The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has asked Lagos residents to avoid any act of violence in the wake of his loss to Peter Obi in the presidential election held in the state.
Obi, the candidate of the Labour Party (LP), was declared the winner in Lagos — a state which has always been the stronghold of Tinubu.
In the final results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Obi garnered 582,454 votes against Tinubu’s 572,606.
The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar got 75,750 votes, while Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) got 8,442 votes.
In a statement released Monday by the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) signed by Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu expressed serious concern over reports of violence in parts of the state especially reported attacks on some traders of Igbo origin.
The former Lagos State Governor condemned any form of violence against people of any ethnic group in Lagos.
“The fact that the APC narrowly lost Lagos State to another party should not be the reason for violence. As a democrat, you win some, you lose some. We must allow the process to continue unhindered across the country while we maintain peace and decorum,” the statement said.
Similarly, the governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged all Lagosians to go about their businesses without any fear.
In a statement, the governor said law enforcement agencies have been asked to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order in any part of the state.
“Let us remain calm. All will be well. We are a peaceful people and so we shall remain,” he added.
There have been reported attacks by some hoodlums on some Igbo traders in Lagos, especially on Lagos Island and other areas dominated by the Igbo traders.
Similarly, some banks in the state also shut down operations on Monday to avoid any backlash from the presidential election.
Meanwhile, President of the Ladipo Auto Market, Jude Chikelu Nwankwo, has debunked rumours going round that the market is on fire, attacked by hoodlums.
In a widely circulated video, Nwnakwo said the market is calm, urging traders to continue with their lawful business.
