Adewale Ajayi,
Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in Lagos State in the last general elections Gbadebo Rhodes- Vivour has said the decision of the Supreme Court to dismiss his petition against the All Progressives Congress (APC) deputy governorship candidate in the State Dr Obafemi Hamzat that his allegiance to two countries disqualify him from contesting election shows the apex court has set a precedent that allegiance to two countries is not a barrier to contest an election.
Reacting to the verdict Rhodes- Vivour said today, the Supreme Court has set a precedent as a governor or president can have multiple allegiances to states other than Nigeria and still be the chief security officer of Lagos or Nigeria.”
He explained that the decision of the apex court is shocking and worrisome,”while i submit to this shocking decision of the Supreme Court, I worry for what this precedent holds for future generations being led by leaders with conflict of interest and loyalty. “
He maintained that nowhere in the world would a person with dual citizenship be allowed to lead the country,”there is no Liberal Democracy that will accept to be led by an individual who has sworn an oath of allegiance to another country. Citizens should not have to contemplate the loyalty of their commander in chief or the chief security officer of their state. That said, as the court pleases.”
On whether the decision of the court would discourage his interest in politics he maintained, “Politics is a marathon not a sprint, we will keep being the voice for our teeming supporters, keep engaging Lagosians and keep offering hope to the people of Lagos state.”
The Labour candidate has sought disqualification of Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu running mate in the last general elections on the ground that he has dual citizenship which the constitution and electoral frown at.
If the court had found Hamzat guilty it would automatically affect Sanwo-Olu victory and Rhodes-Vivour of Labour who has the next higher number of votes in the governorship election would have been declared the governor elect.