It was with pomp and ceremony that Akinwunmi Ambode was ushered in as the 14th governor of Lagos State. MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE, who witnessed the swearing in at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, relives the occasion.
The grounds where the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) is located in Lagos, which used to be known as the Race Course, has witnessed a lot of celebrations in Nigeria’s chequered history. For example, this was the place where the Union Jack was lowered over 54 years ago, when the country became independent. Subsequently, the country’s independence anniversary used to be marked with fanfare at the same venue in the days when Lagos was the federal capital. Since the capital was moved to Abuja on December 12, 1991, attention has shifted to Eagle Square, within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Nevertheless, TBS continues to be centre of attraction, because it hosts other important ceremonies and festivities.
The complex hosted one of such ceremonies last Friday. Gaily-dressed ladies and gentlemen poured into the venue as from 8am to witness the important occasion. Security men stood at strategic locations, watching over the expansive complex, as stakeholders and guests trooped into the venue. People were allowed access to the parade ground unrestricted. Nevertheless, security operatives wielding their patrol dogs, sniffing the length and breadth to ensure nobody’s life was put at risk.
The occasion was the swearing-in of the 14th governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, who was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). It was a ceremony which had in attendance crème de la crème. Those who witnessed the event include: former governors; Brigadier-General Mobolaji Johnson (rtd.), Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, and former deputy governors, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and Mr. Femi Pedro.
Others are the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Osun State First Lady Sherifat Aregbesola, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the state APC Chairman Otunba Henry Ajomale, Cardinal James Odunbaku, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd.) Ayo Opadoku, Lagos State Commissioner of Police Kayode Aderanti, Oba Saheed Elegushi, Ojora of Lagos Oba Fatai Aromire, Justice Ishola Olorunimbe, Chief Folarin Coker, Chief (Mrs.) Kemi Nelson, Hon. Rotimi Agunsoye, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the Igbo community, students, traders and others.
But, activities did not get underway until about 10.30am, when the Deputy Governor Dr. Oluranti Adebule and her husband Saheed Adebule arrived the venue. The husband wore white Agbada, while the Deputy Governor adorned a cream-coloured lace. A few minutes afterwards, Governor Ambode and his wife Bolanle arrived.
Former Deputy Governor Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and her husband, Abiodun, followed almost immediately. In conformity with protocol, former Governor Babatunde Fashola was the last to arrive at 10.40am, with his wife, Dame Abimbola Fashola. With Fashola’s arrival, the ceremony got underway, with the rendering of the National Anthem.
One of the scenes that attracted attention was when Gen. Johnson, now an elder statesman, arrived. He has grown feeble with age and was visibly unable to climb the podium. He had to be assisted by Fashola to get to his seat. Indeed, his seat had to be moved forward to reduce the rigour of movement.
The business of the day started with the remarks of the Lagos State Head of Service, Mrs. Shade Jaji. She gave a brief account of what the government has done over the years under Fashola and thanked Lagosians for their support and cooperation.
Within a short space of time, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Olajumoke Atilade, administered the oath of office to the governor and his deputy. Ambode later inspected the combined parades of the Nigerian Police, paramilitary groups, voluntary organisations and school children.
In his inaugural address, he restated the need for unity, irrespective of religion or tribe, calling everybody without discrimination or political affiliation to join hand to take the Centre of Excellence to greater heights. He promised to run an inclusive administration, which will give every stakeholder a sense of responsibility.
Ambode also promised to continue with the pace of development in the state, adding that his administration would maintain the Lagos State Development Plan of 2012 to 2015 in the spirit of continuity. He said the plan would prioritise social security, infrastructure and economic development.
He said the plan is structured into four pillars; social development and security, infrastructure development, economic development and sustainable environment. The governor explained that the challenges people face are enough ingredient bring out the best out of them.
He said: “As we collectively face the challenge to make Lagos a better place to live in, we must recognise our strength in diversity, a common national identity where everybody counts. I shall run a government of inclusion that will not leave anybody behind, no matter you sex, tribe or any status, as long as you reside in Lagos, we shall make Lagos work for you.’’
The governor commended Lagosians for being hard working. He said their undying entrepreneurial spirit has put the state ahead of others. He added: “However, we must realise that there are no short cuts to success. To our youths, we must nurture good family value to succeed in any endeavour. I want our younger ones and children to draw some lessons from my story.’’
Ambode urged Lagosians to embrace new thinking and be determined to succeed all the times, stressing that he was ready to encourage the hard working ones who crave for success. ‘’We would reward merit, hard work and loyalty to the state. The future is for those who dare to dream and find courage to pursue their dreams,” he said.
Although, he commended Lagosians for their commitment towards the betterment of the state, he nevertheless” reminded them that it was not time to be complacent. He urged them double their effort, noting that the dwindling fortune at the centre has negatively affected most states in the country.
He said: “We are all witnesses to the economic downturn and the dwindling revenue at the national and state levels. The present economic situation has affected the financial profile of most states in the country.
“The state is blessed that the foundation of its financial autonomy was designed and implement by our visionary leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Thus, the state has been partially shielded from the negative trend flowing from the federal level.”
He maintained that all hands must be on deck to sustain the financial stability of the state, adding that the people must live up to their civil responsibilities by paying their taxes as at when due.
He added: “For us to sustain the radical transformation, on-going in the state, we have to redouble our efforts on all fronts for our commitment to excellence. While we must be creative and innovative, we are not citizens until we become responsible tax payers.
“I want to assure all of us that I will make your tax work for you. You will surely get a transparent and incorruptible government that will give you good value for your tax paid. Creativity is the most valuable asset in any public institution. Progressive government must reward contributors of good ideas.”
He said his administration is prepared to take the decision needed to promote merit and professionalism. These, according to him, would restructure and eliminate poor human resources. He noted that it would accelerate the pace of reform in the spirit of good governance.
Ambode further stressed that he would create job opportunities for the youths, who are mostly affect by government reforms both at the centre and state level. To nip the trend in the bud, he said two ministries would be put in place to address the concerns as a matter of urgency.
He said: “I want to assure the business community and corporate Lagos that the ease of doing business in Lagos will be improved upon earnestly. Lagos is open for greater business. To this end, a new office of Overseas Affairs and Investment (Lagos Global) shall be created under the Governor’s Office.
“We want you to fly into Lagos, start your business, find your way, live, work and enjoy in Lagos. As part of the reforms, a new Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment shall be established. This would specifically address the promise I made during the campaign on employment trust fund, labour exchange and entrepreneurship.’’
The governor left no one in doubt that some people worked relentlessly to ensure that he emerged governor. Paying glowing tribute to those who supported his ambition, he said: ’’To our leader Asiwaju Tinubu, you have laid an enduring foundation for what we are building on today. When the history of the political economy of Nigeria is being written, surely it would be kind to you.
“To our distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu, your support and commitment to our state and to me personally during the election are well appreciated. To former Governor Fashola, you have fought the good fight. You came, you saw and you conquered. I have been at close quarters as a student, you as my teacher and mentor. On behalf of my family and other good people of Lagos State, we say thank you all.’’
Some youths from Badagry used the occasion to draw government attention to their plight. The group, known as Gbagi-Seme Border Youth Initiatives, complained of negligence over the years. The leader of the group, Samson Tome, said they have not been connected to the national grid in the last 16 years, in spite of the contribution of the Seme border to national development.
