure that all new ones were funded, prioritized and delivered.

The governor equally assured that his administration was poised to unlock four more years of peace, progress, and prosperity for the state as it counts down to May 29, when the renewed mandate would commence.

He, however, urged Lagosians to be law-abiding, remain united, live in peace and harmony irrespective of faith, creed, political affiliations or tribe, saying that they should not leave room for hatred, incitement, or violence as they embrace the true spirit of Lagos.

The Speaker, Obasa, in his own remark, reassured Lagosians that the State House of Assembly was ready to build on its past success, saying that the presentation of the certificate of return to him and his colleagues was confirmation of their victory at the poll.

He assured that the House would continue to make laws that would bring progress in Lagos and continue to protect the interests of Lagosians.

Corroborating the Speaker, the lawmaker representing Eti-Osa Constituency 1, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, pledged that he and his colleagues would not relent in making life better for Lagosians through effective legislation.

He reiterated that the lawmakers would continue to support Sanwo-Olu’s administration and
President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to deliver dividends of democracy to the masses.

The Lagos Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr Olusegun Agbaje, earlier in his remark, congratulated all the elected candidates, saying the successful outcome of the Lagos State Governorship and State House of Assembly elections would not have been possible without the support and cooperation of the electorates who came out to vote for the candidates of their choice.

The Lagos REC, while commending the electorate for coming out to vote, noted that their action added credibility to the election.

Agbaje charged the political class to do away with the attitude of desperation, saying that they should imbibe good conduct in politics by letting their followers know that violence, malpractices, thuggery and all other election vices were not only crimes but evil forces that can hinder the progress of the country’s democratic process.

“The political class must however change its ‘do or die’ attitude to good conduct in politics. The political culture of violence, malpractices, thuggery, vote buying and all other forms of election vices has to be done away with by political party leaders.

“This they can do by letting their followers know that violence, malpractices, thuggery and all other election vices are not only crimes but evil forces that can hinder the progress of the country’s democratic process,” he said.

Agbaje also said there was a pressing need for increased partnership and cooperation among and between stakeholders if Nigeria must attain her desired sustainable democratic ideals.

Speaking further, Agbaje noted that building up to the election, there were some hitches, but quickly said the commission was able to surmount the problems.

“The journey towards the accomplishment of success in the Governorship and State House of Assembly Election was not completely smooth as some desperate elements used their negative utterances which unnecessarily overheated the political environment.

“Armed thugs were used to unleash mayhem on the process in some areas while unfounded allegations were peddled against INEC to distract her from focusing on its mandate during the period,” Agbaje said.

He, however, enjoined the winners in the election to be magnanimous in their victory, even as he enjoined the winners to be magnanimous in victory by having an open hand approach to all Lagosians and other residents of the state.

“Let me use this opportunity to enjoin the winners of the Lagos State Governorship Election and State House of Assembly Election to be magnanimous in victory by having an open hand approach to all Lagosians and other residents of the state.

“Government must be seen by all as enhancing good governance for the benefit of the good people of Lagos state.

“For those that could not make it this time, all they need to do is to go back to the drawing board to re-strategize for another time as INEC will continue to create the needed level playing field for all those that aspire to take part in any election in Nigeria,” he added.

READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE 

• INEC postpones governorship, state assembly elections

• How weak online banking frustrates cargo clearance at Lagos ports

• 19,000 unclaimed NYSC exemption certificates: LASU gives owners final collection deadline

• From Qatar, Buhari goes to Daura for State elections

• Court sacks Benue LP’s deputy guber candidate

• EDITORIAL: Making cash freely available