LAGOS – Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has urged Igbo residents in Lagos to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, in his aspiration to govern the state.
Okorocha, who spoke at a the party‘s special mobilisation rally at Amuwo-Odofin area of Lagos, urged residents of South-East extraction in the state to vote for Ambode in the forthcoming elections.
He said that he had interacted closely with the APC gubernatorial candidate and could vouch for his competence and sincerity of purpose to move Lagos forward.
Okorocha said Ambode was a gentleman who would protect the interests of residents from diverse backgrounds, if elected.
He noted that the Igbos were major players in the Lagos economy owing to their thriving entrepreneurial concerns in various parts of the state.
Okorocha said that Ambode had hinted him of his plans to partner with Igbo businessmen in the state, with a view to making their endeavours more prosperous.
“I am in Lagos for one man, and that is for Ambode. He is a good man and he will not deceive you.
“He has a caring heart, he loves everyone. All tribes in Lagos will be safe in his hands and this is one man that can start and continue what Fashola started.
“Lagos today has improved and he is handing over the mantle of leadership to a man that will continue in geometric progression all the good things that have been witnessed in Lagos.
“I want to urge all residents, especially my Igbo brothers, to vote for Ambode. He will protect your interests and he will partner with you to promote your businesses,“ he said
The Imo governor also appealed to residents to vote for the APC presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari in the coming elections, saying he had all that was required to reposition the country.
Also speaking, Governor Babatunde Fashola said his administration had proved that the APC was a working party with all the impactful projects it had executed.
While urging residents to vote for all APC candidates in the elections, he reminded them to collect their PVCs to enable them to exercise their franchise.
On his part, Ambode said his main mission as governor would be to consolidate on the strides of Fashola and further reposition the state.
He said that he would pursue policies and solutions that would make residents fare better and further position Lagos as a model megacity.
“We are coming to improve on what Fashola has done and do lots more. I will build 5000 roads in the next four years and create an unemployment fund to support our jobless graduates.
“I will promote the tourism potential of the state and grow the economy. I will complete all on-going projects including the 10-lane Lagos-Badagry Expressway,“ he said.
Ambode said he needed the support of Lagosians to put his plans to work, urging them to vote for him.
In his brief remark, an APC national leader, Sen.Bola Tinubu, urged Nigerians to shun religious, ethnic or other parochial sentiments in choosing their leaders.
He urged the electorate to vote for credible and tested candidates alone, pointing out that democratic dividends had no ethnic or religious coloration.