The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ajomale

  • Court verdict on Odi-Olowo LCDA obtained by deception, says Ajomale

    The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Chief Henry Ajomale, has said Friday’s court judgment cancelling Odi-Olowo Local Council Development Area primary election conducted by the party was obtained by deception.

    The primary was to pick candidates for the forthcoming local government elections in the state.

    Reacting to the court verdict calling for the fresh primary election in the area, Ajomale said the court case was an ambush, saying the case was filed by former Commissioner for Environment in Lagos, Mr. Muiz Banire by proxy.

    The statement reads: “This judgment in respect of Odi-Olowo LCDA was obtained by deception. It was an ambush.  The judge was misled into believing that those presented to him as genuine members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have nothing to do with the conduct and organisation of the primaries.

    “Pray, how can the so-called party members brought in as defendants be the same persons disavowing the party’s primaries? They were the ones who were served the court processes. Nobody in APC Lagos was served the court processes. They were the plaintiffs and defendants at the same time. Muiz Banire filed the suit by proxy; he also procured the lawyer who ‘defended’ the party.  As the Yoruba would say, he invited the thief and also called for law enforcement officers to come and arrest the thief.

    “The court process had been on for more than a month, but the party only knew a day before Banire got the judgment. This judgment is frivolous. This is a pyrrhic victory. The party has set in motion the process of putting down the judgment by way of appeal. We have put together a crack team of senior legal practitioners to properly defend the party.  This judgment cannot stand.

    “It must be pointed out that this flighty judgment is in respect of Odi-Olowo LCDA. There is another one also fraudulently filed in respect of Mushin and recall that Odi-Olowo and Mushin are the two local governments where Banire comes from. The fraudulent cases are a testimony to how an officer is busy abusing his position.

    “With the appeal, the party’s arrangements for the election as fixed by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) would continue in Mushin and Odi-Olowo and APC members should intensify their ongoing campaigns. They should not be distracted by this irresponsible conduct”.

  •  Ajomale, Dangote, others honour Ambassador Oluwole Coker at late mother’s burial

     Ajomale, Dangote, others honour Ambassador Oluwole Coker at late mother’s burial

    High profile dignitaries including  the Chairman of All Progressives’ Congress (APC),Lagos State chapter, Chief Henry Ajomale and business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, yesterday graced the final burial ceremony of Ambassador Oluwole Coker’s late mother, Mother in Israel Christiana Modupe Coker, whose body was finally laid to rest yesterday in Lagos.

    Friends, well-wishers an chidren of the deceased filed out to bid the departed a well- deserved final farewell, and to celebrate a life well lived by their late matricarch.

    Mother in Israel Christiana Modupe Coker nee Majiyagbe died at a ripe age of 92. She was born on the 15th of November 1924 in Abeokuta to Mrs Olatilewa Mjiyagbe of Oke Ona, Abeokuta and died on the 30th of November 2016.

    With early education at Gibson White Primary School and then secondary education at Methodist Girls School, Yaba, Christiana Modupe Coker showed early signs of industry. She worked at the then popular Kingsway Stores, Idumota, before being swept off her feet in marriage to Nathaniel Ekundayo Coker (MBE) in 1945.

    The couple later moved to Kaduna where Christiana’s husband was operating from as the Baba Aladura, the Spiritual Leader of Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Nigeria and Overseas. There in Kaduna, Christiana lived for 60 years before returning to Lagos in year 2012.

    Guests were hosted to a lavish reception at Bishop Adelakun Howells Memorial Hall, Surulere, while the children of the deceased to relive fond memories shared with the deceased.

    Other dignitaries at the event included General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Colonel Leo Aborisha(rtd); Archbishop (Prof) Adebayo Akinde, former Archbishop of Lagos West Diocese of the Anglican Communion.

  • 2019: There’s room for realignment in Southwest, says Ajomale

    2019: There’s room for realignment in Southwest, says Ajomale

    Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman Chief Henry Ajomale has predicted a broader power base for the party in the Southwest. In this interview with Assistant Editor LEKE SAAUDEEN, he speaks about the controversial Ondo APC governorship primary, the relationship between President Muhammadu Buhari and Asiwaju BolaTinubu as well as other partisan issues.

    How do you feel at 72?

    I don’t feel anything special. It’s like every other day. I thank God for my life and for His grace. I thank Him for being alive. God has been so merciful and kind to me. I dedicate my life to the service of humanity in whatever capacity I find myself.

    How did you become a politician?

    It was an encounter I had with members of the task force of Shomolu Local government that gingered me to go into politics. I went into law practice after I resigned as a diplomat in 1989. One day, as I was driving out from my chambers, on getting to Jibowu interchange, a motorist crossed the road unexpectedly and I had to apply brake suddenly to avoid collision. On getting over the shock, I started moving. As I was going, some rascals jumped into the street and asked me to park. They entered my car and asked me to drive to the council. When we got to Shomolu Local Government, everybody started hailing me calling me the honourable; they were celebrating that their net had caught a big fish. They accused me of stopping at the middle of the road. I introduced myself to the council chairman and stated my case. He reprimanded the boys and told them to return my vehicle particulars. It was that day I made up my mind to join politics. I asked myself why should these miscreants be on the road extorting motorists? The answer was that we must fine tune the law that empowers local government agents to arrest motorists in order to put an end to the extortion of innocent people in the society.

    You have been the leader of the progressive party in Lagos State for more than a decade. How have you been coping?

    It is not easy. As party chairman, your brain must be at alert 24 hours per day. Apart from the supervision of the general administration of the party, people come to the secretariat for one thing or the other which I must address. Even when you are in your house, party members are always there to attend to on daily basis.  Besides, I have to monitor what is going on at the local government level. It is not easy for one man to do all this. But, I thank God for the able lieutenants around me for ensuring that we stay afloat in Lagos State.

    How prepared is the APC for the local government poll in Lagos State?

    We are prepared even if the election is to hold tomorrow. Even though the APC is the ruling party in the state, we are not relenting. I can assure you the APC will sweep the poll.

    We asked this question against the background of the incursion made by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state in the last general elections.

    We have learnt from our mistakes. We did our utmost best to ward off the tide of incursion. We didn’t have the financial muscle to match the PDP chess board. The PDP controlled the federal treasury then. We lost in one particular axis with large concentration of non indigenes. A multi-billionaire Ifeanyi Ubah living in that axis had vowed to win Lagos State for his benefactor, former President Goodluck Jonathan. During the campaign period, he deployed truck loads of rice to all local governments for distribution to bribe voters. I saw them distributing the rice in National Stadium, Surulere, Okota, Ajao Estate and Amuwo-Odofin. Ifeanyi Ubah has a warehouse loaded with electronics and gave out radio and television to the people to ensure victory for the PDP at all cost and to pay back Jonathan for making him a billionaire.

    We couldn’t match Ifeanyi Ubah’s financial war chest in funding the 2015 general elections in Lagos State. In the APC, the election became an individual challenge; we spent our personal money to prosecute the elections.  Can you compare the federal might with individual efforts? Remember, few weeks to the presidential election, Jonathan relocated to Lagos. He abandoned Abuja, the seat of power just because he wanted to win Lagos. I understand he brought about $700 million for him to win the presidential and governorship election in Lagos State. How could we have matched their financial strength? Upon the onslaught, Lagos still stood firmly for the APC. We congratulate the people of Lagos State for the confidence reposed in our party and the leadership. They have been benefitting from our party’s programmes. If you compare what Lagos was under the military rule and under democratic governance, the difference is very clear. the APC has been fulfilling its promises.

    Has the APC fully reconciled with the aspirants that lost out in 2015 governorship primary?

    The 2015 governorship primary was not the first time we had a long list of aspirants. In 2007, we had more than 18 that came out to contest the party ticket with Babatunde Fashola, who eventually emerged as the party’s flag bearer. We were able to hold the party together. We appealed to those who lost out to put the party interest above personal ambition. Many of them listened to us and worked for the victory of the party.

    Similarly, in 2015, more than 15 came out. A lot of people wanted to take over the governance in Lagos State because they knew the APC will always win in the state. Immediately after the primary that produced Mr Akinwumi Ambode as APC governorship candidate, we embarked on reconciliation and of all the aggrieved aspirants. Majority of them reasoned with us and worked for the party. Those who didn’t heed our call are insignificant. We give glory to God for seeing us through at the poll.

    Don’t you think the unresolved controversy over the Ondo APC governorship primary will affect the party in the poll?

    It is a complicated issue. We have been hearing conflicting statements over the matter. That question will be better addressed by my colleague in Ondo State (the APC Chairman) because jumping into conclusion will put me into trouble. However, the leadership of the APC has been looking into it and I am sure it would be resolved very soon.

     Is it true that there is conflict between President Muhammadu and the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu?

    It is rumour and mere speculation. I believe there is so much love between them; they are very close. Before Asiwaju travelled abroad, he visited the president in Aso Rock. He was received by Buhari. People have been speculating. To me, I don’t think there is any problem between the two leaders.

    If there is any conflict, it is something infinitesimal. There is bound to be misunderstanding. If there is any, President Buhari will invite his twin political brother (Asiwaju Tinubu) to Abuja to iron out the differences. I think Mr President has overwhelming national problems to grapple with rather than be weighed down by personal issues.

     Is it true that Tinubu is reaching out to Afenifere leaders in the Southwest, ahead of 2019?

    I don’t know why people are misconstruing issues. It is true that Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Olaniwun Ajayi visited Tinubu in his Ikoyi residence. Chiefs Adebanjo and Ajayi are our leaders in Yorubaland, irrespective of party affliation. If they decide to visit Asiwaju Tinubu, he can’t drive them away. The Yoruba culture forbids us from shutting our doors against elderly persons coming to see or visit us. If Adebanjo and others want to join the APC, is it a crime? I was there when they visited Tinubu. They did not discuss much; they exchanged courtesy. People should get their facts right before they start to insinuate.

    Will there be realignment of forces before 2019?

    Yes, especially in the Southwest. I know a lot of people in the PDP, Social Democratic Party (SDP), Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and others who want to join the APC. I was with Asiwaju Tinubu when some leaders of the PDP in the Southwest came to discuss their plan to join the APC with him. There are a lot of moves for realignment. The day they are going to declare for the APC, we are going to do it together. Our immediate concern is to realign the leadership of Southwest in order to strengthen the power base in the region.

    Governor Akinwumi Ambode is rated high in service delivery. What other areas would you advise him to pay attention?

    There is no state in Nigeria that can perform like Lagos, with the exception of Anambra state. In spite of the economic recession in the country, Governor Ambode had commissioned 114 roads in less than one and half year in office; he has also flagged-off the construction of over 200 roads; work is progressing on the fourth mainland bridge; his administration has acquired utility vehicles, drones and helicopters for security agencies; there is helicopter to lift patients from accident spots to hospitals; there is helipad in Ikeja General Hospital and the government has renovated schools and provided new furniture to make learning environment conducive for students in the state.

    The governor has started building a new city in Lekki and Atlantic City. In the next three years, Lagos would become a model city; places like Mushin will turn Banana Island very soon. There is always a problem every day in Lagos. Governor Ambode is equal to the task. I want him to complete Lagos-Badagry expressway and as well complete the rail line between Lagos and Badagry to open up that axis. If he can complete these projects, he would have done so much for the people.

  • No rift between Buhari, Tinubu, says Ajomale

    No rift between Buhari, Tinubu, says Ajomale

    Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman Chief Henry Ajomale has dispelled rumours of a conflict between President Muhammadu Buhari and the party’s National leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

    According to Ajomale, the “two leaders are very close”.

    He said if there was any conflict between them, he would know.

    “I believe there is so much love and closeness between them. The story of a frosty relationship is speculative,” he insisted.

    The party chieftain added: “If they are not in good terms, Asiwaju would not visit Buhari in Aso Rock before he travelled to the United States (U.S.). He was received by Buhari, held discussions with Buhari in his office and was seen off to the foyer of the presidential mansion by Mr. President.

    “There is evidence that they are still together. If not, he won’t allow Asiwaju to enter Aso Rock. There is bound to be misunderstanding, if there is any, Buhari will invite Asiwaju to Abuja and iron out the differences.”

    Ajomale, who spoke to The Nation in his office, urged Nigerians to disregard the speculation that the two leaders were not in good terms.

    “It is a rumour and innuendo,” he reiterated.

    He reflected over the futile attempt by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to win Lagos State during the 2015 general election.

    He said he was happy that despite the $700 million that former President Jonathan brought to Lagos State for the purpose of winning the presidential and governorship polls, the people stood firmly with the APC.

    The party chair noted how a businessman lured residents with rice and electronics in his bid to win the state for the PDP and his benefactor, Jonathan. Ajomale said the APC lost in the axis, where non-indigenes were concentrated and where the businessman lives.

    “He is a billionaire; he deployed truck loads of rice to all local governments for distribution,” the party chairman said.

    The APC, he said, could not match the financial strength of both Jonathan and the businessman.

    “The election became a personal challenge to us; we spent our individual money to prosecute the election. But we thank God for the victory,” he said.

    On the speculation that Tinubu was holding meetings with leaders of Afenifere, Ajomale wondered why people were misconstruing issues.

    He said it was true that Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Olaniwun Ajayi visited Tinubu in his Ikoyi residence.

    But he queried: “Is it a crime to grant them audience.

    “Adebanjo and Ajayi are our leaders in Yorubaland, irrespective of party affiliation. If they decide to visit Asiwaju, we can’t drive them away because the Yoruba culture forbids us from shutting our doors against elderly persons coming to see or visit you.”

  • Tinubu, Ajomale, Sunny Ade’s wife, others get new award

    The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday added another feather to his cap as Lagos State party stalwarts under the aegis of the APC-Volunteers Lagos, celebrated his remarkable feat in grassroots politics with an award of excellence.

    According to the party stalwarts Tinubu has laid a foundation for politics which allowed dividends of democracy to thrive in the state and trickle down party faithful and this has invariably led to the birth of the group and award given to him.

    The text of inscription on the award reads; “Award of Excellence: Grand Commander of APC Volunteer and Pillar of Democracy”

    Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi   Ambode received an award for the most performing Governor of the year. The text on his plague reads: “In recognition of your active leadership roles, Consistent participation and remarkable contributions to the development of APC.”

    The Lagos State Chairman, of APC Henry Ajomale, who also received an award of excellence at the APC- Volunteers Investiture and Award Ceremony held at the Party secretariat in Lagos at the weekend bears testimonies to the impact of the National leader and the activities of APC-V since birth in 2014.

    He added that “Since the birth of the group in 2014 they have continued to carry on the mandate of the party through their various social impact activities and many lives have been touched in communities.”

    Speaking further with The Nation at the event Ajomale, who was represented by Gbotifa Olakunle, however, charged the volunteers not to relent in their activities describing them as ambassadors of the party at the grassroots across the state.

    Some of the dignitaries and awardees at the event include, Deputy Governor of Lagos state, Oluranti Adebule, former Commissioner of Education; Olayinka Oladunjoye, Chief of staff to the Lagos State speaker; Adewale Jafojo and APC chieftain, Chief Olomola Jegede.

    One of the high points of the award ceremony saw the wife of the maestro juju Musician; King Sunny Ade,  Adeniyi Adegeye, who also got the cap as the Matron of APC-V, declared moral and financial supports for the group as she gave good remark about the group.

    She said those that received the award deserve it explaining further  “they have shown exemplary leadership. They accepted to serve in various capacities for the development of APC-V. The award also showed that we appreciate the efforts of these leaders both individually and collectively.”

    Earlier the Chairman APC-V Lagos Ajewole Anthony in his opening speech recalled land mark of achievement of the group and restated the new commitment to forge ahead.

    He said, ” We have been engaging in monthly community environmental sanitation plus outreach, youth development acquisition and empowerment programmes, support programmes for less privileged and displaced people ,”Our activities from one Local Council Development Areas also include, accident and emergencies response activities, public health awareness and general advocacy programmes, all these we have continued to do through voluntary contributory programmes.”

  • Ambode names school after Ajomale

    Ambode names school after Ajomale

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has named Olokun Primary School, Ilasamaja in Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) after the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC) party Chairman Otunba Henry Ajomale.

    The event was attended by party faithful, monarchs, community leaders and government officials.

    Ajomale, The Nation learnt, built a block of six classrooms and donated it to the government in 2015.

    It was commissioned by former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola.

    An elated Ajomale thanked the governor for honouring him while he’s still alive.

    Such initiative like this, he said, is done after the demise of an individual, but “to have considered me worthy of this gesture while I am still alive, is a great gift from the government. I am also very grateful to the people of Ilasamaja. It is an edifice that would live after me.

    “The situation in the school was very pathetic; hence I decided to give it a facelift to rival any private school. I am happy to hear the head teacher saying the children’s results have improved greatly.”

    He promised to equip the school with computer systems so that the pupils can match their peers in any private school.

    Chief Ajomale called on well-meaning Nigerians to take interest in assisting school pupils.

    “We cannot leave everything for government, individuals, groups and corporate bodies need to come on board to ensure brighter future for our children,” he said.

    The council’s Sole Administrator, Ms Abimbola Oshikoya, said Ajomale deserved the honour.

    She promised that the council would maintain the infrastructure in the school and appeal to individuals to invest in children’s education.

    He described Ajomale as a wonderful and nice person.

    “I am really proud of him and happy to associate with him,” he said.

    She urged the school management to maintain the infrastructure.

    The school Head Teacher, Mrs Rabiat Adebayo, said the pupils now concentrate more on their studies and are learning very fast.

    “Come during the school hour, you will see the children learning in a conducive atmosphere. They are happy to be in the new block. With my dedicated teachers, we can boast of good results”, she said.

  • Ajomale coasting home as 2016 Lagos golden man

    Ajomale coasting home as 2016 Lagos golden man

    Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Otunba Henry Ajomale, may emerge winner of the 2016 Lagos State Golden Man of the Year Award (LASGMAYA).

    Ajomale currently tops the list of ten nominees for the award, including Hon Oghene Egoh of Amuwo-Odofin federal constituency elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Organisers of the award, African Stride International, stated these during a courtesy visit to Ajomale at the APC Lagos secretariat on Acme road, Ikeja.

    The team led by its project director, Henry Adesola, said Ajomale has recorded landmark achievements as an exemplary statesman and a legendary democrat.

    Adesola added: “Apart from having left indelible marks in his legal profession, his capacity coupled with an unusual courage, charisma, patriotism, selflessness, loyalty, leadership and team spirit in co-nurturing, mentoring and building a lonely opposition party to the federal level is worthy of honour and celebration.”

    Reacting to his nomination, the Russia- trained lawyer-turned-politician, thanked the team for considering him fit for the honour.

    He recalled ordeals the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), a scion of the Action Congress (AC) under the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, went through before rallying other major opposition parties to form APC, which swept to victory at the 2015 presidential election.

    He expressed optimism that the APC will accomplish its promises to Nigerians.

     

  • We’ve faith in Ajomale, says Lagos APC

    The Vice Chairman (West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Funso Ologunde and Women Leader Mrs. Kemi Nelson yesterday reiterated their confidence in the Lagos State Chairman, Otunba Dele Ajomale.

    Mrs. Nelson and Ologunde spoke yesterday at the APC secretariat, Acme Road, Ogba.

    They lamented the activities of detractors, who they said are out to cause disaffection among members of the executive council.

    The duo said the chairman deserved commendation for leading the party to victory in a keenly contested general election, where the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains moved into Lagos to financially induce the electorate.

    They said the call for Ajomale’s resignation was misguided, divisive and in bad faith.

    Mrs. Nelson, who doubles as the Southwest APC Women Leader, said: “Otunba Ajomale and I served under former Governor Bola Tinubu. I have faith in him.

    “The lie about a plot to upstage him was concocted by disgruntled elements in the party. The executive has trust and confidence in Ajomale’s leadership.

    “The executive committee has implicit and unwavering confidence in the state leadership of our great party.

    “Otunba Ajomale led our party to victory in the governorship and House of Assembly elections of 2007 and 2011. He led us to victory at the council elections in 2008 and 2011. He has led us to victory again in the 2015 elections. These are enviable achievements.”

    Ologunde said: “There is no rift between Otunba Ajomale and I. So, there is no way I can plot his downfall. Those planning to cause mistrust and division in the executive council cannot succeed.

    “It is uncharitable for any member to call for Ajomale’s resignation, despite the feats achieved by the party under his leadership.

    “We are solidly behind the performing chairman. We are proud of his achievements. The plot by some unscrupulous elements to cause disaffection and disunity will not work.”

  • APC renews confidence in Tinubu, Ajomale

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State yesterday said it has confidence in its National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    It decried the call for the removal of the party’s chairman, Chief Henry Ajomale.

    In a communiqué by Chief Funso Ologunde (Vice Chairman) and Femi Saheed (Acting Secretary) after an emergency meeting of the Executive Committee in Lagos, members condemned the call  for Ajomale’s resignation.

    The communiqué reads: “That we, Executive Committee members of Lagos State APC, have confidence in the state leadership of our party, National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of the Governor’s Advisory Committee (GAC).

    “That we appreciate the contributions of Governor Babatunde Fashola in achieving this enviable victory.

    “That we have confidence in Otunba Oladele Ajomale and commend him for the manner in which he had consistently steered the party’s ship since 2006 when he assumed office as chairman of the defunct Action Congress (AC).

    “That we recall Ajomale’s hitherto achievements when both the defunct Action Congress (AC) and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) swept seats in Lagos State, under his leadership between 2007 and 2011.

    “Finally, we appeal to our loyal, committed, appreciative and diligent party members against being drawn into casting aspersion on party leaders, which could portray our party as a divided house.”

    The party congratulated Governor-elect Akinwunmi Ambode and others elected or re-elected on its platform on March 28 and April 11.

     

     

  • Ikuforiji, Ajomale: Agbaje should vie for councillor

    Ikuforiji, Ajomale: Agbaje should vie for councillor

    •Fashola says Fed Govt owes N51b for road construction

    Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman Otunba Oladele Ajomale and House of Assembly Speaker Hon. Yemi Ikuforiji have said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Mr. Jimi Agbaje should have vied for elective offices at the local government and state levels, instead of jostling for governorship.

    They said, if Agbaje, a pharmacist, has served as a councillor, legislator and  commissioner, he would have garnered the experience required for the job of governor.

    The APC governorship flag bearer, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, urged Lagosians to vote for experience, stressing that there is no evidence that Agbaje is equipped for the task of the number one citizen.

    The party chieftains spoke at the rally hosted by the Kosofe, Lagos East District, held at the Gbagada Playing Ground, Oworonsoki, where Governor Babatunde Fashola complained that the Federal Government has not paid the N51 billion owed to the state for the construction of federal roads.

    Fashola had harsh words for President Goodluck Jonathan at the rally. He said, judging by his poor performance in the last six years, he has been tested, but cannot be trusted. He said since there is economic downturn, many people are migrating to Lagos, thereby making the task of providing social amenities for the highly populated state difficult.

    Fashola, who described Agbaje as an inexperienced apprentice, said: “Nigeria is in “one chance” vehicle in the hand of the PDP. Agbaje says Lagos is the most indebted state. But, I say Lagos is the most populated state. Agbaje lacks the experience for the job. That is what Ambode has. Ambode was in government before me at the grassroots. When the Federal Government seized the council allocation, Ambode as the Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, designed a fianancial strategy that the local governments to survive.”

    The governor also frowned at the visit of the President to Borno State for campaigns, despite his refusal to pay condolence visit to the parents of abducted Chibok girls. He said: “If any of those children is his child, he will not be contesting election. There is no place in the world where a sitting president will be contesting for election when over 250 children are missing. We are in a one chance bus. Buhari will save us from one chance, if we vote for him.”

    Party faithful came from Ketu, Ojota, Mile 12, Somolu, Bariga, Oworonsoki, Akoka, Anthony and Maryland for the rally hosted by Kosofe APC chieftains led by Pa Abiodun Sunmola. The party chairman, Oladele Ajomale, presented flags to the House of Assembly candidates for Kosofe Constituency 1 and 11, Hon. Bayo Osinnowo and Hon. Tunde Braimah, House of Representatives candidate Hon. Rotimi Agunsoye and senatorial flag bearer Senator Gbenga Ashafa.

    Oshinowo, who thanked the supporters, enjoined them to troop out to vote for the party at the polls. He said: “You have not disappointed us since the day of Asiwaju. Tinubu handed over to BRF. BRF will hand over to Ambode. Nigeria is sick. It needs a surgeon, Buhari.”

    The rally was witnessed by Deputy Governor Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Secretary to Government and Ambode’s running mate, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, former Speaker of House of Assembly Hon. Joko Pelumi, the campaign team leader, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, Majority Leader of the House of Assembly Hon. Jibayo Adeyeye, former Special Adviser on Environment Hon. Sesan Olanrewaju, Environment Commissioner Mr. Tunji Bello, Mr. Denge Anifowose, Hon. Paul Kalejaye, Information Commissioner Lateef Ibirogba, his Transport Ministry counterpart, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi. Abdullahi Enilolobo and Chief Chris Ekwilo.

    Also at the ceremony were Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the Publicity Secretary, Comrade Joe Igbokwe, his deputy, ace footballer Obafemi Martins, Abiodun Salam, Mr. Bolaji Ariyoh, Sulaimon Akeem Oris, Hon. Fuad Oki, Kayode Tinubu, Ademorin Kuye, Dele Onabokun, Bayo Ajisebutu, Alhaji Kabiru Ahmed, and Alhaji Mumuni Oyekanmi.

    Thanking the supporters for their commitment, Sunmola said that Kosofe are prepared to vote for APC candidates. But, he urged the people to collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), which he said, are now available at the wards.

    The footballer, Martins, said: “Asiwaju has tried for Lagos and Nigeria. BRF has tried for Lagos. PDP has neglected Lagos. APC is the saving grace. We need continuity in Lagos.”

    Ikuforiji, who spoke on the succession struggle in Lagos, said that Agbaje is unfit to succeed Fashola in May because of lack of experience. He stressed: “When Tinubu became governor 16 years ago, people wondered how he would do it. The Federal Government seized the allocation. But, Lagos survived. He is a special person. Eight years ago, BRF became governor. He made a difference. He became a model governor.

    “We can’t vote for someone who is coming to learn the ropes. If the candidate of the PDP wants power, let him go and start from the council. After that, he can go to the House of Assembly. Our next governor is Ambode. He has learned. he is tested. he is trusted. He is humble. I know him. He will perform. as you vote for Ambode, vote for Ashafa, Agunsoye, Osinnowo Perper and Tunde Braimah. Also, you should vote for Buhari on February 14. Before then, ensure you collect your voter’s cards.”

    Echoing the Speaker, Ajomale said: “The governor of Lagos is like the President of another country. If Agbaje wants to be governor, he should first of all go to the council.”

    Ambose, who rode into the venue with Fashola in a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), flayed the Federal Government for its belated effort at reducing the fuel pump price, saying that cannot be substituted for the provision of jobs. “

    He added: “Is that what we want? What about the missingN20 billion? What about the subsidy scam? We should have used the missing billions for roads, hospitals and jobs. If the audit report in the subsidy scam is released, Nigerians will be shocked.”

    The flag bearer promised to take Lagos to a greater height by setting up an Employment Trust Fund to enable youths access money for business. Urging Lagosians to vote for experience, he said that it is counter-productive to vote for a trial and error candidate.

    Ambode added: “Now is the time to reject liars. It is not fuel reduction that is the issue. We need jobs. help is on the way.”

    Fashola chided the Federal Government for wrong prioritisation, wondering why the President could allow companies to raise more money than state governments, which have to provide social amenities for the people. He also lamented that Nigeria is the only member of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) importing fuel.

    The governor, who predicted failure for the PDP in Lagos, added: “What has the Federal Government done for us that we should vote for them? Lagos has been Performing the functions of the Federal Government. We construct Federal roads. We buy weapons for the police. We built the Immigration Office at Ikeja. The Federal Government is still owing Lagos State N51 billion for road construction.

    “Agbaje displays ignorance. He said he has bold ideas. That is ‘bold inexperience’. He promised to provide internet services. He forgot that we cannot have internet without electricity. He said Lagos is the most indebted state. We are borrowing and using the money to develop Lagos.”

    Fashola also frowned at the insinuation that the APC is fielding a sick presidential candidate, saying that Gen. Muhammadu Buhari is hale and hearty. He stressed: “Buhari is not sick. He was the only APC presidential aspirant who sat down during the primaries for 24 hours. Buhari does not drink. We know those people who go abroad and when it is time for them to speak, you will not see them.

    “Buhari contested three times and he was rigged three times. Now that they know that he will win, they are saying that he is sick. PDP should pack and go. We are marching on to Aso Rock with your votes.”

    Fashola, urged Lagosians to avoid violence during the electioneering, lamented the shoddy distribution of the voter’s cards. He said: ‘Don’t fight. get your PVCs at the wards. India delivered 800,000 million voter’s cards. We are only 170 million. But, they cannot deliver in Nigeria. When APC wins, we will ensure that Nigerians get their voter’s cards in time. We will make sure that people get the cards as they are 18 years.”