Raises Alarm Over Recruitment Of Thugs To Unleash Mayhem In Lagos
Alleges APC Leaders Trying To Disenfranchise Members In Lagos Primaries
Benjamin Omoike l Sunday, September 30, 2018
IKEJA, Lagos, Nigeria – The embattled Governor of Lagos Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Sunday broke his silence on the All Progressives Congress (APC), primary election causing apprehension in the state, saying his opponent in the APC primaries Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu that is billed to hold in the state today is not medically, morally fit and does not have the competence to govern a state like Lagos.
Ambode who addressed a world press conference in Lagos said, ”this aspirant has been arrested and detained for months in the United States (US) for spending America fake dollars in a night club. The records are there in the Gbagada General Hospital. This is somebody that has gone for rehabilitation before. We do not want to go too far.’’
The governor who has vowed to fight on for the ticket of the party urged party leadership to have a re-think about Sanwo-Olu or risk losing the state to the opposition party.
He said, ‘’In the last two or three weeks, they have been n putting a lot of campaign of calumny in social media and also disparaging our personality and character. But we have been extremely humble, we have not responded, we have never abused anybody because we believe that there is always a reason for us to come together. We are one big family in APC.
“Now the truth is this, the aspirant that is being put up to compete against us is not fit and proper person. This is the truth, party leaders and party members have been misled to understand that he is a better candidate than myself. I have done everything in the last three and a half years to serve people selflessly and the poor.
“We want our leadership to have a rethink because the truth is this. I will not stand here on the mandate of Lagosians and allow our great party, APC to filter away that opportunities to put in somebody that opposition will easily kick out because of credibility. So I appeal to all our leaders, they should have a rethink. This is not about me, it is about the greatest opportunities that APC stand to change the progress of Nigeria to a better place”.
The governor who wore a branded APC shirt also raised the alarm that, ‘’Security reports available to the State Government indicate that there is an ongoing recruitment and arming of political thugs to disrupt the tranquil atmosphere of Lagos State, in the guise of holding Primary Elections to cause panic or wreak havoc that will affect the progressive strides which Lagosians are known for. This is more so that we have the assurances of our party Leaders to conduct free and fair primary elections for aspirants into the various political offices.”
The visibly enraged governor said, ‘’Dear Lagosians, it has become necessary for me to address you in view of the events of the last two weeks, particularly media reports in respect of the imminent APC Governorship Primary election in Lagos State.
“The last Three and Half years have witnessed tremendous improvement in our security apparatus and a significant drop in the incidents of crime in our State. However, the current political situation has caused palpable tension and unnecessary fears among law abiding Lagosians. As a responsible Government that has invested so much in enhancing security of lives and property in the State to enable Lagosians pursue their lawful endeavours, we will not allow any disruptive elements.
“It has become imperative to put every stakeholder on notice, especially the Federal Government and Security Agencies, to take more than a passing interest in the development in this State that has hitherto been adjudged as the safest city in Africa. Consequently, the State Government will do all within its powers in collaboration with relevant security agencies to protect our citizens and insulate them from any condition that may breed insecurity or the breakdown of law and order in the State throughout the Primaries campaign and election periods.’’
While assuring all Lagosians to be calm and go about their normal businesses, the governor added that ,’’criminal elements are hereby advised in their own interest, not to foment any trouble in the name of politics or under any guise, as the full wrath of the law will be brought to bear on any law breaker.’’
Harping on successes recorded by his administration, he said, ‘’ Without being immodest, after three and half years of remarkable performance in bringing growth and development to our dear State, I have humbly expressed my intention to seek re-election in order to consolidate on the giant strides that we have recorded for our dear State and our great party, APC. This is why I once again seek the support of every party member in tomorrow’s primary election. We shall overcome.’’
He alleged that the party wants to use the 2014 registration of party members for the primary, saying it was a ploy by the party leaders in the state to disenfranchise teeming members in the state, urging the national chairman of the party Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to intervene.
