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Tag: Ambode

  • Ambode congatulates Sanwo-Olu

    ***concedes defeat
    ***urges Lagosians to join hand and move state forward

    Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has congratulated the winner of the Lagos State governorship primaries held across the State on Tuesday, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    Ambode in a televised broadcast on Lagos Television, LTV, on Wednesday said the interests of Lagos State must always supersede that of any person or group.

    He urged all Lagosians to immediately support the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2019 elections and work for the success of party.

    He said, “Fellow Lagosians, the last few days have witnessed intense political activities that have gripped the attention of the nation and created palpable tension in the polity.

    “I strongly believe that the time has now come for the State to move forward in order that the gains of the last three and half years are not lost.

    “APC is a great party and the interests of our beloved State must always supersede that of any person or group. It is in this regard that I wholeheartedly congratulate the winner of the Lagos State APC Primaries, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu”

    “As Governor, I will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition in the remaining period of this administration and ultimately to the new Governor, come May 2019.

    “I therefore appeal to all our party members that we remain one family and unite behind the candidate of the party, so that we can continue to move this state forward.

    “The progress of Lagos state is non-negotiable. It is a project that I have passionately worked for in the last three and half years as your Governor and one to which I will forever be devoted.”

    The governor thanked APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and leadership of the party at state and national levels as well as all party faithfuls and all Lagosians.

    “I thank all Lagosians for their faith and trust in me. I urge you not to relent in your support for our party as we prepare for the General Elections.

    It would be recalled that the APC governorship primaries held across the state on Tuesday and Ambode’s fellow contestants was declared as winner of the primaries at the end of the exercise.

  • Ambode receives NWC panel on governorship primaries

    ***task them on level playing ground

    ***panel assures of credible process

     

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday received members of the panel to conduct the Governorship Primaries in the State, which was postponed to Tuesday in his office at Alausa, Ikeja.

    The panel which is chaired by Mr. Clement Ebri was appointed by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The members of the panel include Alhaji Ahmed Mahmud Gumel as Secretary; Mr. Nze Chidi Duru; Chief Clever Egbeji; Senator Clever Ikisikpo and Ambassador Jerry Ugokwe.

    Speaking at the meeting, Ambode urged them to do all within their powers to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants in the contest on Tuesday.

    He said it was important that the election when conducted should be seen as free, fair and credible to all aspirants concerned, adding that it is only in such situation that democracy, which the party upholds is entrenched.

    Expressing confidence in the selection of members of the panel, Ambode said he has no doubt that the panel would live up to expectation and deliver a credible process, which according to him, will go a long way to determine the future of Nigeria and the greatness of Lagos in particular.

    “This is a very star studded election team, they are distinguished Nigerians in their individual and collective rights. There can’t be any better collection of a team to any State election monitoring in this country than the distinguished personalities brought to Lagos and it only shows us the importance that the National chairman of our great party attaches to what is happening in Lagos.

    “I must tell you that what you have taken up, may look like a political assignment, but history is on your side that at this very moment in the annals of the history of this country, today marking our 58th Independence anniversary celebration, you are being called upon to discharge a selfless service that would determine the future of this country and the greatness of this particular state.

    “I receive this election team as being acceptable and credible to me enough to discharge their civic responsibility to the best of their abilities and also to say that whatever it is that is the outcome of the primaries, your presence has also shown that this will be credible and this will be acceptable by me,” he said.

    The Governor recalled that he had gone through the same process with 12 other aspirants to emerge as governorship candidate of the APC in 2014, saying that it was not out of place to have other aspirants contest for the same ticket this time, however, the eventual process of choosing who flies the party’s flag must be seen to be fair to all concerned.

    “So it’s very clear to me, all I seek is credible primaries, transparent primaries and level playing ground that we will all be proud of the outcome at the end of the day.

    “There were issues that we have raised that we are also trying to correct. The bottom line is this, we are family, we must not go into the elections divided because this is the very first time that our party is controlling the centre and also the State, that is what I want us to continue.

    “The issues that I raised have been put in form of a letter which I would pass to their chairman and I believe the committee will look into it judiciously and also I welcome the stakeholders meeting which will allow you feel the pulse of what is going on in the State,” Ambode said.

    He also urged the panel to use its prerogative to decide the best possible time for the primaries election and make a public announcement on the time, date and venues of the exercise to enable members of the party partake in the process.

    Earlier, Ebri said the panel deemed it fit to pay a courtesy visit to the Governor as the number one citizen in the State and to also intimate him on the process for the conduct of the primaries.

    “As the number one citizen of Lagos, we felt obliged to come and see you particularly when you are contesting for the position of Governor for which we all believe you have done so well. We are the panel that has been constituted to conduct primaries. We are seven members and there are indications that there would be one or two additions due to the work load here.

    “We have come to intimate you that this exercise is going to take place in the next few hours. I also like to apologise for the delay, it had to be postponed as a result of logistics in Lagos, Imo and some other States because of the pressure and work load from the secretariat and other developments that have taken place,” the Chairman said.

    Ebri, a former governor of Cross River State, assured the Governor that he and his team were ready for the task ahead and would do everything possible to ensure that the process is seen to be free, fair and credible.

    “Lagos is more like a decider and like they say, when Lagos sneezes the rest of the country catches cold. So that is why we are very careful about what we are doing and the National Chairman asked me to send his best wishes to you and ask us to come and do the right thing to the satisfaction of all members, more so that the president of this country stands for transparency and detests corruption and a situation where no one feels manipulated.

    Read Also: 2019: Tambuwal wants INEC to live above board

    “The process we are laying out is such that will ensure and guarantee transparency and credibility, we have people of integrity in this panel, these are not rookies in politics, they are people who have been tested. You can see senators, former governors, former deputy governor, former member of the House of Representatives, so this is a star studded team and I can assure you that we have all the experience that you want and you can think about to conduct this exercise. We assure you of our sincerity and transparency and we seek your cooperation in providing a level playing field.

    “I want to assure you that we have come here to do our work and to ensure that this party is given the greater control in the affairs of this country by getting the right persons to assume the mantle of office. We know that you have done so well and there is no doubt about it.

    “But you have a contestant and we have assured everyone that since this party stands for democracy and we want to ensure that there is a level playing field and everyone would be given an opportunity to test out his strength,” he said.

    He said the Stakeholders meeting fixed for Monday evening at the party secretariat in Acme was to enable aspirants and other concerned stakeholders voice their opinion concerning the primaries in accordance with the democratic principles of the party.

    He said the meeting would afford the panel a look at the possibility of conducting the primaries at the most convenient time and where there are still grey areas, “then we would contact the national headquarters and get the necessary approval to make the adjustments”.

    Ebri also sought the Governor’s assistance in ensuring the safety and security of members of the panel, a request which the Governor granted, assuring the team that adequate security would be provided to ensure a hitch free exercise.

  • APC Vice-Chair to Ambode: Sanwo-Olu is credible

    All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State Vice Chairman (Lagos Central) Hakeem Bamgbola has backed the aspiration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu to pick the party’s ticket.
    Bamgbola said Sanwo-Olu, if elected, is capable of taking Lagos to a greater height.
    The House of Representatives aspirant urged APC members in Coker-Aguda and Itire-Ikate to  vote for Sanwo-Olu in Monday’s primary election.
    He hailed Dr Obafemi Hamzat for stepping down from the race for Sanwo-Olu and dismissed the insinuation that Sanwo-Olu is not credible for the job.
    “For those who have related with him, his competence to deliver as the Lagos number citizen is not in doubt. He has performed creditably well in all ministries handled so far. Having served three different Lagos State governors, I believe he is more than capable and credible to govern Lagos,” he said.
    Bamgbola assured Lagosians that more dividends of democracy are on the way, saying “Lagosians deserve better than what they are getting from the present government and Sanwo-Olu is in a better position to deliver. I trust our party members to choose a more credible person who can perform better and that is why we are endorsing this man (Sanwo-Olu) now. We are sure he will perform well.”
    The former Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairman applauded the Gubernatorial Advisory Council (GAC) for endorsing Sanwo-Olu.
    The GAC’s endorsement, Bamgbola said, is in order because any group within the party just like members has the right to pitch their tent with aspirant of their choice.
    “If after a long time of deliberation they found Sanwo-Olu credible and fit to surpass the achievements of the present governor, they should be commended and supported by voting for the person the group endorsed,” he said.

  • Why Sanwo-Olu should succeed Ambode, by campaign manager

    The Sanwo-Olu Campaign Organisation yesterday said the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will preside over an-all inclusive administration and be accountable to the ruling party and Lagos State residents, if elected.

    The organisation said the aspirant will not conduct the affairs of the state with arrogance, pledging that he will foster a sense of belonging in the party by permitting members to contribute their quota to governance.

    Exuding confidence about tomorrow’s direct primary, its Director-General, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, said Sanwo-Olu will emerge victorious because he has the support of party members.

    He told reporters in Lagos that many party chieftains were anticipating the end of an era and the beginning of a new dispensation under Sanwo-Olu.

    Ayinde described the aspirant as a technocrat with a wealth of experience in the private and public sectors.

    The campaign chief said the aspirant had resigned as the Managing Director of the Lagos State Property Development Corporation (LSPDC) to enable him concentrate on his ambition.

    He said: “Sanwo-Olu is a politician and not an ordinary civil servant without a political experience. He has served as political adviser, commissioner and managing director of LSPDC. We believe God has a hand in this project. He has been endorsed by ward and local government chairmen of the party, chairmen of 57 councils and 377 councillors. They are all behind us.

    “We have met with market women and their leaders, led by the Iyaloja. We have met with religious leaders. These are the structures. We have the support of the political structures in Lagos State.”

    Ayinde lauded the adoption of the direct primary, saying it would enable willing chieftains to throw their hats in the ring.

  • APC Primary: Ambode campaign team trains 1,960 agents

    Ahead of Saturday’s All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary, Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode’s campaign team says it has trained 1,960 personnel to be “eyes and ears” of the governor in the election.

    Ambode is expected to slug it out with Mr Jide Sanwo-Olu, the Managing Director, Lagos State Development and Property Corporation, and Dr Femi Hamzat, a former Commissioner for Works, for the governorship ticket.

    The Ambode Campaign Organisation said on Thursday that the trained personnel would serve as agents in all the 245 wards in the constitutionally recognised 20 Local government areas where the primary election is expected to take place.

    The organisation, in a statement, said the agents had been selected and trained “to be the eyes and ears” of Gov. Ambode as the candidate of choice in the primary election.

    The development came on the heels of the inauguration of the Ambode Campaign Organisation coordinators and offices in the three senatorial districts in the state, with functional outposts across the 20 local councils.

    The campaign team said that while being vigilant and uncompromising, the agents had been tutored to conduct themselves in a peaceful and orderly manner as loyal members of the APC.

    Ambode had on Wednesday reiterated his readiness to participate in Saturday’s primary election in line with the preference of the party and the Governor’s Advisory Council.

    He expressed profound gratitude to National Leader of the Party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; party elders and executives; GAC members; all APC members and every Lagosian.

    According to him, their support, understanding and prayers have assisted him in no small measure in being used as an instrument through which the state has redefined the concept of greatness.(NAN)

  • I’m ready for primary, says Ambode

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday declared his readiness to participate in Saturday’s governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The party has adopted direct primary giving members the chance to pick their choice of candidate from amog three aspirants.

    The other aspirants in the race are two former commisoners Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.

    In a statement by Commissioner for Information and Strategy Kehinde Bamigbetan, the governor said: “As our great party approaches Saturday, earmarked for the direct primary election to choose the candidate to fly our party’s gubernatorial flag at the next general election, I am happy to restate my commitment to participate in that process having procured and submitted my nomination form and having formally declared my intention to seek a second term to continue on the path of unprecedented growth and development that our state has witnessed since 2015”.

    The Governor expressed gratitude to National Leader of the APC Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; party elders and executives; GAC members; all APC members and every Lagosian “whose support, understanding and prayers have assisted me in no small measure in being used as an instrument through which our State has redefined the concept of greatness”.

    The statement added that the governor, in seeking re-election, is approaching the founding fathers and teeming members of the party with a “grateful heart, open arms and a pledge to open and deeper attention to the concerns of this one, big family”.

    It added that a return of the party’s ticket to Ambode would guarantee the stability of the state’s growing economy; ensure the continuation of the growth and development it has witnessed over time and ensure that the opposition does not take root in the State.

    The statement congratulated the governor’s co-contestants for the courage and commitment to the party and urged party faithful to come out en masse and vote peacefully in all the 245 wards where the shadow poll will take place.

    The Sanwo-Olu Campaign Organisation welcomed the decision of the governor to participate in the primary.

    It said the decision was in order, adding that it is in exercise of his democratic right.

    Sanwo-Olu campaign spokesman Sesan Daini said the APC had established itself in the tradition of giving all members a sense of belonging by throwing the race open to willing contestants.

    Highlighting the issues that will shape the direct primary, he said the perception of the party about the governor and the party’s aspiration and new vision of inclusion will play key roles.

    Daini stressed: “Anybody who is not taking care of the party will be assessed and dealt with at the primary. The members of APC will prefer an aspirant who will not deny them access; an aspirant who will promote open door policy.”

    However, the spokesman called for a free and fair primary devoid of harassment, arrest, intimidation and abuse of power by the police during the exercise.

    Noting that Mr. Jide Sanwo-Olu has acknowledged the governor as a co-aspirant, Daini said their fate will be decided by party members.

    He added: “Sanwo-Olu is the symbol of the party’s aspiration for a governor who will maintain an open door policy and create access to the government for party members to make an input into governance.

    “We are ready for the primary. We are ready for a free and fair primary.”

  • Ambode, Ganduje, Abubakar, Bello, others to face direct primaries

    THE National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has approved direct primaries for Lagos, Edo, Kano and 14 other states as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Kaduna and 18 other states are to conduct their primaries through indirect mode.

    With the development, the fate of four second term-seeking governors of the party will now be determined through direct primaries.

    Those affected are Governors Akinwumi Ambode (Lagos); Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano); Mohammed Abubakar (Bauchi) and Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger).

    Others, who might be subjected to direct primaries, are the favoured candidates of Governors Rochas Okorocha, who is presenting his son-in-law, Uche; Abdulaziz Yari; Ibikunle Amosun; the Minister of Women Affairs Hajiya Aisha Alhassan and Mr. Nsima Ekere, who is the anointed choice of ex-Governor Godswill Akpabio.

    But with the adoption of indirect primaries, some governors and party leaders, desirous of second term ticket or imposing their successors, might take advantage of the party structure for easy ride.

    These are Simon Lalong  (Plateau); Jibrilla Bindow (Adamawa); Nasir el-Rufai (Kaduna); Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa); Aminu Bello Masari (Katsina); Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi); Umar Tanko Al Makura (Nasarawa); Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo); Kashim Shettima (Borno) and Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe) among others.

    The details of the outlook of the primaries are contained in a statement by the APC Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Yekini Nabena.

    The statement said: “The NWC of the APC has approved the mode of primaries for Saturday, September 29th, 2018 governorship primary elections scheduled to hold across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    “Resolution on mode of primaries to be adopted: Abia (Direct); Adamawa (Indirect);  Akwa Ibom (Direct);  Anambra (Direct); Bauchi (Direct); Bayelsa (Direct); Benue (Indirect); Borno (Indirect); Cross River (Direct); Delta (Indirect); Ebonyi (Indirect); Enugu (Indirect) Edo (Direct);  and Ekiti (Direct).

    Others are Gombe (Indirect); Imo (Direct); Jigawa (Indirect); Kaduna (Indirect); Kano (Direct); Katsina (Indirect); Kebbi (Indirect); Kogi (Indirect); Kwara (Indirect); Lagos (Direct); Nasarawa (Indirect); Niger (Direct); Ogun (Direct); Ondo (Direct); Osun (Direct); Oyo (indirect); Plateau (Indirect);  and Rivers (Indirect).

    Also affected are Sokoto (Indirect); Taraba (Direct); Yobe (indirect); Zamfara (Direct) and FCT (Direct).

    “The NWC has banned the Adamawa State Working Committee from participating either as delegates or superintendents over the governorship primaries holding in the state. This is due to the fact that the Adamawa State Working Committee was prejudiced in favour of a governorship aspirant.”

    Speaking with our correspondent last night, Nabena said: “We did not impose the choice of primaries on any state. The State Executive Committee of APC in each state wrote to the NWC on preferred model and we looked at their reasons and we adopted what they wanted.

    “The NWC looked at the reports from each state and acted accordingly. There was no imposition.”

  • Ambode hails RCCG for donating classrooms to school

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has hailed the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) for donating six blocks of classrooms to Omole Junior Grammar School in Omole Phase 1, Ojodu.

    The governor expressed gratitude to RCCG while inaugurating the blocks of classrooms donated by the church’s Solid Rock Parish, Lagos Province 40, Region 19.

    Represented by the Permanent Secretary and Tutor General for Education District VI, Olufunmilayo Onadipe, the governor described the project as laudable.

    He said his administration needed the support of all residents to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

    Ambode said: “This is a laudable project. We cannot do it alone, and this is why we need the support of others. We rely on people like you, the church, to help the government. Join us to move forward.”

    The governor also described the project as wonderful, saying it depicted a conducive learning environment for the pupils.

    He added: “This is a wonderful project. For anyone of you who has contributed in one way or the other, God will reward you and take care of your children, as you have taken care of other people’s children.”

    The Special Assistant to the RCCG General Overseer on Mission and Pastor in Charge of Regional 19, Brown Oyitso, handed over the budding to the government.

    He said the gesture followed a directive from the church’s General Overseer (G.O), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, adding that it was RCCG’s way of feeding the people and meet the needs of the less privileged in the society.

    According to him, the government cannot do it alone.

    Oyitso said: “This project is part of the church’s Christian Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes. Our G.O. gave us a mandate to embark on CSR to help our neighbourhood, feed the poor, help the less privileged and give scholarships, among other things.”

    learning standards.

    “The learning environment matters. Looking at this building and the infrastructure on ground: the toilets, white board, the windows and ventilation will assist us to teach in an environment that is conducive and it will help the pupils too,” Julius said.

  • Ambode’s fate hangs in the balance as party insists on primary

    The Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC),the highest decision making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC)in Lagos met on Saturday night where it resolved the chapter must hold its primary to determine its governorship candidate.

    The decision put paid hopes that the party would clear the coast for Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode ‘s bid by asking his challengers to step down from the race.

    A former Commissioner for Training and Establishment in the state ,Mr Jide Sanwo-Olu ,allegedly backed by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is Ambode’s main challenger while a former Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure ,Dr Obafemi Hamzat is also in the race .

    A chieftain who attended the 22-member GAC meeting held at Tinubu’s residence and pleaded anonymity told NAN that the party insisted that Ambode must go through the primary with others.

    “We met and deliberated extensively on the governor”s second term bid and our forthcoming primary .

    “And after the deliberations ,we resolved that the party should hold the primary to pick it’s candidate because that is just the right thing to do.

    “We are a democratic party that believes so much in internal democracy ,so think we should allow everyone to sell themselves to members who will eventually determine their choices “,he saId.

    The Chairman of the party in the state ,Alhaji Tunde Balogun told NAN that although he was present at the meeting ,he was not authorised to speak on the outcome.

    “Yes,the GAC met today and made some decisions, but I will not speak on the outcome because I have not been asked to do so.

    “Chief Abayomi Finnih would address the press on Monday on the outcome. He has been appointed and he will give you all the details”,he said.

    Other chieftains who attended the meeting were Sen. Anthony Adefuye, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi and former speaker Chief Adeyemi Ikuforiji(NAN)

  • Ambode advises corps members on projects

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has urged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to create projects that would impact in their host communities.

    He gave the advice yesterday during the closing ceremony of the NYSC 2018 Batch “B” Stream 2 orientation course.

    “The major objective of the NYSC is to foster unity among the diverse ethnic groups of our great country through its vibrant youths.

    “I encourage you to create visions and projects that will positively affect the lives of people in the host communities you will be posted to.

    “I also enjoin you to be good ambassadors of the NYSC and the country at large, most especially during the forthcoming general election in 2019, which most of you would participate in as ad hoc staff,” the governor said.

    He encouraged the Corps members to take advantage of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED), an initiative of the state government and the NYSC to prepare them for self-employment

    Ambode urged them to take the post-camp training seriously, to enable them access loans through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF).

    The governor’s speech was delivered by Mr. Oluseye Oladejo, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations.

    The state Coordinator of NYSC, Mr Muhammed Momoh, appealed to the  government to help the scheme realise its plans to build its permanent orientation camp in the state.

    “I wish to appreciate the governor for being a worthy father and for the support given to the scheme at all times.

    “While we appreciate the allocation of land for the construction of a befitting orientation camp at Agbowa, I wish to implore the governor to use his good office to make the dream a reality.

    “This will ameliorate the serious challenge of space constraints we face in the present facility,” he said.

    Momoh advised the Corps members to accept postings for their primary assignments in good faith, while carrying out their duties with all sense of patriotism.

    About 2,152 Corps members comprising 1143 men  and 1009 women are to serve in Lagos.