The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State on Thursday presented Certificates of Return to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat and 40 members-elect of the Lagos State House of Assembly, following their re-election at the March 18 poll.
INEC Supervising National Commissioner in charge of Ekiti, Oyo and Lagos State, Mr Sam Olumekun handed over the Certificates of Return to the Governor-Elect and the Deputy Governor-Elect while the Residen Electoral Commissioner (REC) Mr Olusegun Agbaje presented the Certificates of Return to lawmakers-elect.
Speaking, Agbaje, at the issuance of the certificates urged the elected public officers to be true to the promises made to the people and shun ado-or-die politics.
Agbaje, who congratulated the winners and all the stakeholders in the electoral process said he was humbled by the outcome of the election despite the enormous challenges that characterised the exercise.
He said: “The journey towards the accomplishment of success in the Governorship and State House of Assembly Election was not completely smooth as some desperate elements used their negative utterances which unnecessarily overheated the political environment.
“Armed thugs were used to unleash mayhem on the process in some areas while unfounded allegations were peddled against INEC to distract her from focusing on its mandate during the period.
“The commission was however undaunted as it remained focused on doing all that was required within the ambit of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to avail all registered political parties that nominated candidates for the election equal opportunity to participate in the process.”
According to him, the commission prepared adequately and set up all the machineries needed to guarantee the smooth conduct of election in the state.
He said that the political culture of violence, malpractices, thuggery, vote buying and all other forms of election vices had to be done away with by political party leaders.
The INEC boss urged the winners to be magnanimous in victory by having an open hand approach to all Lagos residents and other residents of the state.
Agbaje said that government must be seen by all as enhancing good governance for the benefit of the good people of Lagos State.
He added: “For those that could not make it this time, all they need to do is to go back to the drawing board to re-strategiae for another time as INEC will continue to create the needed level playing field for all those that aspire to take part in any election in Nigeria.”
Responding, Sanwo-Olu said that said that the certificate affirmed him as the duly elected Governor of Lagos State for a second and final term of four years, saying that he would remain governor of all residents.
“Today, I stand before you older, wiser, more experienced, and more committed than ever to deliver on the contract that binds me to the good people of Lagos State.
“You have been with me every step of this journey, providing feedback, sharing your opinions, holding us accountable.
“As we commence the next phase of this journey, that will take us until 2027, I want you to continue to hold us accountable, as your elected servants.
“We have made promises, indeed, and we have also delivered on so many of them,” he said.
The governor said that residents had seen his accomplishments over the last four years, in line with our THEMES Agenda.
“Now we must take the work to a new level of performance and delivery.
“We will complete all the projects we have started, and ensure that all new ones are funded, prioritised and delivered. This is our solemn promise to you,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He called for unity among residents regardless of where in Lagos they live, or what mother tongue they claim, or the faith embrace.
“Those ideals and aspirations are the things that truly matter; over and above any of the differences that may exist amongst us.
“I want to remain the Governor of all Lagos residents, irrespective of faith, creed or tongue.
“Just as diversity propels progress in all global cities that we know of around the world, we must purpose to make diversity birth prosperity for our dear state,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu extended a hand of fellowship to all those who contested against me, for the office of Governor of Lagos State, urging them to join hands with him “to build the Greater Lagos of our dreams.”
He added: “For those dissatisfied by the outcome of the Governorship Election, there is the legitimate mechanism of redress offered by the judicial system.
“To all the good people of Lagos State, let us leave no room for hatred, incitement, or violence in our midst.
“The true spirit of Lagos is law-abiding and welcoming of the diversity that defines us-the diversity of ethnicity, of religion, of social class, of political affiliation.”
He said that his re-election would unlock four more years of peace, progress and prosperity for Lagos State as well as another four more years of massive infrastructure renewal and development.
Sanwo-Olu said that he reelection was another four more years of forward-looking policies in transportation, health, education, environment, agriculture, security, wealth creation, entertainment and culture, and youth development.
He urged residents of Lagos State to make it four more years of responsible and law-abiding citizenship, and of fulfilling all our civic obligations to Lagos State, including obeying the laws of the land, paying our taxes as and when due, being our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers.
