CHUKA UBAH
The Apex Igbo Political group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Political Forum led by Chief Chris Ekwilo, has began the mobilization of the Igbo people in Lagos State with the target to deliver massive votes for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu emergence as President and for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second tenure bid in 2023.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that it was the outcome of the Forum’s Central Executive Council meeting held at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Secretariat in Surulere, Lagos State.
The crucial meeting comprised of five representatives from each of the 57 Local Councils, Stakeholders and captains of Industry from Igbo extraction across Lagos State.
This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Political Forum, Chief Ekwilo, also known as the Political gas and the eyes of Ndigbo (Anya Ndigbo ) in Lagos State.
Chief Ekwilo stated that at the meeting the critical Igbo stakeholders in Lagos State endorsed Sanwo-Olu and Tinubu for the election and not only supporting them but the Igbo also agreed to mobilize other ethnic groups to vote massively for the APC in the State.
Ekwilo explained that the Forum has six points agenda to gather massive votes for the APC in Lagos State and one of the points is to reach out to about 255 markets dominated by the Igbo to mobilize and explain to them why they should support the APC in Lagos State having in mind the popular Igbo adage, which states that “Ebe Onye Bi ka o na-awashi” literary meaning that one protects his area of abode.
He noted that the Igbo have the second largest population among the ethnic groups with huge investments scattered all over the State, noting that it will be unwise not to consider such before taking any political decision in Lagos State.
He explained why the Igbo arrived at the decision to support Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu by pointing out that Tinubu was in office for eight years as Governor of Lagos State, his giant strides in all sectors and quality of governance changed the face of Lagos to mega city.
He also stated that Tinubu is a detribalized Nigerian as his governance cut across all the ethnic nationalities, which made him stand out as the best among equals in leadership, noting that he designed the economic road map upon which the subsequent administrations after him built upon to achieve greater success.
Chief Ekwilo also spoke on Governor Sanwo-Olu and described him as Mr. Project, who has been working tirelessly to make great success in Lagos State. He noted that Sanwo-Olu integrated Ndigbo in Lagos State into governance and protected their interests as such building cordial relationships with other ethnic groups in the State.
He explained that Governor Sanwo-Olu has equally demonstrated that he is capable and has capacity to further develop the State through integration of other ethnic groups including Ndigbo, who have benefited much from his administration and therefore, it is time for pay him back as well as the Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Tinubu.
On how the group will achieve the six points agenda, Chief Ekwilo explained that it was the group’s task to enlighten and highlight to Ndigbo the need to support the ruling Party, the APC, if not for anything in order to secure their investments in the State. And he believes that Ndigbo are reasonable people and understand easily critical issues such as the forthcoming election.