The Lagos State chapter of Afenifere Renewal Group has advised Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State to focus on his constitutional duty of providing for people’s welfare instead of seeking vain political glory.
In a statement signed by Chairman of the group, Mr. Ayo Osunloye,ARG noted that people’s welfare, a paramount priority of any government, should not be exploited for political grandstanding Governor Obi has done recently when Lagos State Government relocated some destitute people back to their home state to be reunited with their folks.
“Lagos State has a policy, backed by a House of Assembly resolution, which frowns at destitution, begging, and hawking – this is a policy that ARG supports. In implementing that policy, destitute people are moved to rehabilitation centres where they are restored to normalcy and enlisted for vocational trainings and skills acquisition, after which they are taken to their home states.
“This is a practice we wish other States in Nigeria would emulate. Hence, the best that Obi can and should do, if he is genuinely interested in people’s welfare, is to continue the rehabilitation process where Lagos stopped. Governor Obi’s foul cry appears at best a dereliction of duty. If he suspects foul play as claimed, he should investigate and ascertain their veracity rather than whip up ethnic passion and sentiments.
“ARG Lagos would want to remind Governor Obi that his intervention was conveniently silent when Ladipo Market was closed due to acute breach of environmental standards. His voice was mute when civil servants who are not indigenes of Abia State were sacked. Where was he when the veteran actress, Ngozi Ezeonu, needed N4.5m, which Governor Fashola donated?
“It is therefore hypocritical that Governor Obi has just found his voice and went straight to Mr. President, seeking reprimand when he should be developing a strategy for welfare for his people. ARG Lagos Chapter hopes the intervention sought by Governor Obi from Abuja is not another chapter in the political debacle unfolding from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum election and Adamawa and Rivers States.”
