Hakeem Oladimeji Lawal, gubernatorial candidate for Social Democratic Party, SDP, in Kwara State, in a statement signed by Deputy Director, Media and Strategic Communications, SDP/Hakeem Lawal Campaign Organization, Abdulrasheed Akogun, has revealed that the O To Ge stakeholders in 2019 only asked for votes from Kwarans but forgot to ask for ‘a benevolent, God fearing and just leader’.
The disclosure was made during an interactive parley with Christian Leaders under the umbrellas of Church Leaders and Minister Fellowship of Nigeria and Ilorin City Forum, which held separately at their Asa-Dam secretariat and 2nd ECWA Church, Amilegbe, Ilorin on Tuesday.
“We were here during the 2018 electioneering seeking your support and prayer, which you did and we won.
“Sadly, we forgot to request for a benevolent, God fearing and just leader. That’s the summary of the reason why we are where we are today. Now, we are back here, not only seeking your prayers and support, we also request that you support us all the way and May God make us the poster boy and answer to all the people’s yearnings.” He said.
Hakeem, a financial expert assured that his administration will not run a we-know-all government but partner with relevant stakeholders to drive the state to prosperity: “we are not an island of knowledge, that’s why we’re not imposing our plans on the people, we’re rather partnering all relevant stakeholders, religious leaders, traditional rulers and all and sundry in policy conceptualization, formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. The people will be involved throughout, our policy thrust is bottom -top approach in all our actions and inactions.”
Hakeem, however, maintained that he’ll be governor for all, stating that he’s a product of fairness, justice and equity.
“I understand perfectly the complaints and fears of the Christian community. I can assure you that we’ll govern under strictly guidance of fairness, justice and equity.” The statement concluded.
Reacting on behalf of the Church Leaders and Ministers Fellowship of Nigeria and Ilorin City Forum, Rev. Adebayo Kehinde Johnson commended the SDP and its candidate for deeming it to visit the Christian Leaders, adding that the Christian faith in Kwara is grossly dissatisfied with the present reality of things in the State today, claiming that Christian are being subjected to unfair treatment by the current administration.
