All
Progressives Congress (APC) leader and former Governor of Lagos State Asiwaju
Bola Tinubu yesterday urged the state’s governorship aspirants to accept the
outcome of the primaries.
He made the
appeal in his goodwill message during the party’s delegates primary to elect
the standard bearer in the forthcoming election.
Tinubu noted
that the way the aspirants conduct themselves after yesterday’s primary
will be a reflection of what Lagos represents to all Nigerians: a model of
democracy, a symbol of peace and cohesion.
“I urge us all
to comport ourselves in a brotherly manner and with a democratic spirit. And to
accept the result of the primary as the choice of our party that we may move
forward to protect the Lagos we have jointly built and to continue the progress
we jointly seek.
“Please
reflect on what is good for Lagos. Our enemy is lying in wait, expecting us to
fall apart and come against each other. You are 12 aspirants and like the 12
tribes of Isreal you have some differences but you must remain one and united.
“No one tears
down what he has laboured hard to build. Let us put the enemy to shame by
resolving to work together as a family because that is what we are and must
always be; a family.
“For the party
and for all of us to win and succeed come February, we must join hands in
common cause and for one single, solitary purpose. That cause is to win the
general election so that progressive and enlightened good governance shall
continue to reside in Lagos and so that our state remains a shining example to
the rest of the nation.”
The statement
added: “Today is a historic and momentous date. It is a moment when you have
come together in the open air and light of day to select the person who will be
the party’s standard bearer for our beloved state. As such, today shall advance
the march of democracy in our state, our party and our country. With over
6,000 delegates representing the entire party in Lagos State gathered here to
fulfil their right and duty to elect our flag bearer for Lagos state, we mark
this time as an important moment.
“I want to use
this opportunity to commend all the aspirants. You all have tried hard and have
sweated and toiled for the good of the state and the party. Traversing every
inch of the state, appealing to voters and explaining your vision and
programmes for Lagos, you all have acquitted yourselves very well indeed. I am
proud of how you campaigned. You have done so by trying to sell your vision and
not by tearing each other down. You have competed fairly and honestly yet
have remained brothers throughout. This is as it should and must be. Even after
today is over and done, we must continue in this same spirit.
“When I
met with all of you some time ago , you spoke of the need to have a fair
democratic process in selecting the flag bearer. Today you have that process.
“However, we
must be realistic. As much as I wish the party could reward you all for your
intelligent and sincere efforts, it is impossible to do so. There are 12
good men seeking but one position. Only one of you can win this contest today.
We believe in you as you believe in yourself that you are all qualified in your
own right.
“But for the
party and for all of us to win and succeed come February, we must join hands in
common cause and for one single, solitary purpose after today. That cause is to
win the general election so that progressive and enlightened good governance
shall continue to reside in Lagos and so that our state remains a shining
example to the rest of the nation. The way we conduct ourselves after
this primary will be a reflection of what Lagos represents to all Nigerians: a
model of democracy, a symbol of peace and cohesion.”
Tags
Politics