Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Lagos gubernatorial election, has said that a political elite resorting to violence and intimidation to secure power lacks the capacity to govern with empathy and prioritize public service.
Rhodes-Vivour expressed these concerns via his official X account on Thursday
Rhodes-Vivour further stated that these political elites rule with impunity, disregarding accountability, and aim to subdue citizens by impoverishing them.
He noted that instead of pursuing education or employment, this system of governance leads young men to drug abuse, while many young women are forced into prostitution or trafficking.
He said, “Dear Lagosians, a political elite that deploys violence and intimidation to secure power,is incapable of governing with compassion, and could care less about serving the people. They govern with impunity, accountability is an inconvenience, and their modus operandi is to conquer citizens by pauperizing them.
“Young men that should be in school or at work are high on drugs. Many young ladies are compelled to sell their bodies, while many are trafficked.
“It is painful to see the almajarization of lagos in this new “Agberocracy”—a reality that would see Pa Awolowo and Jakande turn in their graves.”
He further urged against tribal bigọtry, emphasizing the shared responsibility to combat corruption and injustice.
“Tribal bigotry is only a grand distraction, and you might think you belong because you perform for them on social media, but you will remain an outsider—only fit for the dirty jobs. What they asked you to do to your neighbour they will eventually do to you, because for them, it is not about tribe or Yoruba greatness, it is simply about the looting of our common wealth for themselves, their families, and friends. Wake up,” he added.
