The Lagos State PDP Governorship Candidate, Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor) and his running mate, Ms Funke Akindele on Friday doled out cash gifts to traders allegedly being victimised by the state’s market authorities for supporting the main opposition party.
Akindele, who presented the undisclosed amount to each of market men and women at their campaign office in Ikeja, (Liberty House) on behalf of the duo, said that Jandor was concerned about their plights.
According to her, the traders are being victimised and ejected from their shops for welcoming the PDP campaign train at their respective markets.
She decried that some of the traders were alleged beaten up by political thugs while their shops were also shut because they openly showed support to PDP, and collect party’s souvenirs at various markets in the state.
Commending the victims as well as PDP’s Market Coordinators in the state and across the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs), Akindele said that Lagos state would experience visible turnaround within 100 days of Jandor’s administration if elected.
“We are out to rescue Lagos. We appreciate your perseverance in standing firm after being intimidated and oppressed for supporting us. By the Grcae of God, our sufferings will end after the poll.
“By the power of God, within the first 100 days of Jandor, we shall begin to see positive changes and turnaround in Lagos State. We are working hard to change the story of hardship in Lagos State.
“I congratulate you, it is not easy to be bold and face difficulties that you are going through. You are brave and courageous to have done this and stood for us. Don’t be tired.
“Fear limits people and hinders them from where they are supposed to get to. So, don’t feel bad, don’t be afraid, don’t give up, be stronger, bolder and fight to the end, because it is possible to get tired at this last minutes,” she said.
Akindele said that residents had every right to support party of their choice without being intimidated in a democracy.
According to her, Adediran, is very compassionate and has listening ears, and he is concern about the plights of the people.
“We are here to share with you the little we have with you for the losses you suffered and it is not going to be one off. We are supporting you financially for being kicked out of the market to be able to feed your family well.
“We sympathise with some of you who were beaten up and your wears and goods were locked up especially the perishable.
“This is just because you are PDP supporters or we came into the market and we gave you souvenirs or listening to us while we talk about our candidacy and the need for a breath of free air in Lagos State.
“There is light at the end of the tunnel, Jandor will be the governor of Lagos State and there will be a positive change in Lagos,” she added.
She urged the traders to moved into every corner and street to mobilise voters, saying, “You don’t force people to support you, they have a voice, they will choose where to go to.”
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Idowu Adeniyi popularly known as Iyalaya, who lost several perishable fruits at Fruit Market in Kosofe, commended the candidates for the support.
Another beneficiary, Mr Sulaimon Sakariya applauded the candidates for not abandoning them to their plights for supporting PDP, “we were sent out of Ikosi Market just because we welcome Funke Akindele when she came for campaign”.
