An activist and National President of the Campaign for Dignity in Governance (CDG), Comrade Razaq Olokoba has condemned in its entirety, the uncharitable outbursts of an elder statesman, Chief Olabode George describing some political leaders in Lagos State as non-indigenes.
The concerned activist and public commentator, who took a critical look at the constant outbursts from him and described it as, unnecessary, uncalled for and divisive,” was of the view that, such a divisive tendency is not expected from an elder, who is supposed to serve as a rallying point for unity and peaceful co-existence.
The youthful political analyst, in a statement in Lagos said, “we have researched a lot about Yoruba since 1994 on the history of Yoruba land with emphasis on Lagos and we have documented evidence that shows the peculiar nature of Lagos that qualifies all the people Chief Bode George mentioned to be called Lagos citizens.”
The release further stated that, “I am one of the prominent leaders and founder of the first Yoruba Self-determination groups. I am not only ideologue of Yoruba self-determination but one of the authorities of Yoruba Struggle, agenda, demands and aspirations. This is not an intellectual arrogance, it is a fact. And this is why we are qualified to stop any campaign that is capable of turning Yoruba to a laughing stock. What Bode George is doing is not acceptable and we will always repel his bullying tendencies with all democratic means within our disposal.”
Description: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/images/cleardot.gif
While pointing out that Lagos is a peculiar state, Olokoba said it was wrong and not fair for any individual or group of individuals to arrogate the power to disqualify and deny someone his well-deserved citizenship, reminding that, the Aworis also migrated to Lagos but those who find themselves in Lagos today are eminently qualified to be Lagos citizens.
Description: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/images/cleardot.gif
“In the same vein, you find a similarity between Badary and Benin republic, no authority can disqualify their citizenship today as they are indigenes of Lagos. So who do we call an indigene of Lagos if we remove all component stake holders like those Chief Bode George is trying to wage a campaign of calumny against?” Olokoba queried!
“Let’s look back and see what those he claimed are not Omo Eko had done to advance the State in all the sectors of the economy. From Bola Tinubu, to Batunde Fshola (SAN) and now Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Internally Generated Revevenue (IGR) keeps growing which is an indication of a healthy economy brought about by people with Midas touch.
They have erected a political institution that is the strongest in the country. Every prominent Nigerian must do a business in Lagos and all these are not mere coincidence but result of strategic planning by tested and trusted hands,” the youthful political observer submitted.
In conclusion, the CDG boss said, looking back at what the so called Omo Eko had to offer through their political tendency, “we can only remember their stoppage of a well-conceived metro line, harassment and deprivation of the people of Lagos over the creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) as well as refusal and opposition to the award of a special status to Lagos,” asserting that, Lagos is pride of every Yoruba in the world.
