Speeches

Let's Pray For Successful, Free And Fair Elections In 2011

Dec 24, 2010 - My Dear Lagosians,

Let me congratulate us all as we once again arrive at this season of joy and gladness when we join our Christian brothers and sisters the world over to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

This year's celebration is particularly significant as our dear country is once again at the threshold of a democratic rejuvenation and all hands must be on deck to deliver a violence-free electioneering and a peaceful expression of choices through the ballot.

Today, as we rejoice and celebrate this auspicious season with family and friends, therefore, let us spare a thought for Nigeria and pray that the Almighty God would guide us in our choice of those who will look after our common wealth and welfare for the next four years.

It is, indeed, a period when we must reflect on the nature and character of leadership we want for our country and ourselves. It is a time when we must look beyond the immediate gains from those who only want to exploit our helplessness. It is a time when we must exhibit the courage to change those things that we do not accept. It is our chance to put our country firmly on the path of progress.

Fellow Lagosians, ours has been a history of successful and sustained stand on the path of truth as we continue to chart the course for true federalism in our country. We must continue on this path and provide leadership in the successful realization of free and fair elections come 2011. To do this, we must not only register and vote, we must ensure that our votes count.

Let us, therefore, strive to make this season a period of spiritual and socio-political revival; revival of hope and belief in our nation, revival of determination to make our country a better place for all of us, revival of hope in the possibilities of a nation where, though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we will stand.

I wish all Christians a very merry Christmas celebration.

Eko Oni Baje

BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA (SAN)
GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE