By By Elsie Udoh
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has withdrawn from the scheduled debate with his challenger, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor following shootings in the Surulere area of the state.
Recall that BlackBox Nigeria reported that there was a clash between APC and PDP thugs in the Aguda area of Surulere last Friday, which left the residents in a state of unrest.
Sanwo-Olu was scheduled to engage in The Platform Governorship Debate on January 29, 2023, alongside PDP’s Jandor.
However, the governor, through the Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, revealed that he would not be participating in the debate.
According to The Guild, this decision was said to have been made after deliberations with elders and respectable Lagosians who were concerned that the peace and harmonious relationship that had existed over the years in the state had been threatened.
The Commissioner said that the conduct on Friday is against the peaceful nature that Lagos stands for and that the APC party will not be found in the company of those who view the lives of Lagosians as nothing.
The statement reads, “The Lagos State Government has noted the flood of comments sparked by the shocking video of a group of thugs shooting in broad daylight in Surulere.
“Security agencies are investigating the video, which has gone viral on social media. We believe they will fish out and prosecute the evil actors, who are believed to be henchmen of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“We condemn this savagery that has portrayed our state, the safest in Nigeria, in a bad light. That is not who we are; we are civilized and cultured.
“Following advice from competent sources, including elders and respectable Lagosians, we will henceforth shun any forum that may require us to be together with PDP and its agents of violence.
“Consequently, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu regrets to announce that he will not be participating in The Platform Governorship Debate of January 29, 2023. The Governor holds Pastor Poju Oyemade and the Covenant Christian Church family in high esteem and cherishes future opportunities to engage the congregation and render accounts of his stewardship to them as integral parts of the Lagos electorate.
“We will never be found in the company of those to whom the lives of innocent Lagosians mean nothing. Mr Sanwo-Olu won’t share a podium with them.”
