The lawmaker representing Amuwo Odofin federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr. Oghene Egoh, says his victory at the general election has dismissed the myth that non-indigenes can’t win elective posts in Lagos State.
Egoh, a Peoples Democratic Party member, defeated the All Progressives Congress candidate, Mr. Ganiyu Olukolu, in the National Assembly elections. He, therefore, called on non-indigenes in the state to fight for relevance and seek elective posts.
The lawmaker, who hails from Delta State, spoke in Lagos on Saturday during a victory party held in his constituency.
He said, “Let me say that my victory is dedicated to the good people of Amuwo Odofin and with this victory, the road is open for non-indigenes to contest elections wherever they may live in Nigeria. If I can make it, you can also win. Another lesson learnt from my victory is resilience. Never give up on your pursuits.
“This is the third time I am contesting election to represent the good people of Amuwo Odofin at the federal level in the last 16 years. I could not succeed in my first and second attempts. But with determination and God’s help, I made it in my third trial.
“To the young ones, I say, don’t give up on your dreams. If I can make it after 16 years, you too can do it with perseverance. I promise the people of Amuwo Odofin that I will not disappoint them. You have elected me to make laws for the betterment of Nigeria and I will do it to your satisfaction.”
Egoh said that Britain and Poland had broken the barrier against non-indigenes seeking elective positions, Nigeria should learn from such countries.
The PDP lawmaker maintained that there was no genuine reason why a Yoruba, Igbo or South-South indigene could not contest elections in Kano, Kaduna or Abuja.
“In the same vein, a Yoruba person should be able to win elections in Port Hacourt, Onitsha or Warri,” he said.
