By Abanikanda Olumoro
CITIZENS COMPASS—Recently I saw some videos on social media showing some transport union leaders strategising ahead for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 with emphasis on PVCs for whatever that means that they were doing on behalf of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), just as they did in 2023 where ethnic cleansing evidently ruled the day.
Once again, they have resorted to the same lies and intimidation they started then in Lagos State because they see that Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour is again gaining ground and is a real threat to them, politically.
It must be stated clearly out here that if GRV was irrelevant as they pretentiously would say, why would they deploy thugs to shut down his events.
First, they lied that he was adopted — thank God his parents are alive, came out openly, and debunked it. They displayed his certificates for all to see. Meanwhile, the very person these elements peddling lies around follow is using lawyers to prevent his own certificates from being revealed.
GRV is a proud Omo Eko Pataki, Christian and friend and supporter of culture particularly the Isese, hence his traditional title, Obalefun. Unlike hypocrites who consult Ifa in secret, he did it openly, bringing respect and positive attention to African Traditional Religion.
GRV has never insulted the Yoruba people; his criticism of Tinubu is not a criticism of Yoruba culture. Tinubu is not our god. GRV is not a thief, not tied to drugs, not enslaved by greed.
He is not hiding his academic records, neither did he lie about them. He studied at one of the highest-ranking universities in the world.
His lineage is known, his family has contributed to the development of Lagos and Nigerian history. These things reflect integrity, heritage, and the quality of governance Lagosians deserve.
Ask yourself: what are GRV’s policies, his ideas and convictions? Why do the youth love him so much? Why is APC so terrified of him that, despite ruling Lagos for over 20 years, they cannot campaign on good works they claim to have done but, instead, rely on thuggery to get back to office in a democracy?
Violence and intimidation are the last refuge of incompetence. And that is why Lagosians are rallying behind GRV.
Let it be clear to everyone that this guy, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, is not only indigene but also a proud son of Lagos that is very qualified to govern the state bequeathed to him and his other fellow indigenous Lagosians.
So, those who are again resorting to using ethnic cleansing as a tool for prosecuting electoral battle against him should know that, because they are certified falsehood carriers and rumour mongers, those lies that have remained part of their daily propaganda will continue to fail especially as we climb going forward to 2027.
