By Meletus EZE
A Septuagenarian, Chief Solomon Amahaotu, on Saturday called on the incoming Governor of Lagos State to rise above tribal sentiments and unite all peoples in the state.
TBI Africa said Amahaotu, 75, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after casting his vote at Ajao Estate, Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area of the state.
He said that the unity of the state should be the major issue addressed by any of the governorship candidates who eventually emerged as the Governor.
Amahaotu said Lagos State seemed to be divided along tribal lines, not even religious lines, because of activities of some miscreants.
He noted that some miscreants believed that if the governor was from their side, others would not have a say.
“I expect any candidate who emerges to make it known to everybody that his is governor for all not for any tribe,” Amahaotu said.
He said everybody contributed to the progress of the state, noting that “there is no foreigner because we are all one”.
Amahaotu said that infrastructure was another issue that should be addressed by the incoming governor, adding that most roads in the state were in bad shape.
On reasons for voting in spite of his age, he said election afforded Nigerians the opportunity to exercise their civic responsibility.
“It is wrong to say because of old age you go and sit down at home without voting.
“Age should not be the barrier.
“Everybody should come out as far as they are 18 years and above because silence means yes and you don’t have anything to complain about if you did not participate in the exercise.
“This is the opportunity to tell politicians that they cannot jump on us and do what they like, this is our power and we need to use it properly because not voting means your power is gone; so, why complaining later,” Amahaotu said.
Another voter, Mrs Christiana Soniyi, said she came to vote to secure the future of her children and grandchildren.
Soniyi decried the state of infrastructure in the state, saying that government should make life easier for Lagosians by providing the basic amenities.
She said she was praying for the incoming governor to remember the aged through the provision of basic amenities
Another voter, Mrs Amaka Ogbonna, expressed concern over voters apathy, especially at the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.
“This exercise is marred with voters apathy, we were close to 700 voters here during the Presidential and National Assembly elections.
“People are not happy and decided not to participate today and this not good for the nation,” Ogbonna said.
She urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that people’s votes counted at the end of the exercise.
Ogbonna said that electronic voting should be considered to boost voter’s confidence in future elections.
