The major challenges facing Nigeria democracy today remains that of agitation against marginalization which reared its ugly head at todays press conference held by the Awori Welfare Association of Nigeria (AWAN) ably attended by its council of Obas and indigenes in Lagos State at the Igando-Ikotun LCDA secretariat.
The history of Lagos state cannot be told without the Aworis whom are seen as the rightful owners of the commercial capital of Nigeria with their age long dominance of over five hundred years and occupies 17 out of the 20 local governments areas and 26 out of the 37 of the local council development authority and beyond as well as the three senatorial districts where its cultures are well embedded.
Some members of AWAN in attendance
The Aworis are said to be the original settlers and by means the original owners of the state of Aquatic Splendor. Though this may not have been translated to its anticipated recognitions for them as they have played the role of second fiddle despite their wholesome supports to the ruling party in Lagos state for years. While thanking the apex leader of the All Progressive Congress Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership thus far, the association salute the duo of the His Excellency Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy Dr Quadri Hamzat and prayed for the Almighty God to direct them wisely.
The recent appeal for their inclusion in piloting the affairs of the state heels from the recent 25 list of commissioners and Special Advisers already screened by the Lagos State House of Assembly where only about one or two of its members cum indigenes made the list; hence the question on where lies their majority and loyalty. Though the association acknowledged the selection of its members for the position of deputy governors and commissioners in the past but worried at the turn of event this term despite its unwavering support for the ruling party during and after elections which it says can be verified.
AWAN appeals to the leaders of the state to accord its members the desired positions in subsequent appointments as it has young and vibrant youths, politicians, professionals and technocrats who worked tirelessly during the campaign for the success of the party in Lagos state while noting that participation in politics is anchored on the desire to use the route to be appointed or elected to serve the people and bring development closer to them. AWAN believes that its members deserve more than they are getting presently from the political architecture of Lagos State and strongly appeal for inclusion in the next batch of list that will be sent to the Lagos State House of Assembly for screening.
The president of AWAN Chief Solomon Ayinde Ojulowo while interacting with journalists reiterated that the purpose of the press conference is solely to appeal on all the relevant authorities to redress the concerns raised and does not represent any act of disloyalty noting that the Aworis will always stand for the development of Lagos State.
The recent insecurity challenges facing Nigeria was also highlighted as AWAN appeal to its members and everyone to always be watchful and report strange incidents and matters to their community leaders for appropriate actions so as to curb the menace.
