How Hamzat stepped down for me in 2018 regardless of being certified – Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has recounted how his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, shelved his governorship ambition in 2018 after get together leaders persuaded him to step apart in his favour.

Sanwo-Olu mentioned Hamzat accepted the choice with out resentment and subsequently agreed to run as his working mate within the 2019 governorship election, a gesture he mentioned he has by no means forgotten.

The governor made the revelation in a put up on X on Friday, describing Hamzat’s choice as a uncommon demonstration of loyalty, maturity and dedication to public service.

“Most of you know this story, but none of you have heard it from me,” he wrote.

Recalling the occasions of September 2018, Sanwo-Olu mentioned Hamzat had a robust political {and professional} background that positioned him as a reputable contender for the Lagos governorship seat.

“Back in September 2018, Femi Hamzat needed to be Governor of Lagos State. He had 13 years of public service underneath Asiwaju and BRF, with the document and backing to win. Then get together leaders requested him to step apart for me.

“It takes a rare man to put down what he wants without nursing a grudge. Femi shook my hand and, five weeks later, agreed to run beside me. I have never forgotten that.”

The governor famous that whereas Hamzat’s skilled credentials had been spectacular, his private character and conduct behind the scenes had been much more outstanding.

“Anyone can read a CV, but only the person in the room with a man when the cameras leave can tell you who he really is. For 2,711 days, I have been in that room with him,” he mentioned.

Sanwo-Olu additionally praised his deputy’s contributions to the administration, significantly through the COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of main infrastructure initiatives throughout Lagos State.

He recalled Hamzat’s technical contributions to a number of initiatives, noting that his engineering background enabled him to supply invaluable enter even earlier than their official commissioning.

“Long before any ribbon was cut, he was asking the tough questions an engineer asks,” he mentioned.

The governor additional described Hamzat as an distinctive deputy who had constantly demonstrated loyalty and dedication to their administration, in contrast to conditions in another states the place deputy governors are sometimes sidelined.

“On day one, Femi promised to be the best deputy governor in Lagos history. He kept his word,” he mentioned.

“In seven years, there has not been a single day I wondered whose side he was on. We have had one government, one direction, and one voice.”

Drawing an analogy between governance and a relay race, Sanwo-Olu mentioned political succession in Lagos had been constructed on continuity, expertise and the gradual switch of management obligations.

“The baton is never passed to a runner standing still. You run at full speed inside the exchange zone, together, before the pass. That is how Lagos has been governed for 27 years, from Asiwaju to BRF, to Ambode, to me,” he mentioned.

Highlighting Hamzat’s credentials and expertise, the governor described him as a seasoned administrator and technocrat with a monitor document spanning completely different administrations in Lagos.

“Femi is a deputy governor like no different. He constructed the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge underneath Fashola, digitised authorities underneath Asiwaju and holds a doctorate in engineering. His father served Lateef Jakande. This is in his blood. Critics say Lagos retains selecting from the identical pool. I say Lagos trains its folks.

“With major projects underway and a master plan stretching to 2052, this is not the time to experiment. What Femi presents today is not a campaign promise cooked up on a bus, it is the next leg of a race we have been running since 1999. Lagos does not hand the baton to a man standing still.”

Sanwo-Olu’s remarks come amid Hamzat’s unveiling of his governorship manifesto, titled “The Lagos Promise”, outlining his imaginative and prescient and coverage priorities for the state.

The manifesto focuses on key sectors, together with healthcare, training, job creation, infrastructure growth, youth empowerment, safety and inclusive governance.