…refutes non-inclusion claims, fingers opposition
The Arewa Community in the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the protest and allegation of non-inclusion in the Supervisors and Special Advisers appointments in some councils, as a misguided and unscrupulous move by faceless individuals to downplay the good works of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the party’s leadership.
Speaking on behalf of the Arewa Community in the state, Alhaji Jida Sayid, the Vice Chairman (Central) at a news conference on Saturday, said the organisation heartily appreciates the good gesture of the APC leadership led by Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, stating that contrary to the stance of the protesters the community was included in the appointments.
Describing the appointments as a demonstration of inclusiveness, recognition, and political relevance within the APC in the state.
“Our sincere gratitude and congratulations goes to our dear State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, who always have the interest of the Arewa people at heart and very supportive for his well-deserved re-election as the State Chairman during the just concluded State Congress of our great party APC.
“We also want to appreciate him for the Supervisors/SA positions given to the Arewa Community and the Ex-officio Position given to us at state executive committee of the All-Progressives Congress ( APC ) Lagos state chapter,” Sayid said.
According to Sayid Agege, Ojo, Oriade, Amuwo Odofin, Apapa Iganmu, Ajeromi, Ifako-Ijaiye, Ikorodu, Ikoyi-Obalende and Iru/Victoria Island Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) are areas where Arewa had members benefiting from the appointments allotted.
Commenting on the protest staged at the APC State Secretariat on Monday, Sayid described those behind it as either opposition loyalists or ill-informed members.
“The disgruntled individuals, claiming that the Arewa community was not given any supervisor/SA positions were untrue and their position unfounded and lacks any verified facts.
“The protest was carried out by the organisers based on their selfish agenda which does not represent the interest or views of the Arewa Community, Lagos State.
“Therefore, we condemn such embarrassing actions and we disassociate the Arewa Community from the mischievous act completely.
“The community’s stakeholders are all on board to unravel through investigation the sponsors of the said protest as it clearly negates our rule of engagement.
“We have consulted our traditional leaders and a meeting will be called to forestall a reoccurrence of such in future.”
He listed some of the beneficiaries of the appointments to include Haija Hamdiya Mohammed (SA in Oriade LCDA); Lawan Mohammed (SA in Apapa Iganmu LCDA); Salisu Gezawa (Supervisor in Agege LG); Mohammed Zubairu and Rakiya Jibril (SAs in Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA).
Sayid reaffirmed that the entire Arewa Community remained resolute, dedicated, committed, loyal and ever focused “and working very hard towards winning the forthcoming general elections 2027 for our great party APC.”
He said that recently the Arewa General Assembly/Stakeholders Summit had endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 general elections.
According to him, Tinubu’s excellent and tremendous achievements on all sectors of the economy and his renewed hope agenda is taking the country to greater height.
Also speaking, Hajia Aisha Sanni, who was recently appointed as Ex-Officio I in the Lagos State APC State Executive Committee, applauded Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu and party leadership for carrying the Arewa Community along in the state.
Sanni, who affirmed that the party leadership had been magnanimous to the group, promised that Arewa women would vote massively for the APC in the state
“Tinubu is coming back in 2027. We want to thank the party for always carrying us along,” Sanni said.
She said that many Arewa women were already in possession of their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) saying others were being mobilised for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) to get PVCs.
The Arewa Community leaders at the event include Hajia Ramota Umar (Assistant Legal Adviser), Alhaji Mohammad Mahmud-Abba (Financial Secretary); Awwal Garba (Assistant Treasurer) and Hassan Jaguar (Youth Leader, West 2) and others.
