A former Deputy Governor of Lagos, Mr Femi Pedro, has appealed to the state residents to embrace peace and fully participate in the July 12 council elections by turning out in large numbers to vote.
Pedro made the appeal on Tuesday during the inauguration of the newly-reconstructed Abaranje-Okerube Road in Ikotun-Igando Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Pedro said that the progress recorded by Lagos over the years could only be sustained in a peaceful and participatory democratic environment.
“This is the time to think of Lagos and Nigeria first. No election is worth the blood of any citizen.
“If you perpetrate violence during the elections and die, it won’t change the outcome of the elections. It will only make your family sad.
” I want to appeal to everyone to stay alive. Come out peacefully, cast your votes and stay alive for your loved ones,” Pedro said.
“Peaceful participation is key, I want to encourage every resident to shun violence and reject apathy.
“Don’t leave the decision of leadership to a few. Your vote is your power, this is the closest government to the people,” he added.
Pedro commended Lagos State Government for consistent investment in infrastructure, noting that projects such as Abaranje-Okerube Road were vital to community growth and quality of life.
NAN reports that the project inaugurated by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is expected to ease movement for residents and stimulate economic activities in the LCDA.
Pedro, who served as deputy to Chief Bola Tinubu as the Governor of Lagos State, said he was proud to witness the continuity of people-centred governance in the state.
“Nigeria needs stability now more than ever, and Lagos must lead by example. The President Bola Tinubu administration is working day and night for a better Nigeria.
“The economy is going through reforms, but by the time these reforms start yielding results, we all will be beneficiaries of these transformative results,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some residents, who witnessed the inauguration, expressed gratitude to the state government, describing the road as a long-awaited intervention.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)