Follow Us on Google
By Merit Ibe
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman, Rimax Institute of Computer Studies, Chief Livinus Okwara, has congratulated Governor Babajide Sanwolu of Lagos State on his second term election victory, urging him to improve the relationship between the state and people of Igbo extraction.
He advised the Igbo in Lagos to shun negative vices and attitude that will cause disaffection with the people.
Okwara made the remark in Lagos, noting that Sanwo-Olu’s victory was earned due to his performance and leadership qualities.
He expressed optimism that the governor will continue his good infrastructure projects and impactful leadership, which he has consistently built upon since he became governor of the state.
He applauded Sanwo-Olu for his support of Ndigbo in the state, calling for continuity of the good relationship they have built over the years.
“The Igbo and Yoruba have lived happily together in love and mutual understanding and respect.
Igbo are Nigerians. The law of the land permits the Igbo man to live in any part of the country he chooses and pursue a legitimate livelihood, have freedom of association, freedom to belong to any political party or none at all and freedom to vote for any party of his choice, but the wrong choice of words and attitude can destroy that.
“The host state should not be despised at all for the relationship to continue”, he said.
“That attitude which has led to the fracas in different parts of Lagos should stop.
Yes, Igbo are hardworking, even the President, Muhammadu Buhari admitted that Igbo are always the second in every state they find themselves, in business and investment. They are everywhere. But they should bear in mind that each state guides there territory jealously.
“Lagos State has been encouraging Igbo businesses and the Ohanaeze groups.
Lagos is a commercial hub. Traders come in from different parts of the country and West African countries to trade, so some few rascals should not hide under the cover of being Igbo to spoil the relationship with the state.
“Lagos does not discriminate. We also have students from Igbo speaking states.
The relationship that started before the war should continue.
Some Igbo were born in Lagos, have houses, landed property and businesses here; they should not allow tribal or religious sentiments to destroy that relationship.”
The APC chieftain said he chose to support Bola Tinubu, who is the president-elect because of his antecedents in the state.
He said: “I’ve been supportive of Igbo candidates all the while, I chose to support Tinubu this time because of his achievements in Lagos State, which I believe he will replicate in a better way as the president of the country.
I’ve been a progressive for years and so it will be difficult for me to change now. That is why I have remained in the APC.”
He called on the president-elect to create true federalism in the country.
“Creation of states should be standardized with equal local governments.
He has the interest of the south and knows what to do.
He should bring back normalcy to the country because the effects of the monetary policy has been devastating.
“Lagos is the most developed economy in Africa and Tinubu is the arrow head;
with deep-sea port, rail line, free trade zone, rice mill, among others.
There is continuity in leadership and a seamless handover in Lagos unlike in some states where there is always a fight”, he said.
