Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, on Friday, disclosed at a press conference that one of the greatest lessons he learnt with his trial in a N600 million money laundering case and the subsequent acquittal is that it pays to persevere.
He also said he bore no grudge against those who attempted to rubbish him with the petition that later resulted in the suit.
At a press conference he held at the Assembly complex, the Speaker said he was not the owner of the victory, but the Assembly, the state government and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Victory is sweet but I have learnt to wait patiently for it. It is a victory for our party, the All Progressives Congress, and everyone who has stood solidly by me in the last three years,” Ikuforiji said.
“The struggle goes on; our work is not done. While we savour this victory, we must remember that we still have a lot of work to do. This victory is a call to action.
As the 2015 general election approaches, we must rally round to ensure victory for our party at all levels. Our politics should not divide us.”
Continuing, the speaker, who has also started campaigning for the 2015 governorship election in the state, said: “to those who have attempted but failed to humiliate us and defeat the course of justice, I bear no grudge.
“However, I ask them to join me in the big task ahead. By pronouncing me not guilty, in fact, by dismissing the bases on which the needless trial was wrought, the Federal High Court has renewed my commitment to the struggle for a greater Lagos State.
“I am not tired; the task of governance must go on and I will continue to serve Lagos, its people and our country to the best of my ability. I promise to never betray the confidence reposed in me; today’s victory is historic; it will spur me to work harder for the growth of our dear state and progress of our people.
“My victory today compels me to rededicate myself to the arduous task of lifting Lagos State to higher heights. It also propels me further in my personal and political struggle to protect the enviable legacy od good governance, sterling leadership and unmatched excellence for which Lagos State has come to be known.”
