The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Lagos, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, has called on security agencies to be alive to their core responsibility of ensuring law and order, especially as the Saturday, March 9, 2019 elections draw nearer.

Agbaje spoke Thursday against the backdrop of the harassment, intimidation and blackmail currently being visited on Ndigbo in the state by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and their supporters.

According to him, “The Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Zubairu Muazu, assisted by the other security agencies, must stem this ugly tide. Most especially in areas like Oshodi, Lagos Island, Okota, Surulere and so on where pockets of violence have so far been recorded against presumed PDP supporters.

“Security has to be beefed up in those areas. And even every other area. More so, as the governorship and HOA elections are fast approaching. APC and their supporters should also be made to understand that they have no right whatsoever to force anybody to vote for their preferred candidates. Voters must be allowed to vote for candidates of their choice. It’s actually their right and prerogative. And not something you shove down their throats, as if they are your slaves.

“Also, this idea of disrupting their business activities simply because they are not in political alignment with you must be condemned by all men and women of good conscience. As a matter of fact, the Lagos APC, with what we are now witnessing, is setting a bad precedent in the political annals of our country. Surprisingly, neither Governor Akinwunmi Ambode nor his godfather, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has spoken officially against this. Which is also worrisome.

“These troublemakers have to be urgently reined in before they do more damage to the cordial relationship that exists between people of different ethnic groups living in Lagos. Finally, I implore all our teeming supporters to continue to tow the path of peace and eschew all forms of violence. On March 9, make sure you get to your polling booths on time, with your PVC, vote for PDP, wait for your votes to be counted and then allow God to do the rest. Victory is ours and Lagos, like former Zambian leader, Kenneth Kaunda said, shall be free.”

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