The Lagos State Governor-elect, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said that the true Lagos spirit is of welcoming, embracing, liberal one, not a divisive, exclusionary one, adding that being reelected his administration will amplify this spirit.
Sanwo-Olu made this known while giving his victory speech after he was declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission as the winner of the just concluded Governorship and State House of Assembly Elections.
Under the All Progressive Congress, the Governor seeked re-election by contesting against the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Olajide Adediran, and the candidate of the Labour Party, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.
Sanwo-Olu declared winner of the election around 1am on Monday, March 20, as the returning officer, Prof Oladiji Adenike, announced that Sanwo-Olu polled 762,134 votes to win the election.
Rhodes-Vivour of the LP came second with 312,329 votes, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s Jando trailed in third place with 62,449 votes. A total of 1,182,620 voters were accredited, while 1,155,678 votes were valid.
Governor-elect thanked Lagosians, saying he is deeply humbled and grateful for the overwhelming support and trust of the good people of Lagos State.
“I am honored to be re-elected as your Governor and pledge to continue to work tirelessly to deliver a better Lagos for all. Thank you for believing in me. I have personally penned my thoughts in a letter to you. I hope you read it and truly feel my passion for Lagos”.
He said these elections have deeply tested lagosians as a people. “This victory is not just mine, but it belongs to every Lagosian. I have worked hard to live up to this responsibility of governing the most important subnational economy in Africa.
“We certainly could not have done this by ourselves. Thank you to the Almighty God and all of Lagos. Immense gratitude goes to our great party, APC, and our President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Sanwo-Olu appreciated the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, for his commitment to leaving a legacy of fairness and electoral outcomes that reflect the will of the people.
Thanked his wife, Ibijoke, his Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and all fellow contestants for their contributions, he said, “Lagos has chosen competence and experience, on this march to true greatness.
Adding that, “During the course of the campaign, we sadly saw a lot of divisive rhetoric used. Elections should be about capacity, competence, and experience, not ethnicity or religion.
Sanwo-Olu saluted those who refused to be divided by hateful and hurtful ethnic profiling. “Recent skirmishes in some LGAs resulting in injuries are reprehensible and not reflective of who we are.
“Law enforcement and security agencies have been directed to ensure that those found culpable face the full wrath of the law. Very importantly, and this cannot be overemphasized: What unites us as Lagosians is far more important and substantial than whatever differences exist among us”.
As Lagos Governor, he promised to do everything in his power to ensure that genuine healing takes place. “We will continue to run an inclusive government, that delivers for all the people of Lagos, wherever in the State they may be living.
“The true Lagos spirit is a welcoming, embracing, liberal one, not a divisive, exclusionary one. In the days and weeks and months ahead, we will continue to do everything to demonstrate and amplify this.
“We must reaffirm the spirit of solidarity and togetherness that binds us as Lagosians. Our work will continue, and there will be no break. The dividends of democracy must continue to be delivered. Thank you once again dear Lagosians”.