The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde
Fashola, on Saturday, said he would vote for his Edo State counterpart,
Adams Oshiomhole, if he decides to run for the Presidency. Speaking in Benin City at a youth summit
organised by the Edo State Government, with the theme, ‘Nigeria’s
centenary: Defining the issues and setting agenda for the future of our
youths,’ Fashola said, “If Governor Adams Oshiomhole decides to run as
President of this country, he will have my vote. He is the kind of
leader that Nigeria needs. I say that because, I have spent five
memorable years of my life in Benin City as an undergraduate and as a
youth corps member and they are very fond memories that I hold dear in
my heart today.
“I am always looking forward to coming
here each time I am invited. The excitement to come here is at an all
time high. Since my brother assumed office as your governor, Benin City
has not remained the same. It has changed positively and continues to
change.
“On my way here, I drove past my former
office on Sapele Road and clearly the place has been transformed. And
the Airport Road is now wider. I know what Ring Road used to be like and
Akpakpava Road. It is nice to know that tourism is back, flights are
regular and you have done it because you have allowed yourselves to be
led by a man who can inspire you to act. And I don’t think anybody can
claim the credit for what has happened here if not the people of Edo
State.”
In his remarks, Governor Adams
Oshiomhole appealed to the youths not to give up on the nation, stating
that the future of the country was in their hands.
Oshiomhole argued that every nation had its history and that Nigeria has come to stay.
He said, “As a people, what we should
think about is how we can get our people properly managed such that the
wealth of this great country is expressed in the quality of life of the
citizen. How do we address the paradox of a nation so rich and yet its
people are getting poorer?
“How do we raise the issue of how the
promise of democracy can be fully realised, if the Federal Government
continues to pocket 52 per cent and asks the 36 states and the Federal
Capital Territory to share 26 per cent and the rest is shared by 774
local government areas.
“I do not think it is helpful for us to
question whether Nigeria is a reality. So, I ask you as young people to
recognise that every country has its share of problems and none of those
problems can be resolved because the people have perfected the act of
lamentation.”
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