Kunle Adelabu
-Support Tinubu’s re -election
The United Area Club (UAC) of Ikorodu declared its support for the Ikorodu for Governor agenda and the re -election of President Bola Tinubu for second term.
The group which comprises all the clubs and bases in Ikorodu, said that the campaign is necessary in ensuring that Ikorodu is reckoned with within the political circle in the state.
Akogun Lanre Olabinjo, UAC chairman, and the General Commandant, Onyabo Vigilante Group of Nigeria, spoke when he led the chieftains of the group on a courtesy visit to Comrade Japheth Odesanya, Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA) in Ikorodu Division at the RHA secretariat, Olubi in Ikorodu.
“This visit becomes necessary to add our voice to the “Ikorodu for Governor” campaign as a body that comprises of all the area clubs and bases in Ikorodu and which has been in existence for over 20 years. Even though we are not politicians, it is also very necessary to speak out.
“As a group we are getting involved to correct some things and assert our authority as a people concerned about the political activities that are happening around us
“It is important that we let the political actors know that we have serious reservations against the practice of imposing people on us in Ikorodu. They usually bring people that have not been part of us or have any contributions to the socio -political and economic development of Ikorodu to occupy political offices that we have qualified individuals to occupy.
“And, when that happens, they usually take care of their own alone thereby leaving many of us that have been sacrificing everything for the development of our community.
“So, we are also here because we are interested in what is happening at the state level and we are strongly backing the Ikorodu for Governor agenda.
:We are fully aware that our traditional rulers have been meeting and insisting that Ikorodu must produce the next Governor of Lagos State but our politicians are deceitful and only playing them. Therefore, we feel compelled to be part of the process and add our voices.”
Akogun Olanbinjo emphasised that it is the right of Ikorodu people to agitate and demand for the position.
“When President Bola Tinubu was aspiring to be Governor of Lagos State and when he declared for the President, he did not just stay somewhere, rather, he came to us to express his interest and asked for our votes and we gave him. Why should the situation be different now?” he asked.
“We need to know our aspirants and they must exercise the right to express their aspirations and tell us their agenda for Ikorodu. Invariably, Ikorodu must declare its intention openly for the Governorship of the state because we have been left out of things at the state level.”
He alleged that most of the politicians that the group have been meeting with have been discouraging them from going ahead with declaration of Ikorodu for Governor but they are determined to do just that.
Chief Olabinjo added that the group has secured the blessings and approval of traditional rulers across Ikorodu Division.
The UAC chairman, also said the group has also adopted President Bola Tinubu for second term and also mobilising for him to return to continue with his Renewed Hope Agenda for Nigeria.
“So, our interest is basically that Ikorodu must produce the next Governor in Lagos State and President Bola Tinubu must be re -elected for the second term.
“It is in this regard that we are paying a courtesy visit to Comrade Japhet Odesanya as the representative of the body championing the re – election of President Tinubu in Ikorodu Division to let him know our stand and convey our message to the Governor, leadership of the party and Mr President.”
The Coordinator, Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Ikorodu Division, Comrade Japheth Odesanya while receiving the group thanked them for the visit and commended them for being part of the movement to return President Tinubu.
“We acknowledge and commend you for joining us in the Renewed Hope Agenda of returning Tinubu. That is our interest and we are going to work together on that.
“We appreciate your coming and endorsement of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for a second term. That is a plus and highly commendable. This is a welcome development.
“I don’t want to go into too much rhetoric about the Ikorodu for Governor agenda but we will all be happy if one of our brothers is picked to be the next Lagos State Governor.
“It will serve as a promotion for Ikorodu and a big leverage. One will wish that it happens and we are all going to enjoy it. This is what we have been asking for over the time through many platforms and even our paper then, The Factor Newsmagazine.
“I know that it’s a matter of time and there is a possibility that we will get it this time around.”
He also stated that while Ikorodu will agitate and demand for the position, the decision lies on the party which is supreme.
Comrade Odesanya also assured that he will personally give the UAC report to the top echelon of the party at the state level.
He commended Sen. Tokunbo Abiru and Rep. Babajimi Benson for their exceptional representation which has helped in the development of Ikorodu.
Hon Hameed Owolabi, Director General, KOLUJO Movement and RHA’s chieftain in Ikorodu also speaking appreciated UAC group for their support for the KOLUJO Movement and commended them for supporting Ikorodu for Governor and the re – election of President Tinubu.
He emphasised that Ikorodu must demand, lobby and work for the Governorship agenda to be realised.
“Even Asiwaju Tinubu always said that power is not served a la carte. You must demand and work for it. So, Ikorodu must demand and strategically work for her political demand.
“At times if you don’t demand for what you deserve nobody will see or hear you. Asiwaju himself demanded for the Presidency and he got it. During his campaign before the last general election, at Abeokuta rally, he did not just campaign, but demanded for the Presidency stating that “Emi lo kan” (It is my turn to be President) and by extension, he was also saying that it is the Yoruba turn.
“In view of this, it is now the turn of Ikorodu to produce the next Governor of Lagos State. Our royal fathers, especially the Ayangbure, have been demanding for Ikorodu to produce the Governor for Lagos.”
