Lagos guber: Sanwo-Olu woos Igbo traders, says he’ll prioritise their security

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, on Tuesday, visited markets in the state that are dominated by residents of south-east extraction.

The campaign tour is ahead of the governorship election fixed for Saturday. Sanwo-Olu is seeking re-election as governor of the state.

The governor visited traders under the aegis of the Auto Spare Parts And Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA) at the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo.

He also met with an amalgamation of Igbo traders across 58 major markets under the aegis of the Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association.

The governor also interacted with traders at Computer Village in Ikeja.

Sanwo-Olu assured the traders that Lagos would continue to be a melting pot for all Nigerians.

He said his administration would foster security and promote peaceful coexistence among all ethnic nationalities in the state.

“I am here on a solidarity visit and to thank you for your public endorsement of my humble self, which I believe will be reflected at the polls on Saturday with the highest number of votes cast from members of your community,” he said.

“You are not giving us your support for anything; you believe we deserve this encouragement because my team and I have worked tirelessly to improve your well-being.

“Very soon, Ojo will have a brand new General Hospital that will serve your needs. You also have seen expressways and bridges being completed on this corridor and we have awarded rail project into Okokomaiko that will aid movement of people and goods.

“I am excited that Lagos is on the path of growth. Through your cooperation and peaceful coexistence, we can ensure that we will not only build the state, we will build a better country for ourselves.”

Sanwo-Olu urged the Igbo traders not to listen to those threatening to attack them because of their electoral choices.

“We will continue to work with your leadership to enhance cooperation and identify areas we can improve on to foster peace and stability. We will not be hostile to any community of non-indigenes,” he said.

“For as long as you conduct yourselves in a peaceful manner, your safety and security will remain our priority. There is no need for any law-abiding resident to be scared.”

Ngozi Emechebe, ASPAMDA president, described Sanwo-Olu as “a true friend of Igbo”, noting that the governor has never been hostile to non-Yoruba residents living in the state.

Emechebe said the forum was initiated as a reassurance of support of the Ndigbo community to the governor’s re-election, saying that the traders would work for Sanwo-Olu’s victory in their respective polling stations.