Governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has stated that Bisi Akande, former interim chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has fully paid his dues in politics and public service.
This was stated on Thursday by the governor of Lagos, Sanwo-Olu during the launch of ‘My Participations’, Akande’s autobiography.
He described the elder statesman as one of Nigeria’s most selfless politicians and an advocate of progressive governance.
“Indeed, it’s a great honour and a very rare privilege for me to serve as the chief host at this public presentation of what I know will be a reading book of students of history and those who have a keen interest in reading,” Sanwo-Olu said.
“There are not so many people that will sacrifice more than him for democracy. Chief Akande is a great man of respect and it is therefore not surprising that the public presentation and autobiography is being witnessed by notable politicians and progressives including the president himself.
“This is indeed a testament to being outstanding. Whenever his name is mentioned, you hear words such as integrity, principled, honesty, courage, loyalty, generosity, and service.
“All his life from being an apprentice mechanic and a church clerk in Ila Orangun in the then western region and up till today, he has lived consistently by those values. You will all agree with me that this man has fully paid his dues in politics and in public service.
“One can not but be grateful for the many sacrifices and commitments made by people like Baba Adebisi Akande. As a true democrat committed to democracy and participatory governance. It is perhaps the very act that his autobiography is deeply rooted in political history which also functions as a democratic encyclopedia.”
The governor also added that Akande’s book is a timely offering in the evolution of Nigeria’s political practice and “our national life”.