‘Tested and trusted administrator’ — Ethnic coalition adopts Sanwo-Olu for second term

The Coalition of Oodua Self Determination Groups (COSEG) and other ethnic nationality groups, on Wednesday, adopted Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, for a second term in office.

Dayo Ogunlana, convener of the group, said the coalition represents most of the ethnic groups in Lagos meeting to set standards on what should be the yardstick for adoption of any of the gubernatorial candidates in the state.

Ogunlana said since Sanwo-Olu assumed office, he has never disappointed those who supported him to the position as he continues to strive towards the development of Lagos.

“We want to put the records straight that Babajide Sanwo-Olu excellently passed these aforementioned standards set with the contributions by various leaders of the ethnic nationality groups who met throughout yesterday till the wee hours of today,” Ogunlana said.

“However, as it is appropriate in a democratic setting, over ten candidates have emerged to slug the seat with him in next year’s general election. Unfortunately, none of those who have indicated interest in the office has any track record of achievement both in public and private sectors.

“Sanwo-Olu, in justifying the confidence reposed in him by his party and Lagosians on assumption of office, immediately assembled a team of dedicated Nigerians into different ministries and agencies in delivering on his THEMES agenda.

“As a democrat, he commenced the completion of the mega projects of his predecessor, with signature projects like the Pen Cinema bridge and Agege completed, Ajah jubilee bridge and others completed on time.

“He commenced the completion of the rail line project which was abandoned by his predecessor, which ordinarily will reduce traffic logjam on the roads in the metropolitan

“In his commitment to education, he continues to pay the salaries and emoluments of lecturers and none teaching staff of state higher institutions. Also, he ensured the state owned polytechnic and colleges of education are upgraded to universities, a feat that can only be achieved by a governor who understands the role of tertiary education in the life of a nation.

“His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic is another accomplishment that has remain in the minds of the people of the state. His emergence as the incident commander, where he gives updates of the situation of the unfortunate pandemic and efforts of the government to nip such spread in the bud was responsible for the curtailment of the dreaded disease. The setting up of isolation center in different parts of the state equally stabilised and saved the lives of so many of those that were affected.”

The coalition noted that the synergy between the legislative and executive arms of the state under Sanwo-Olu calls for emulation by other states.

“However, a man who has displayed such commitment to good governance deserves a second term to continue his good work and build on the legacies he laid so that Lagos will continue to be at its rightful place,” the group stated.