The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Akinwunmi Ambode

  • Ambode attacks Sanwo-Olu in battle for APC ticket

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday attacked his opponent in today’s All Progressives Conngress (APC) primary, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, declaring him not proper and fit to lead the state.

    In a swift reaction, the former Commissioner for Establishment described as “shameless and untrue” the allegations made against him.

    Ambode also raised security alarm on todays’s shadow poll, alleging recruitment and arming of thugs.

    He spoke at a news conference at the Government House in Ikeja.

    Ambode urged the party leadership to have a re-think about Sanwo-Olu.

    He said: “Now the truth is this, the aspirant that is being put up to compete against us is a not fit and proper person. This is the truth, party leaders and party members have been misled to belive that he is a better candidate than myself. It is also known that he does not have the competence to do what he is being propelled to do.

    “We believe our leadership should rethink because the truth is this: I will not stand here on the mandate of Lagosians and allow our great party, APC to fritter away the opportunity to put in somebody that opposition will easily take out because of credibility. So I appeal to all our leaders, they should have a rethink. This is not about myself; it is about the greatest opportunity that APC stand to take the progress of Nigeria to a better place.”

    On why he made that assertion, Ambode alleged that Sanwo-Olu was arrested and detained for spending fake dollars in a club in the United States, and was also on rehabilitation at the Gbagada General hospital.

    Ambode denied planning to leave the APC because of opposition from party leaders. “I am a full blown member of APC and I am going no where,” he declared.

    He urged National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole and the party leadership to allow the tenets and principles of democracy by creating a level playground for all the aspirants at the direct primaries.

    “I plead with them to do the right thing and make the process credible,” Ambode said.

    He said reason must be allowed to prevail in the greater interest of APC, a party that is known for true democratic values and principles, adding that he stands for the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket and “we must not allow somebody who can’t sell that ticket to jeopardise our chances in the state”.

    ”In the last three and half years, Lagos has witnessed tremendous improvement in security and infrastructural development and with our performance we have brought in more members to APC. We want a clean contest, allow everybody to be part of the direct primaries and not just some people,” the governor said.

    He decried the political tension over the governorship primary, which he said had heightened insecurity and fear in the last two weeks.

    ”The current political situation has caused palpable tension and unnecessary fears among law abiding Lagosians. Security reports available to the State Government indicate that there is an ongoing recruitment and arming of political thugs to disrupt the tranquil atmosphere of Lagos State, in the guise of holding primary election.

    “As a responsible government that has invested so much in enhancing security of lives and property in the state to enable Lagosians pursue their lawful endeavours, we will not allow any disruptive elements to cause panic or wreak havoc that will affect the progressive strides which Lagosians are known for. This is more so that we have the assurances of our party leaders to conduct free and fair primary elections for aspirants into the various political offices.

    Ambode added that “It has become imperative to put every stakeholder on notice, especially the Federal Government and Security Agencies, to take more than a passing interest in the development in this State that has hitherto been adjudged as the safest city in Africa.

    He warned that the state government would do all within its powers in collaboration with relevant security agencies to protect citizens and insulate them from any condition that may breed insecurity or the breakdown of law and order in the State throughout the primaries, campaign and election periods.

    The governor urged Lagosians to be calm and go about their normal businesses and advised criminal elements “in their own interest, not to forment any trouble in the name of politics or under any guise, as the full wrath of the law will be brought to bear on any law breaker.

    ”Without being immodest, after three and half years of remarkable performance in bringing growth and development to our dear State, I have humbly expressed my intention to seek re-election in order to consolidate on the giant strides that we have recorded for our dear State and our great party, APC. This is why I once again seek the support of every party member in tomorrow’s primary election. We shall overcome,” Ambode said.

  • Bring my son’s killers to justice, widow begs Ambode, Police

    A widow, Mrs. Bridget Chiwokwu has appealed to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal to apprehend those who killed her son and bring them to justice.

    Her son, Sylvester, a footballer, was shot by suspected cultists at Alapere who also used axes and cutlasses to murder him.

    According to the woman, her son was a victim of the murderous group, whose angst against him was that he dressed well and refused to join them.

    Narrating how he was killed, the widow said he had gone to visit his sister at Alapere, adding that he was on a motorcycle back to Ikorodu when he was shot.

    She said: “I was not there but I was told by a witness that when my son was on Okada, he was shot in the hand. He fell and as he was struggling to stand, one of the gunmen who were in a Toyota Camry car ordered him to stay on the ground or he would be killed.

    “As he was struggling in pains, he asked what his offence was and one of them, Femi, said he was always dressing well and has refused to associate with their group. Another one queried him for asking questions and commended the men to finish him up.

    Read Also: Buhari, Ambode meet in Abuja

    “He was stabbed several times. One of them used axe on him. He was shouting for help but no one came to his rescue.”

    Continuing, the widow said her son was based in Abuja and was preparing to travel abroad with the help of his elder brother who was making plans to link him up with a football club.

    “He just came in few months ago to help me in some projects. On that day, he had gone to see his sister who stayed in Alapere.  As he arrived her house, my daughter told him to go back to Ikorodu because cult groups were fighting and shooting guns.

    “He adhered and boarded Okada to leave the area. One of his friends called him on phone and told him to come over to his place from where he intended to leave for Ikorodu. It was on the way to his friend’s that he met his untimely death.

    “I am pained because his father died a long time ago. My children and I suffered to bring them up. We hawked together to raise money to train them in school. He has finished his studies and has taken to soccer. His brother has perfected plans to put him in a club.

    “My son used to complain that each time he went to see his elder sister, Femi and his group used to tell him that he was proud. That because he has been blessed he did not want to assist them. We used to stay at Alapere before my first son managed to build a house for me in Ikorodu.

    “I learnt that the police seized the vehicle they used in the operation and parked it at Thomas Police Station, off Owede Onirin. I learnt the owner of the vehicle has been coming to claim it.

    “I am calling on Governor Ambode and CP Edgal to wade into the matter and bring the killers to justice. I want to know those who killed my son and why they butchered him like a common criminal.

    “I want to know if he took something from them. My heart is burning like fire. I am finished because Sylvester was a loving child. He was a special person who kept people happy. There was never a dull moment with him. If I had the premonition, I would not have allowed come from Abuja.”

    A friend of the desist who refused to be named said he was not a cultist, adding that he was killed for not paying homage to the bad boys.

    He said the cult groups usually stayed at beer parlours looking for people to buy drinks and peppersoup for them and anyone who refused becomes their enemy.

    “They have relocated to Ikorodu but Sylvester used to come to Alapere to visit his sister who lives here with her husband.

    “The police killed two of the suspects. Through one of them, the police would be able to trace others. They have been killing people for long. This should  be the last killing. Let the police do their job and fish out the killers.”

    Confirming the incident, spokesman for the command Chike Oti, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) said investigation was ongoing to ascertain the owner of the vehicle.

    He said: “We are aware of the killing. When our men received a distress that a man was shot, they gave the vehicle a hot chase and one of the suspects was shot dead while others escaped with bullet wounds.

    “We have recovered the operational vehicle which is at Thomas Police Station. The vehicle has no number plate. We are trying to know who owns the car and under the circumstances the car reached the hands of the hoodlums.

    “I want to assure that as usual, we will get the killers. We will do justice to the matter. We are investigating and we will do it to a logical conclusion.”

  • Ambode directs public works to fix Lagos roads in four weeks

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has directed the state Public Works Corporation to fix potholes on major and inner roads across the state within the next four weeks.

    Works and Infrastructure Commissioner Ade Akinsanya said on Friday that the repairs would bring relief and succor to the generality of Lagos residents.

    Many roads across the state are currently littered with potholes caused by the heavy rains of the last few weeks.

    Akinsanya, on an inspection visit to the ongoing Pen Cinema bridge at Agege in Lagos metropolis said the recent torrential rainfall forced a suspension of repair works on many roads in the state.

    The commissioner, however, said that with the rains subsiding, there was need to intensify efforts in completing ongoing repair works and making roads better across the state.

    “The operation fix the pothole will last for about three to four weeks,” he said.

    Reviewing ongoing projects in the state, he said that the state government remains committed to the completion of the over 70 projects across the state.

    He said that the Pen Cinema bridge would be completed by the first quarter next year  while the Oshodi/International Airport Road will  be delivered by December this year.

    Read Also: Buhari, Ambode meet in Abuja

    He said:  “Most of the difficult parts of the work are already ongoing. Overall, we are at about 60 per cent completion stage and right now, we have over 70 major projects ongoing but as can be seen, work is ongoing.

    “Unfortunately, it is difficult to fight nature and rain has not helped and what we are seeing is the result of the heavy downpour for the last few weeks but the work is ongoing and with the cooperation from the contractors, whatever time we have lost, things will be accelerated.

    “We have a good working relationship with Hi-Tech; they are committed to the project and I can assure the people that by first quarter of next year, this project will be commissioned by God’s grace.”

    Akinsanya, therefore, appealed to residents and motorists to cooperate by following traffic diversions put in place to ensure the early and smooth completion of the repair works.

    The commissioner thanked residents for their patience and sued for continued cooperation as the projects progress.

    “Whatever time we have lost on these projects as a result of the rain, pace will be accelerated,” he said.

    The commissioner and his team also inspected ongoing Oshodi/International Airport Road project.

  • Buhari, Ambode meet in Abuja

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja met with Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode at the State House, Abuja.

    The mission of the governor at the Presidential Villa was not known. It was after the meeting of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), which dragged into the late hours of Wednesday.

    Ambode is seeking a renewal of mandate for a fresh four-year term. He has challengers in two former Lagos commissioners – Babjide Sanwo-Olu (Establishment &Training) and Dr. Obafemi Hamzat (Works & Infrastructure).

    The trio would contest for the APC governorship ticket at a scheduled shadow poll.

  • Ambode to workers: show greater commitment to duty

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday urged workers to show greater commitment to duty.

    He said the state would remain prosperous through their hard work.

    Ambode spoke in Alausa, Ikeja at the long service award ceremony organised by the Office of Local Government Establishment, Training and Pensions (LGETP) for 296 workers drawn from the 57 councils of the state.

    The awardees have spent between 27 and 35 years in service, but attained the mandatory retirement age of 60.

    The governor, represented by the Head of Service (HoS), Mrs. Folasade Adesoye, said their commitment helped the state to attain great heights.

    He said the government would create a level playing field and support those hardworking  to get to the peak of their career.

    Ambode said: “Your celebration is a motivation to those you are leaving behind that the government remains committed to celebrating hard working workers. You must bear in mind that the honour is an acknowledgement for hard work, credibility, diligence and efficiency, which must be upheld.”

    Deputy Governor Idiat Adebule described the local government as the heartbeat of government.

    Adebule, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Yetunde Odejayi, urged the workers to support the government in its efforts to serve people at the grassroots.

    Local Government Service Commission Chairman Alhaji Babatunde Rotinwa enjoined workers to remain steadfast.

    The Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Tola Akinsanya, said the forum had over the years become where workers are celebrated.

    “You have all persevered and served as models for your younger colleagues over the years. This is why the government has decided to celebrate you, to motivate others,” she said.

    The high point of the event was the presentation of Special Recognition award to Adesoye and Rotinwa, who retired as H.S.

    A recipient, Mr. Gbesoevie Olorunnishola Gbeleyi, an assistant director of Education from Ifako-Ijaiye, hailed the government for the honour done to them.

  • Buhari, Ambode meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday met behind closed doors with the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The meeting started around 2.40 p.m

    The governor, after picking his second term nomination form, suddenly realized that other aspirants under the All Progressives Congress (APC) were also interested in the number one Lagos State public office.

    Read Also: Ambode advises corps members on projects

    The APC governorship primary has now been rescheduled for September 29, 2018.

    The meeting was still in progress at the time of filing this report.

  • Ambode eulogizes Ovia, Tinubu

    Apparently to douse the tension surrounding  the 2019 All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in Lagos, the State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Monday acknowledged the political status of the party’s national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, at Zenith Bank’ chairman, Jim Ovia’s book launch.

    Ambode did this at the launch of the book titled ‘Africa Rise and Shine’, held at Victoria Island. It was chaired by Christopher Kolade, and attended by Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the party chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, Publisher of Vanguard newspaper, Sam Amuka, Oba of Lagos Akiolu and others

    Ambode noted that he wasn’t prepared to address the gathering since his political Godfather had spoken glowingly about the author.

    He asked: “Actually, I didn’t prepare to come and say anything here… And who am I to speak after the Jagaban had spoken?’

    Aside that, the governor also ensured that he stood beside Tinubu during the launch of the book to buttress his earlier stand that there wasn’t any rift between them.

    Ambode’s comment elicited a resounding applause from the audience.

    The governor, however, while eulogizing the author said “the truth is, there is no person that has actually gone through the profession of accountancy that would not have had anything to do with Uncle Jim, and that is the truth.

    “There is nobody that will read this kind of book and will not be inspired and I want to recommend it to everyone.

    “It is always very good when people who have been successful in their careers or profession decide to say something about how they really toiled to get to where they are.

    “Some people just think people get to be successful without knowing that they actually toiled to become successful and this kind of book inspires our younger ones to become more resourceful and then more inspiring,” Ambode said.

    Read Also: No rift between Tinubu and I, says Ambode

    Earlier, Osinbajo stressed that the Nigerian dream was captured by Ovia in his autobiography, detailing his journey to success and importance of leadership to development of any nation.

    He said: “The Nigerian dream is captured in this book because this is a man that started from nowhere and now worth $16 billion. The most of the wealthy men that Nigeria has didn’t come from wealthy home but humble background.

    “Though personnel achievements are known everywhere but what is rare about him was the will to build others without the least apprehension that they could surpass him in the business sector,” the vice president added.

    According to him, Ovia has used his own story and many others to describe the trajectory of a continent that has often appeared to be overcome by its challenges and contradiction.

    While stressing the importance of leadership, Osinbajo argued that every leader considers service to the public than the benefits that they gain from their action.

    “The course of service over self, indicates sacrificial leadership; neither a financial empire or a nation could be built successfully if the leadership cannot delay gratification or keep their hands off the capital of the common man.

    “Sacrifice of self is for the greater goal for all and has become the bedrock for great nations and men but sacrifice for self is the most pathetic hollow imagined, with the imagination of men and women who would have been great but perished.”

    Also speaking, Tinubu, while describing Ovia as Godfather of Nigerian Banking industry, stressed that he doesn’t portray himself as an hero that couldn’t be emulated “but one that his footpath could be followed to achieve greatness.”

    He said: “This title is fitting and proper because not because he was born into the sector but he properly acquired it. The book explained his journey to greatness despite the challenges he faced.

    “This is a man that believes in Nigeria and Africa. And that is why I want to thank you for writing this book to show others of what is necessary for the continent to grow. You have opened the door to success and your life teaches many wonderful lessons,” Tinubu added.

    Urging the next generation to read and emulate the doggedness of Ovia, the APC national leader stressed: “It is up to the next generation to work through that door in order to create a greater and prosperous Africa.”

    Reacting to the accolades showered on him, the author disclosed that his reason for the book title was to change the negative narration about Africa and document historic activities that occurred within the continent.

    According to him, the story told about Africa had previously been pathetic because we were often described as a dark continent characterized with coup and conflicts.

    “But today, the narrative has started changing. The record showed that the continent has embraced democracy. And that shows that the continent has started rising.”

    He noted that acceptance of democracy has positively affected the Gross Domestic Product, GDP of the continent and made the world take notice of the benefits abound in Africa.

  • Ambode says religious leaders development partners

     Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Sunday said he appreciated the contributions of religious leaders towards the development of the State.
    Ambode, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, expressed his appreciation at the Presentation of Staff of Office to the Chief Imam of Lagos,  Alhaji Sulaimon Abou-Nolla.
    He described spiritual leaders as development partners and pillars in the effort to bring greater progress and prosperity to the state.
    The governor commended the religious leaders for their roles in sustaining and promoting peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance in Lagos State.
    “’Your contributions have greatly aided government’s efforts in the delivery of services and dividends of democracy to the people, especially those at the grassroots.
    “’Your roles in raising awareness and influencing attitudes, behaviors and practices, have also helped us to enjoy relative peace in the state, ” he said.
    Ambode congratulated the newly installed Chief Iman and urged other Muslim leaders and groups to support him.
    Speaking, Sheik Abdul-Hafeez Abou, Executive Chairman, Lagos Central Mosque Council, called for cooperation and peaceful coexistence among Muslims.
    Abou also assured Nigerians that the Muslim community in the country would play a significant role in the country’s bid to ensure a peace during and after the 2019 general elections.
    “As we countdown to another election year, we pray to sustain sanctity of tolerance, honesty and trustworthiness. May Allah make it easy and successful, ” he said.
    In his lecture, Prof. Tajudeen Gbadamosi, President, Muslim Community of Lagos State, urged the Muslim faithful to cooperate and respect the new Chief Imam as his installation was divine.
    “We will continue to pray that God will protect and grant him wisdom as the shepherd and guardian of our faith,” he said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that notable among the 58  recognised personalities conferred with different Chieftaincy titles were the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress(APC), Sen. Bola Tinubu, who was conferred with the title“Asiwaju Adinni of Lagos State”.
    Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun was also conferred with the title “Waziri Adinni of Lagos State”.

  • I don’t believe Tinubu will stop me: Sanwo-Olu

    An All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday said he did not believe national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, would ask him to backpedal on his ambition.

    Sanwo-Olu made the statement during an interactive session with newsmen in Lagos.

    A journalist had asked him whether he would step down his ambition if Tinubu asked him do so.

    Sanwo-Olu, a former Commissioner for Training and Establishment, was reported to have been adopted by party chieftains loyal to Tinubu and the 57 council chairmen to puncture the second-term bid of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode.

    Ambode had declared his second-term bid on Monday, while Dr Obafemi Hamzat, a former Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, had also obtained and submitted his nomination form for the race.

    The state party chairman, Alhaji Tunde Balogun had told newsmen on Wednesday that the governorship ticket was open to all aspirants.

    Sanwo-Olu told newsmen that he did not think Tinubu would ask him to step down for Ambode or any other aspirant, as the party leader is a firm believer in internal democracy.

    “Your question is if my national leader (Tinubu) asks me to back down at the end of the day, what will I do?

    “You see, I really don’t know which side of the divide you want us to stay.

    “Sometimes, people will say this man (Tinubu) is imposing and he is not allowing aspirants to contest for positions.

    “They say there is no internal democracy. But this man is a democrat who will allow democracy to rule and thrive.

    “My aspiration has nothing to do with an individual; my national leader is my national leader and he is the leader of everybody.

    “Therefore, his passion is about Nigeria and not Lagos alone. The movement we have started is participatory democracy, and so there is no basis for him (Tinubu) urging me to drop my ambition.

    “Asiwaju is a democrat, and I trust he will allow the process to go on without any rancour.

    “On September 25, by the grace of God, the entire APC members will vote for me as the candidate to represent them in the 2019 elections,” he said.

    The aspirant said he was motivated to seek the number one seat in the state out of the need to deliver innovative and an inclusive government.

    He said he would bring about a state which everybody would be proud of, if elected as governor.

    The aspirant said he would be a listening leader and would do so many things differently to actualise the Lagos of everybody’s dream.

    Sanwo-Olu decried what he called the filthy state of Lagos environment and said that he would restore the cleanliness of the state if elected.

    He said his mission to reposition the state was on course and he would formally declare his bid on Sunday.

    NAN reports that party chieftains, including the immediate past Vice Chairman of the party in the state, Chief James Odumbaku and former commissioner, Mr Tola Kasali, were with Sanwo-Olu at the session.

    Some federal and state lawmakers, including Mr Rotimi Agunsoye, were also at the session.

    Council chairmen, councillors, members of his campaign team and other party members were in attendance as well.

  • Obasa denies social media report on moves to impeach Ambode

    Says relationship with Governor remains cordial

     

    Against speculations especially in the social media on impeachment mive by the Lagos State House of Assembly against Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has said there is nothing of the sort by the House.

    Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Razak Musibau,  Obasa said there is no iota of truth in the rumour.

    Report had appeared on some social media platform on Tuesday  that the Speaker wrote the Governor not to go ahead with the plans to buy the nomination form of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to re-contest his seat for second term.

    Read Also: No rift with Tinubu – Ambode

    The Speaker was alleged to have told the governor not to re-contest or risk being impeached if he goes ahead with the plans.

    Musibau however, said the relationship between the governor and speaker remain “smooth and solid”.

    “This is political. Lot of information are being circulated here and there but there is no iota of truth in the report. The relationship between the Governor and Speaker is smooth and solid,” Razak said.