League of Lagos Artistes endorses Buhari, Sanwo-Olu

A group of Nollywood actors under the aegis of League of Lagos Artistes has endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari and the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

At media briefing, which also attracted members such as, Adebayo Salami, Lanre Hassan, Yemi Solade, Fausat Balogun, Ayo Badmus, Taiwo Hassan, Akeem Alimi, Funsho Adeolu, Ronke Ojo, Iyabo Ojo, Kemi Afolabi and Tayo Amokade, the group, led by veteran actor, Prince Jide Kosoko, said the endorsement is a continuation of the tradition of mutual respect and partnership built over the years.

The actor said, “those who have been most vehement in the condemnation of our involvement are those who are not fortunate to have our support.

We, however, have a duty to educate them that we are equally citizens of this great country called Nigeria. And as citizens, we have our civic responsibilities, not only to vote, but also, to collectively engage in educating and informing our people through our trade – entertainment.

“President Buhari’s antecedents in combating corruption is well known to all Nigerians, and for those who know, a lot has been achieved in that regard in the almost four years he has been in the office.

“The war against corruption, has also, for the first time in a long while, been extended to the judiciary, a move that is no doubt commendable. This, for us, means that the law, for the first time in this country, is no respecter of anybody. The era of some sacred ones among us because of status and position is now a thing of the past. This means justice for all.”

He continued, “the coming of Buhari has, however, changed the narrative, as he made the completion of projects initiated by previous administration a priority for the good of Nigerians.”

He added, “Nigerians now know that for the first time, they have a president whose integrity is not in doubt, even among his fiercest opponents and critics. Nigeria needs the goodwill that comes with that integrity.

“It is based on the above facts, amongst others that we, at the League of Lagos Artistes, individually and collectively endorse Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for second term in office.”

He added, “If you take a critical look at the history of Lagos, from 1999, when Nigeria returned to democracy, you will discover a trend of development and good governance in the state. Starting with the tenure of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a firm foundation was laid for the development of the state, a foundation that has made it the envy of every other state in the country.

“The visionary leadership of Tinubu, with his uncommon ability to discover leaders from among his associates has worked wonders for our dear state, making Lagos a pride for all within and beyond.

“So, we are therefore endorsing the candidature the man that fit the bill in our estimation, which is Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of the APC. Lagos deserves to have a man who can combine experiences garnered from both the private and the public sectors. A man with practical knowledge of the workings of government and not someone who will learn on the job. The task of governing Lagos and making it greater is too important, not just to Lagosians but to Nigerians in general and cannot be left to a novice.”

On her part, Foluke Daramola said, “we are the representative of Nigerians, we have to be involved in politics and we are entitled to our own opinions; because I’m a card carrying member of the APC doesn’t make me less of an actor and same applies to my colleague. If we are not involve in politics, we can’t move forward, so, some people always attack our personality as celebrities, because we chose to be where we chose to be, but we cannot sit down and expect miracles to happen. We are not distracted, because we believe in our dreams.”

Another member, Yemi Solade, said, “we are being mindful of our personality as celebrities and as stakeholders; A I am a card carrying member of the APC so, I’m align with what my party does. We have table our demand before the candidate (Sanwo-Olu) and he has promised to look into it.”