Supreme Court Lagos Gov verdict; Pressure on PDP! Labour To Congratulate Sawno-Olu
Gov. Sanwo-Olu
By Kunle Awosiyan
The Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, in Lagos State has urged the candidates of the Labour Party Gbadebo Rhode-Vivour and his counterpart for the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Jide Adediran in the last Lagos Governorship election to congratulate Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The IPAC Chairman, Olusegun Mobolaji made the call while reacting to the Supreme Court verdict that affirmed the election of Sanwo-Olu last Friday.
He said since the apex court had spoken, both Adediran and Rhode-Viviour should rejoice with Sanwo-Olu and congratulate him, while waiting for another election.
“If the apex court has given Sanwo-Olu the victory as the deserved winner, let us rejoice and celebrate with him by congratulating the governor,” the IPAC boss said.
He called on all election stakeholders and institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) security and judiciary to work together to make Nigeria’s democracy better.
Speaking, he said that the victory at the Supreme Court had laid to rest all bickering, beyond all doubt, adding that it is a cconfirmation and revalidation that Sanwo-Olu is people’s choice.
“I want to reaffirm the commitment of our dear Governor, on delivering more dividends of democracy to us in Lagos State, no more distraction. We will witness a new Lagos Rising from all strata and our hope and aspirations of a committed and determined servant of the people will come to light.
The former Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) was among the first set of personalities that congratulated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his victory at the Supreme Court last weekend.
He said that the judgment of the apex court that affirmed the election of Sanwo-Olu was expected, adding that it had now laid to rest all insinuations of riggings being implied by the other contenders in the case.
As he put it, “I think that is how it should be when you have concurrent findings at the trial and appellate courts, it’s a rarity for supreme court to depart from those conclusions. Congratulations to our governor, congratulations to our party and congratulations to our government. There will be no more distraction for governance running at full pace.
The verdict threw up a big jubilation among supporters of the All-Progressives Congress across and beyond the state, creating a jolly atmosphere for the governor who was returning from the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja where he had gone to attend a meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
Sanwo-Olu was seeing dancing with some members of the party at the arrival lounge of the Murtala Mohammed Airport to celebrate his victory at the supreme court.
Also reacting to the victory, Speaker at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, described the supreme court verdict as a testament that the residents of Lagos did not only endorse APC but voted for the candidate of the party as their governor.
The Speaker, who also revelled on the Party’s triumph in the House of Assembly elections said “With the election battle now put to rest by the Supreme Court, I join millions of our supporters to congratulate our amiable Governor and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat.
“It is a victory well deserved as the Supreme Court has now proven the Election Petition Tribunal and the Appeal Court right concerning their earlier rulings in favour of Governor Sanwo-Olu”.
The lawmaker urged the Lagos populace to key into the ongoing administration, practicing their obligations with focus on realization of greater condition in the society.
“On behalf of my colleagues at the Lagos State House of Assembly, I also congratulate our party, its leadership, members and supporters for all the efforts they put into the electioneering just as I urge other contenders in the election to join hands with the current administration and support its policies to make Lagos greater,” Obasa said.
To the state APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, the verdict should put end to partisan politics of the opposition candidates.
“Those in opposition are advised to team up with the APC government in Lagos State, so collectively, they will serve the people better.
“The era of partisan politics has ended and all hands should be on deck now towards contributing our quotas aimed at making Lagos the Centre of Excellence through good, meaningful and excellent programmes for the people.”
Congratulating the APC family and the people of Lagos at large, Ojelabi said the victory was long-awaited and well-deserved.
Ojelabi added that the victory had further reinforced that the votes cast by the electorate on March 18, for the joint tickets of Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat “were and are not a waste but for the progress and development of the state”.
He assured Lagos residents that the Sanwo-Olu-led administration would continue to deliver on its electioneering promises to usher in more dividends of democracy.
He described the unanimous judgment by justices of the Supreme Court as a further testimony of the court’s belief in employing credible judicial pronouncements and judgments to strengthen and entrench democracy.
The Executive Chairman of Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju described the judgment as a triumph for democracy.
The Supreme Court ruling not only reaffirms the trust and confidence in Sanwo-Olu’s leadership but also validates the tremendous support and belief in their abilities to steer the State towards progress and development.
He highlights Sanwoolu’s distinctive leadership style, which has witnessed remarkable achievements and transformative initiatives that have positively impacted the lives of Lagosians.
His focus on Education, Healthcare, Transportation, and Security has brought about significant improvements, making Lagos a model state in Nigeria.
“We commend his inclusive approach to governance, as he continues to engage and listen to the concerns and aspirations of the people. His commitment to transparency, dialogue, and citizen participation has fostered a stronger sense of belonging and trust among Lagosians.
On behalf of Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area, I once again extend congratulations on this well-deserved victory, and we pledge our unwavering support and commitment to your administration. Together, we will strive towards building a prosperous and sustainable Lagos State.
The Chairman of Odiolowo-Ojuwoye LCDA, Mr. Rasaq Olusola Ajala, said that the verdict hasd conclusively settled all issues stemming from the election.
“I am confident that your well-deserved win is a testament to your outstanding performance in your first term. The judiciary, as the last bastion of justice, has once again upheld the faith of citizens.”
Acknowledging the administration’s commendable progress, he remarked, “Your team has consistently achieved significant milestones since assuming office, and we are optimistic that this victory will eliminate distractions, allowing for an even more impactful tenure. I trust this declaration will inspire heightened dedication to fulfilling your electoral promises for the people of our dear state.”
To governor Sanwo-Olu himself, the Supreme Court verdict is a victory to all Lagos residents. He urged his opponents during the 2023 governorship election to join him to develop the state.
He said the apex court verdict revalidated the position of Lagosians who freely cast their ballots on March 18, 2023.
According to him, the victory is not just for him and his deputy, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, it is for the rule of law, our democracy and the entire people of Lagos State.
He said, “Like I said in my acceptance speech after the results of the election were declared, there was no victor or vanquished. Our approach to governance since May 29, 2019, is a clear example of inclusive governance, which we believe in and stand for.
“I therefore invite those who are still standing on the fence to show their love for our dear state by joining the train of progressive governance. We do not profess a monopoly of ideas.
“Today’s judicial pronouncement, like those of the Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal in Lagos, have buoyed our confidence in the country’s judicial system. We do not take it for granted. For us, our aim in governance is about service and ensuring that we are not distracted from all the promises we made to our people. The judgement will now allow us to accelerate our interventions to ensure that we continue to deliver more dividends of democracy to our citizens- in line with our THEMES+ developmental agenda.”
I commend the judges for their well-thought-out and detailed judgment. They explained the reasons that led them to their conclusions today. We thank the Supreme Court judges, as well as the Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal judges for their firm commitment to the principle of fairness and justice.” He, however, said the victory would spur him and his deputy to do more in office.
The Labour Party candidate in the 2023 Lagos State Governorship election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, had in his appeal claimed that Sanwo-Olu’s running mate qualification, Obafemi Hamzat, had renounced his citizenship as a Nigerian.
The court held that Sanwo-Olu’s deputy is a Nigerian by birth, adding that renunciation of citizenship of a citizen by birth must be registered by the Nigerian president, adding that the appellant did not provide any evidence to that effect.
The court, however, dismissed the appeal by the Labour Party candidate for lacking in merit.
Also, Abdulazeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, who is the Peoples Democratic Party, on his part, contended that the name Sanwo-Olu submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission was different from that contained in his WAEC certificate.
The apex court while dismissing appeal described it as “academic”.