The governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has joined issues with those who said he was gentle and inexperienced in politics.
Speaking in an interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo, Rhodes-Vivour said he would not engage in the type of aggressive and violent politics often associated with ruling parties in Nigeria.
Rhodes-Vivour stated that the ruling party’s constituency was made up of Agberos, a term used to describe violent thugs who extort money from motorists and pedestrians in Lagos State.
He said his campaign aimed to change the narrative by attracting working-class people to support his party.
The governorship candidate emphasized that strength was not about making noise but rather having a strong mind and quiet courage.
He added that his family history was proof of his family’s courage, citing his grand uncle who died fighting for the British Royal Air Force during World War II.
Rhodes-Vivour promised to ensure that his party’s supporters would not be intimidated or bullied during the campaign and election.
He emphasized that he would come into the race as David, not Goliath, and that his party’s approach to politics would be based on integrity, justice, and fairness.
The Labour Party candidate’s comments have generated mixed reactions from Lagos residents.
Some praised his calm and collected approach, saying it was a refreshing change from the aggressive politics that had dominated the state for years. Others, however, criticized him for being naïve and inexperienced, saying he would not be able to withstand the pressure of Nigerian politics.
He said: “Did you witness the October 1st rallies in Lagos State? It was boisterous, it was full of hope, it was full of much energy.
“Now if you look at most of those people that came out, they’re the working class people, not Agberos. People ask to show me your friend and I will show you who you are.
“The Agberos that are knocking on people’s car and robbing them, that is the constituency of the ruling party and we’re trying to change that.
I’m not going to Out-Goliath Goliath, I am going to come as David in this story.
“Herbert Macaulay, Ojukwu, Awolowo were gentlemen.
“Strength is not about the noise you make, it is about the strength of the mind. Courage is not loud. Real courage is quiet. Empty barrels make the loudest noise.
“My grand uncle at 29, heard about what Hitler was doing to Namibians. He went to go and enrol in RAF. He died bombing Hitler, so in my blood level,we have wire that touches, but we are not noise makers.”
“We need to redefine strength and courage. If elected, we are going to ensure that our voters are not intimidated.” (GWG)
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