Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship aspirant, on Sunday fired back at Governor Akinwunmi Ambode over some scathing remarks he made against him.
At a press conference held at Alausa, Ikeja, in Lagos, Ambode who is battling to win his second term bid at the APC primary described Sanwo-Olu, his only opponent and the favourite of the party, as unfit.
Ambode said he was not mentally fit and had been arrested in the United States for spending fake dollars at a night club.
But in a swift reaction, Sanwo-Olu said it was regrettable that Ambode could resort to character assassination.
He said, however, that he had forgiven him, but was sure that if allowed to reflect on his action, would regret ever doing so.
His words: “I felt sad for Lagos as I watched the press conference by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. Many things he said were beneath the dignity of our people and the exalted office he now holds.
“Perhaps the tension and anxiety of the moment got the better of him. If given a chance at cooler reflection of what he said, I am sure he would regret his descent into such low conduct. In this vein, I forgive him and hope he regains his balance and proper comportment no matter the outcome of tomorrow’s contest. After all, we are both here to improve Lagos not to wrestle in its streets.”
READ ALSO: BREAKING: APC postpones guber primaries for Lagos, Enugu and Adamawa
Sanwo-Olu said rather than engage in mudslinging, he would concentrate on finding solutions to the different problems confronting the state.
“As a candidate for the party’s nomination and hopefully as your next governor, my approach will not be to sling insults but to propose solutions to the problems of the day,” he said.
According to him, his pursuit of office would continue to be based upon issues that matter to Lagosians and not on attacks against someone’s character.
He said Ambode’s attack on him was a reflection of his (Ambode’s) person.
On the allegations by Ambode, he said: “However, I must clear up some inaccuracies in the governor’s statement. His allegation that I was arrested for spending fake dollars at a night club in the United States is untrue. For avoidance of doubt, let it be stated that I never received any treatment whatsoever at the Gbagada general hospital.
“Lagosians are intelligent and brave. They can see through the smoke and the fog. I am here not to tear my opponent down but to help build Lagos up. With me, you will hear about progress on education, health, sanitation, proper tax levels, economic development, infrastructure, jobs, public services and other things that enhance the lives of people.
“I am a serious person and this primary is a serious matter. I have not the time or inclination to attack character when there are so many real issues to address.”
