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.”
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