A coalition of civil society organisations has condemned the recent rejection of the Governors Advisory Council’s (GAC) endorsement of the incumbent governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) led by Professor Ishaq Akintola,
The Defend Lagos Coalition, in a release signed by 10- member-associations, said it is appalled, by the statement, which it says, is “a well-orchestrated plan, to destabilise, not only the politics of electing governors in Lagos State but also, to bring a strange culture of religious disharmony, into the most peaceful state in the country, that is, Lagos.
“As Lagosians, we have never witnessed a scenario, where religion, is ever a factor, in electing leaders in our state. It is imperative, to remind Mr Akintola, that various positions at the Executive and legislative level, since our return to democracy in 1999, have witnessed successions, purely on the ground of merit, and not tribal, religious or any other primordial factor.”
The group insists that the GAC decision, asking Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to make himself available, is in line, with the popular opinion of Lagosians, “who have greatly reposed a lot of confidence, in the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, based on his brilliant performance, since being in the saddle, as the Governor of Lagos, in 2019.
“Finally, we urge Lagosians across every line, to disregard the ignoble call of Mr Akintola, and continue to promote the peaceful co-existence that we have enjoyed, as one people.
The statement was signed by the following:
Comrade Declan Ihekaire, Comrade Olufemi Lawson, Comrade Gbenga Soloki, Comrade Nelson Ekujumi, Comrade Edafe Brume, Comrade Jubril Ogundimu, Comrade Raji Oyewunmi, Comrade Elijah Ajani, Comrade Dayo Ogunlana, Comrade Rasak Oladosu