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Tag: Ambode

  • K1: why I’m donating to Buhari, Ambode’s campaign

    K1: why I’m donating to Buhari, Ambode’s campaign

    In furtherance of his support for the APC, Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde, aka K1 The Ultimate, was the cynosure of all eyes, last Sunday, as he donated some Public Address Systems to each of the 377 Wards in the 57 Local Government Councils and Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) of Lagos State. The artiste, who also gave out 300,000 wristbands with the imprints of Gen. Buhari and Ambode, told journalists that it was the least he could do to support the two APC candidates, as a party member.

    What informs the donation of these items?

    I am a party man, and in the last 16 years, I have been part of good governance in Nigeria.  So this is not really too much to be given out to a party that I believe so much in. I believe so much in the All Progressives Congress; it is a party of the people. My relationship as a democrat has been for over 40 years. This is what I believe in, regardless of anything.

    Why the choice of APC?

    I am a Nigerian. I have the right of affiliation, so that is where it started, and it doesn’t change for me.

    Why the choice of these items; why not something other than wrist bands and Public Address Systems?

    In the first instance, we are talking about the grassroots. When you are being asked what you were doing; ensure you do something that touches the grass root. This public address system is meant for the world; it is a public address system that has the capacity to run for over 48 to 72 hours without electricity, meaning that it would be very effective in the rural areas. If you can charge it for just an hour or two, then you can use it for the next 72 hours. Each system comes with a microphone, not only that, it can be used as a DVD, depending on the format of information you want to pass across to the people.  If the governor wants to make a statement or give any information, it reaches out to the people fast, clearly and soundly too.

    Is this kind of gesture going to continue?

    This is not my first donation to the party, and by extension, to good governance. As a democrat, I have always made myself available, lending my voice and music to good courses. During the last election, I know what I did. During every election, I try as much as possible to reach out to people. I am a beneficiary of good governance myself, and everybody knows that.

    How much of these have you been able to impact on your colleagues?

    This is a matter of choice, and it is about me. I don’t want to speak for anyone. I can’t force anybody; not even my children. This is democracy where people have every right to do what they choose. As I am saying mine, others might be saying theirs as well. This is just about me.

    Can you tell us how much you spent on these items?

    Unfortunately, that is also personal to me. I don’t need to say it for any reason. Not even to earn applause. Sometimes it doesn’t make meaning.

    What would you want the people to know about the coming elections?

    Every Nigeria should know that this coming election is very important in many ways.  Nigeria is not enjoying the benefit of good governance as passionately as expected. If you take a look at Nigeria over 30 years back, then you will know that the rate at which people move out of this country to either work or live abroad is crazy, and this is simply because there is nothing for people to do at home. Majority of the people are not truly enjoying good governance, and we should not shut our mouth to this. I don’t know of any other, I’m a global tour musician and I see many people outside the country that when you ask them why they are living abroad, they will tell you it is because they have nothing really good to do at home. They will tell you they will rather be here (abroad) sweeping the floor than being a thief back home. You can imagine that it is as bad as that. The people are not enjoying, the education system isn’t functioning well; you can imagine a situation where by nothing works. And if they say something is working, let them (the ruling party) show us what has worked. I am speaking this time around as a Nigerian, who has seen things clearly in the last 40 years. I have been a party member for a very long time, I had been voted as an executive of the youth wing of a party in Nigeria, when I was barely 17 years old. My history as a politician is something that has existed for a very long time.

    As a global person, one of your contributions to global tourism is Ori Omi project that you’ve been doing in US. We see a lot of waters in Lagos as well are you thinking of doing this kind of project in Lagos?

    Before we started those ones you mention, we have been doing it in Lagos here. We used to do it from Mile 2 to Apapa. In the late 80s and 90s that is what we do; we do go from Mile 2 to a Badagry. All we are saying is that, when everybody knows that things go well in Nigeria, nobody would want to take those brilliant ideas abroad. The security situation in Nigeria is nothing to write home about. If Nigeria has a security situation where by they can ‘close their eyes’ and walk the streets 24 hours nonstop; if they can walk without molestation, then you will see that those beautiful things people go abroad to enjoy will be established here and Nigerians will stay to enjoy them as well. Who wants to go on the water here when there is no electricity and security?

    Doesn’t it bother you that some people may feel you have been paid to support the APC?

    Definitely, I am blessed with my job. How could anyone look at me; a 58-year-old man, and say I have been paid? If I don’t know what bites so hard in the society at 58, why will I be able to go out and talk? When I made my album in 1984, I sang about poverty, lack of electricity and so on. That was a long time ago. Definitely, these problems have existed for long; they are only getting worse by the day. So, would anyone say that I was also paid back then to sing against vices in the society? As musicians, we are not destabilizing the nation, we are only crying out loud to make the country better. If you go to Benin Republic, you would know they are enjoying the benefits of good governance. People living over there don’t waste money on power generating sets, the way we do here in Nigeria. And they are not really a rich country, as the only thing they do is business, with just one Port.

  • Student group supports Buhari, Ambode

    Student group supports Buhari, Ambode

    A coalition of Nigerian students under the aegis of APC Campus Connect has called on students and youths across the country to come out en masse and vote out the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) government.

    They said the Federal Government had only brought them pains, hardship, suffering and unemployment.

    Representatives of the group, which comprisesgraduates and undergraduates from Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education and the University of Ibadan (UI), among others, visited the Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Fashola on Education, Fatai Olukoga at his office in Ikeja.

    They declared their  support for APC’s Akinwunmi Ambode for governor and General Muhammadu Buhari for President in next month’s elections.

    Opeyemi Eniola, who coordinates the group, said they were campaigning for a change for the better through APC.

    Olukoga expressed delight about the youths’ initiative, saying: “What Nigeria needs now is a change from bad to good, from darkness to light and to achieve this, the electorate should wipe out PDP in governance in totality. Enough is enough and Mr. President should know that we are no fools”.

    He chided President Goodluck Jonathan over what he called the insignificant reduction in petrol price from N97  to N87 per litre, saying it was merely a political gimmick and an insult on Nigerians.

    Olukoga warned government not to take Nigerians for a fool with the hypocritical reduction which, according to him, came few weeks to the presidential elections.

    He said: “The reduction is not proportional to the reduction in the prices of crude in the international market. In fact, if this administration is serious at all, the fuel price should be brought down to N67 per litre. From the foregoing, it is evident that the President, government and the PDP lack integrity because they talk from two sides of their mouth and I want to advise the electorate to be wary of any hypocritical carrot they dangle before them at this time.”

  • Ambode’s human security agenda

    The forthcoming governorship election in Lagos state is surely arousing the curiosity of most Nigerians – from the political analysts and scholars of Nigerian politics to the so-called common man, for a number of reasons. It presents an opportunity to further test the political credentials and clout of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, unarguably the most influential politician and strategist in the south-western part of Nigeria, having previously been governor of Lagos State from 1999 – 2007. Tinubu is regarded as the originator of modern Lagos State’s development template. Upon leaving office after the expiration of his mandate in 2007, he had successfully engineered the election of his successor, now the outgoing governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, in 2007, despite the expression of interest by a number of his own loyalists, as well as the perpetually marauding People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which is cognizant of the fact that the key to Tinubu’s continued relevance lies with his firm control of Lagos politics. Despite fielding such candidates as the late Funsho Williams, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Ade Dosumu, in the past, the PDP has been continually trounced in the gubernatorial elections in Lagos State. With the imminent end of Governor Fashola’s tenure, a man widely respected for transforming Lagos state beyond expectations, to the extent that even opposition politicians grudgingly admit he has discharged his duties well as governor, the race for the governor’s office becomes even more interesting.

    As with previous governorship elections, the contest is between the candidates of the APC and the PDP. The PDP candidate, Jimi Agbaje, who had previously contested against Babatunde Fashola in 2007 under the less-known Democratic Peoples’ Alliance (DPA), surprised many by coming third and garnering more votes than more experienced and better-known politicians like Tokunbo Afikuyomi and Femi Pedro. Agbaje is the flag bearer of the PDP and given the weight of the PDP, and going by Agbaje’s previous antecedents in the 2007 election, he surely represents a formidable challenge to Ambode’s APC.

    Ambode has a couple of advantages going forward in the February governorship elections. First is the political goodwill enjoyed by the Tinubu-Fashola administrations in Lagos State, which gives the APC the political legitimacy to present a relatively unknown person as gubernatorial candidate. This goodwill has been earned, more so, as a result of Fashola’s excellent delivery of good governance in the State. Fashola, who was also relatively a political unknown in 2007, having served as Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, has further endeared Lagosians to the APC. The PDP has not been helped greatly by the internal squabbles within its fold, as well as the dearth of a credible leader of the party in Lagos State. Second, the prospect of a continuation of the public service delivery initiated by a candidate who understands the workings of government in Lagos State also works in Ambode’s favour. Having served in the Lagos State Civil Service for almost three decades as Permanent Secretary and Accountant-General respectively, and having the privilege of understudying Tinubu and Fashola, Ambode appears to represent the continuity in governance that the APC advocates for, which also resonates with most Lagosians.

    What appears evident from an examination of candidate Ambode’s Governance Plan is a focus on human security, centred on promoting freedoms from poverty, need and fear. The Plan has service delivery as its core, which will be under girded by the principles of Leadership, Accountability, Governance, Opportunity, Service (L.A.G.O.S). The Plan has as its main areas of focus: tourism, economic growth, community cohesion, and equitable distribution of wealth, poverty reduction and the urbanization of slums, human rights protection, urbanization and the provision of physical and social infrastructure, all in tandem with the present administration’s development blueprint.

    The Ambode Plan focuses on Security, Economy, Infrastructure, Healthcare, Education, Social Welfare and Good Governance. In the area of job creation, it proposes the establishment of an Employment Trust Fund to the tune of N25b within a period of four years by the government, with one billion naira earmarked for each of the five divisions in the state for the next four years; Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos and Epe Divisions.

    On ‘Corporate Lagos’, the manifesto proposes measures that will attract and retain both foreign and local investors to Lagos, with the aid of e-governance solutions for business. Quite importantly, it prioritizes the re-establishment of a middle class in the state, under strict adherence to the Rule of Law. Also, while recognizing that multiple taxes/fees exist in the state’s tax codes, a pledge is made to remove them as soon as Ambode assumes office.

    On Education, a number of initiatives have been highlighted for implementation. The emphasis of the manifesto is on the upgrading and creation of new e-libraries, in line with best global education practices, the upgrading of the state-owned tertiary institutions – the Lagos State University (LASU) and the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), as well as the introduction of scholarship schemes in the vocational and technical colleges.

    On Health, the manifesto seeks to further improve upon the Primary Healthcare Programme, the harmonization of private and public sector partnership in secondary healthcare, as well as the establishment of medic-parks and bio-parks in Lagos state..

    On Tourism, there is a plan to launch a project known as T.H.E.S.E, which refers to an integrated solution involving the systematic integration of Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment/Arts Sports for Excellence, aimed at enabling the state to explore, execute and enshrine a new vista of jobs for our youths, our women and vocational artisans.

    On Social Welfare issues, the manifesto seeks the continuation of free education for primary and secondary school children, in line with the core principles of the APC. Underscoring the need to ensure the protection of the rights of children in Lagos State, there is an emphasis on the enforcement of the Child Abuse Law, and the criminalization of child labour. Also, ensuring the protection of the rights of women, the aged and the disabled, as well as the provision of social welfare and opportunities for these groups are emphasized in the manifesto.

    On power generation, priority is placed on the exploration of opportunities for alternative energy sources. There are also plans to further expand the already-existing Independent Power Project (IPP), and the protection of the rights of Lagosians in their engagement with private power suppliers.

    On what is referred to as ‘Integrated System’, the plan’s starting point is that the existing 29 bridges in Lagos are inadequate to cater for its huge number of motorists. It therefore seeks to expand seven of the bridges while also exploring the opportunities of pursuing an integrated transport management system.

    On Finance, the manifesto underscores its commitment to a 20-year financial and statistical planning on the needs of the state, as well as the establishment of a Lagos Finance and Development Commission, which will afford all stakeholders in the State, including the private sector, civil society and government, to match the needs of the State with the financial resources required to achieve set goals.

    While across Nigeria, there is the increasing agitation for change, especially at the federal level, in Lagos State the majority seem to aspire towards a more encompassing continuity and improvement in the delivery of public services to the people. Candidate Ambode’s credentials appear to fit the bill for the tasks ahead. In the efforts to further develop the manifesto into concrete policy documents, there will be the need for an inclusive and coordinated engagement with sectoral experts, the civil servants of Lagos State who will be tasked with implementing the plan, while obtaining the input of the citizenry, on whose behalf the manifesto has been developed. This will promote and guarantee a genuine partnership and ownership of the plan, while inculcating a crosscutting sense of responsibility and inclusivity.

    • Tunde, a public policy analyst, is based in the United Kingdom.
  • Ambode promises good governance

    Ambode promises good governance

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has assured Lagosians of good governance.

    Ambode, who campaigned yesterday at Ajegunle in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government, said if voted into office, he would ensure that the people enjoyed the dividends of democracy, which would include the building of a world-class stadium to facilitate the discovery of talented sports men and women.

    He implored residents not to vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), warning that voting for the party would amount to backwardness.

    His words: “Let me tell you, PDP is full of those deceiving people. Don’t let them deceive you because they don’t have anything to

    offer. We will create an employment trust fund where you can access funds. We will do everything possible to make life comfortable for you.”

    At the rally, a group, Akinwunmi Ambode Komittee of Friends (AA’KON), urged Lagosians to shun violence and thuggery before, during and after the elections.

    The body’s Media Director, Elder Cornelius Olopade, decried violence and thuggery, saying they destroyed life and property.

    He enjoined people to vote for Ambode and other APC candidates to ensure the continuity of the dividends of democracy, such as good roads, health care, free and qualitative education, housing and others put in place by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola.

  • Ambode, Agbaje: Who ‘ll Lagosians vote for?

    Ambode, Agbaje: Who ‘ll Lagosians vote for?

    In almost 16 years, Lagosians have sealed a pact with the progressive bloc. Will there be a clean break from the past as people prepare for the governorship election? Will the people sustain the tradition? Group Politcal Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU highlights factors that will shape the poll. 

    Who wears the crown in Lagos State on February 14? The contest is mainly between All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Akinwumi Ambode and Olujimi Agbaje of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Asked to predict the outcome of the contest, Lagos prince and one-time legislator and Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Tajudeen Olusi said: “Lagos belongs to progressives.” But, PDP chieftain and former Works Minister Prince Adeseye Ogunlewe disagreed. He said: “Agbaje will beat Ambode.”

    Since 1999, only progressive parties-the Alliance for Democracy (AD), the Action Congress (AC), the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and APC-have ruled Lagos. Efforts by the PDP to win governorship elections have been futile. Olusi attributed the failure to the gap between the people’s expectation and PDP’s vision. He said the PDP-Federal Government has neglected Lagos in the last 16 years.

    The progressive beat, which started in the Second Republic, goes on. In 1979, a progressive, Alhaji Lateef Jakande of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), defeated Ladega Adeniji-Adele of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). In 1983, Jakande was re-elected, defeating Hakeem Habeeb of the NPN. In the Third Republic, the proscribed Social Democratic Party (SDP) was more popular than the National Republican Convention (NRC). But, owing to the split in the dominant party, a section tilted support towards the late Chief Michael Otedola of the NRC, who defeated the SDP candidate, Chief Yomi Edu.

    In 1999 and 2003, Senator Bola Tinubu of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) defeated PDP’s Chief Dapo Sarunmi and Mr. Funso Williams. In 2007, Babatunde Fashola (SAN) of the Action Congress (AC) and later, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), defeated Senator Musiliu Obanikoro of the PDP and Agbaje of the Democratic Peoples Alliance (DPA). In 2011, the PDP candidate, Dr. Ade Dosunmu, also lost his deposit. He was defeated by Fashola.

    At the flag off of the APC governorship campaign in Ikeja, the state capital, Olusi said Lagosians are not assailed by collective amnesia. “They will vote for the right party and the party is the APC,” he added.  The elder statesman said President Goodluck Jonathan’s poor performance will be the PDP’s albatross in next month’s election. He explained that Lagosians who are affected by the grave economic situation will vent their anger on poll day, adding that many who are angry at the erratic power supply and collapsed infrastructure will reject the PDP. “Corruption is a big issue. As Obasanjo has said, it has ruined the country. This is another factor,” he stressed.

    At the PDP presidential campaign in Lagos, Ondo State Governor Segun Mimiko drew the attention of party supporters to the on-going Lagos/Ibadan Expressway project being undertaken by the Federal Government. But, the APC National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed described the move as hypocrisy. “The latter-day construction of the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway is a vote-winning gimmick that has backfired as the project has only progressed at a snail-speed apparently due to lack of funds, ” he added.

    Other Lagosians who share the view that Lagos State has been neglected by the Federal Government are bitter at the PDP. Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) complained that people are weary of the President’s insensitivity to the plight of the state. He cited the traffic gridlock at Apapa, the sea port, and the agony unleashed by fuel lifting by thousands of trailers on daily basis. He said the socio-economic life of residents is dislocated, adding that hotels and recreational centres are worse hit.

    Besides, Fashola gave other reasons. He said Lagosians will not vote for Agbaje because his party opposed the creation of additional councils in Lagos. At Ikorodu, he told the huge crowd at the campaign held at Ogolonto that PDP will scrap the additional 37 councils, if it wins the poll. “You had one local government before in Ikorodu Division. Now, you have six. Do you want PDP to scrap the councils?” he asked. The crowd chorused: No.

    Prospective voters have also been beaming a searchlight on the two candidates, based on their pedigree and previous experience. Agbaje is a successful pharmacist. Ambode is a former Auditor-General for Local Government. He has worked in over 12 councils before he moved to the civil service, where he retired as the Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance.  Fashola paid tribute to the APC flag bearer for rendering effective service to the state. The governor recalled that, when the Federal Government withheld allocations to the state, he invented the financial strategy that made the local governments to survive. “He has worked with my predecessor. He has worked with me for six years as an accountant-general. Let me remind you. Which party and government frustrated the creation of new local governments in Lagos? It is the PDP. At the time their party and their government seized our money, this is the young man who was managing the finances and made those local governments to survive.

    “I was the Chief of Staff then. I was the one fighting the legal battle with Yemi Osinbajo. So, are you not seeing the team? Ambode in Lagos and Osinbajo in Abuja. Your local government will be safe, if Buhari is elected. Your local government will be protected, if Ambode is elected. Those who wanted to spoil it yesterday cannot come and ask for your votes. Go and tell those who are not here that the election is about another fight for freedom. It is about the survival of the local government, state and the country.”

    In Fashola’s view, it is dangerous to elect an inexperienced successor, warning that progress may be at a standstill. He said: “This state is too strategic and too critical to the development of Nigeria, to the prosperity of the West Africa sub-region, to the prosperity and stability of the African continent to be entrusted to a beginner or an experimental. We are voting continuity because we want to consolidate in what we have achieved.”

    At the Ikeja rally, former Governor Bola Tinubu also spoke on why Ambode is better than Agbaje. He said previous opportunities given to the pharmacist to learn the ropes were rejected by him in the past. He said when the party and the government offered him opportunities to serve as a commissioner, senator and deputy governor, he refused to take up the jobs. Tinubu, who predicted that PDP will lose the poll, said the challenge of post-Fashola period will require sound financial management. He said while Agbaje lacks experience in this regard, Ambode has been tested and he can now be trusted.  “Agbaje wanted to be governor in 2007. He contested in the AC. He failed. He went to DPA. He failed. He has gone to the PDP. He will fail again,” Tinubu added. Addressing supporters in Apapa, Ambode described the PDP flag bearer as a trial and error politician. He said: “We don’t need trial and error politician. We need experienced people to continue the progress we have made in Lagos,” he said.

    In terms of structure, APC also appears to have an edge over the PDP. The ruling party will lean on the incumbency power and a resilient public, which the federal might may not be able to confront. Today, APC has 40 members of the House of Assembly, 20 members of the House of Representatives, three senators, and 40 members of the State Executive Council. Until recently, the Chairmen of 57 local governments, their vice chairmen, secretaries, councillors and supervisory councillors belong to the ruling party. Their successors are pro-APC executive secretaries.

    The ruling party is also ahead of the PDP on the mobilisation field. A week after the flag off of the APC campaigns, PDP is holding town hall meetings in some local governments. The preparation by the opposition party may have been slowed down by the post-primary crisis that rocked the fold, following its rancorous shadow poll at Oregun. There was reconciliation, but the perception of Agbaje as an outsider who came to reap where he did not sow has not disappeared. Few weeks ago, his rival at the primaries, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, former Minister of State for Defence, maintained that the primaries that threw up the former Afenifere treasurer as the PDP candidate was flawed. “That was why I protested. That was why I wanted to go to court. I protested so that this will not repeat itself in the Lagos PDP,” the former minister said.

    Ahead of the poll, many big wigs have also defected from the PDP to the APC. When they defected, Dr. Abayomi Finnih, Chief Rafiu Jafojo, Chief Tunde Daramola and Dr. Aganga-Williams shed light on why the PDP cannot win Lagos. Jafojo said: ‘PDP is out of tune with reality. When I got to the PDP, I met a party in crisis. I left them in crisis. They do not have that intention of winning. They are using the chapter to bargain for appointments for few chieftains in the camp of their leader. APC is an organised party with clear vision and goal. It is like a movement. It is masses oriented. That is why Ambode will win.”

    A chieftain of the APC in Agbowa-Ikosi, Alhaji Isiaka Adekunle Ibrahim said the APC will profit from the sentiment that Nigerians are fed up with President Jonathan. “What is the logic, if you vote out Jonathan and you ask  Lagosians to vote for Agbaje, a PDP man? Many see Agbaje as a good man. But, his party is not good. The feeling is that the good man has joined a bad company,” he added.

    Adekunle-Ibrahim, an economist and banker, said it is unthinkable that the PDP is asking for an endorsement by the Southwest, of which Lagos is an important part. He said stakeholders are irked by the marginalisation of the region, despite the support given to the President in 2011. “The Southwest is bitter against the Federal Government. Our leaders were called rascals the other time at Ibadan. key positions have eluded us. What is the gain of the Southwest under the Jonathan Administration. How can Lagosians vote for the continuity of the government that has denied Lagos a special status?” he queried.

    Also, the APC chieftain said that many things have happened between 2011 and now that will make other non-Yoruba ethnic groups, particularly Northerners, to turn their backs against the PDP. “Go to Agege, Apapa, Idi-Araba, Obalende. They are for Buhari. If they are for Buhari, then, they are for APC. In Lagos therefore, they are for Ambode,” Adekunle-Ibrahim added.

    Ambode has even warmed himself to the non-indigenes when he promised to run an all-inclusive administration that will carry all the ethnic groups along. He told the crowd at Ikeja that he will not run a discriminatory government, but an administration that will cater for the welfare of all Lagosians, irrespective of religion and tribe. “APC has accommodated all the tribes. In Lagos, we have people from the six Southwest states as commissioners and special advisers. We have an Igbo as commissioner. We have northerners at the board and parastatals. We have them as council functionaries. We have them in the civil and teaching service. Ambode has given commitment that nothing will tamper with their interest. They will not vote the PDP because they trust that the APC will continue to cater for them.” he stressed.

     

  • Ambode promises more prosperous Lagos

    Ambode promises more prosperous Lagos

    The Governorship Candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, has assured business leaders and investors of a more prosperous Lagos under his leadership.

    Ambode, who spoke at a meeting with business leaders organised by ‘Round Table Forum’  in Lagos, said if given the opportunity to serve, Lagos will be alive for business 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

    “It will be a 24/7 economy.  We want to make the city more attractive for investors. Lagos State and how its resources are managed have national implications, either positively or otherwise. Lagos is the most populous city in Nigeria and is among the seventh fastest growing cities in the world, with about 21 million people. It is in the interest of this country, that we play our part to ensure that Lagos remains prosperous,” he said.

    Ambode said the people of Lagos have remained friendly to investors and migrants, adding that it would continue to be so, under his watch.

    “I see a Lagos that is safe and more prosperous. I also see a Lagos economy driven by quality service, equity and justice,” adding that he derives joy in encouraging and seeing young people succeed and actualizsing their dreams.

    He promised that under his watch, there will be continuity in the provision of adequate security in Lagos State and also thanked the business community for their contributions to the Security Trust Fund.  “In the last seven and half years, the Security Trust Fund has attracted N12 billion, of which N4 billion came from the private sector,” he said.

    He said he would deploy CCTV state-wide to tackle criminal activities in all the communities, adding that if elected, his administraion will  take steps to ensure that more electricity is made available to the business community as such would reduce their cost of operation.

    He said that about 40 per cent of cost of doing business comes from alternative source of power, against four per cent in most developed economies.

  • Ambode’s art

    What’s in a biography? Plenty, if it’s about Lagos State governorship hopeful and frontrunner Akinwunmi Ambode of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Art of Selfless Service by Marian Osoba, which was published last year and colourfully launched on May 15 at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, stands out as a book for this time in the countdown to the gubernatorial poll next month. It is a must-read for anyone who desires a picture of the man who will succeed outgoing Governor Babatunde Fashola, all things being equal.

    Symbolically, the book’s release announced Ambode’s canonisation. Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the preeminent Lagos monarch who may be considered a reliable source of information on the thinking in the charmed circle of political kingmakers in the state, controversially declared: “The elders of Lagos have said that Ambode will be governor.” He said: “It is true that we are launching a book, but we know why we are here.”  Beyond the surface, the book presentation had the quality of a finely planned public relations stunt to sell Ambode. According to Oba Akiolu on the occasion, “The elders have been meeting…We review things regularly…The elders have said that Ambode should be the next governor of Lagos.”  So far, the king’s confident endorsement is winning as Ambode, having won his party’s governorship primary, is well-positioned to defeat all rivals in the February election.

    What does Ambode’s candidacy represent? In a fundamental sense, beyond his respected financial wizardry and managerial mastery, Ambode’s recognised emphasis on selfless service is a defining plus. In actuality, a leader without a correct sense of service is ultimately negative.  Service to the people, in the purest meaning of the concept, is Ambode’s mantra.  Two quotes from the biography deserve contemplation, especially given the regrettable reality that personal aggrandisement is a familiar guiding principle of political leadership in the country.       According to him, “A true leader sees his work as selfless service towards a higher purpose. A true leader should be judged by what he has not – ego, arrogance and self interest.” He also said: “We must, wherever we find ourselves, create an atmosphere of selfless service.”

    Against this background, it is significant to highlight Ambode’s Local Government Years from 1988 to 1998 and his tenure as the Accountant General of Lagos State from 2006 to 2012 in a 27-year career in the state civil service, which he ended by voluntary retirement. In the biography, he said: “If you work successfully at Local Government level and you are able to make a difference, there is nowhere else you cannot work successfully.”

    Ambode’s remarkable sense of service could be discerned from his critical role in the creation of the State Treasury Office (STO), which should be of special significance in rating him as a governorship material. The STO has been acknowledged as a ground-breaking development which has fundamentally improved how the state’s funds are raised, budgeted, managed and spent. It goes without saying that Ambode’s demonstrated authoritative grasp of treasury issues would most likely be an advantage. ”If we take the concept of resource generation, allocation and distribution into cognisance and apply the principles of good governance, we will achieve economic growth and development,” Ambode said while presenting a paper titled “Public Finance: Probity and Accountability” at a workshop organised in August last year by the Lagos State Government and the Lagos Business School.

    He has also shed light on his understanding of good governance, which is an essential aspect of his vision. He said in a newspaper interview:  ”In essence, the elected government is like a caretaker for the rest of the people, overseeing their resources on their behalf. The citizens remain the landlord while the elected officials are only caretakers.”  He further said: “Arising from this, good government can only thrive where the resources of the people are judiciously distributed to various sectors/needs in the society in a just and equitable manner that makes life easier for every person.”

    Interestingly, the biography provides what may be interpreted as a thought-provoking response to the view in certain quarters that Ambode is a puppet of political kingmakers. “Sometimes I am confronted with the subject of mentoring and I am asked who my mentor is,” he said. “Somehow I cannot place appropriate answers to some of these questions. Why? Because every day, I am also confronted by situations which give one the opportunity to search for true leaders and even though they abound everywhere and a lot of us have the innate capacity to make a positive difference, we are never recorded as mentors, champions or true leaders.”

    He added:  ”At different points in our lives, we have had relationships; a teacher, a boss, an employer, a friend, a parent who has greatly changed the way we looked at life and the world. Someone who inspired us and motivated us, someone who taught us to set goals and instilled the confidence and spirit to achieve them, someone who had high standards and truly stood for something; such a person is the real mentor we all need to find. I have found true leaders through such observations in the course of my career…they help you build your art of selfless service, but it is important too that you carve out for yourself an identity authentically your own, that you don’t monkey another person’s life so slavishly as to lose your own.”  It is noteworthy that Ambode spoke of those who “help you build your art of selfless service.”

    The projection of Ambode’s political vision through an inventive acronym, LAGOS, is notable for the inclusion of service.  At the well-attended ceremony in October last year at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos, where he formally expressed his desire to govern the state, Ambode declared: “Our message is LAGOS. LAGOS is Leadership, LAGOS is Accountability, LAGOS is Good Governance, LAGOS is Opportunities and LAGOS is Service. This is what I stand for.”

    It is a demonstration of impressive originality that he has been able to package his organising principles in a capsule named after the state he seeks to govern. More importantly, his antecedents indicate that he is a man who can walk the talk. His credentials in leadership, accountability and service are reinforced by Governor Fashola who branded him as an individual   ”guided by the philosophy of a true public officer, who must place himself last while rendering service to the public.”

  • Lagos: Inside the Ambode, Agbaje showdown

    Lagos: Inside the Ambode, Agbaje showdown

    Dare Odufowokan, Assistant Editor, ex-rays the 2015 gubernatorial contest between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Lagos State.

    WITH the 2015 governorship election in Lagos State fast approaching, prominent political parties in the state, especially the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are all kitted for what pundits say will be an interesting political battle.

    Determined not to leave anything to chance, the two parties are daily planning and orchestrating how to outwit each other at the polls. For the APC, it is highly necessary for it to retain its hold on the politics of the state beyond 2015 while for the PDP, there is serious need for it to end its long wait outside power in the state this year.

    Akinwumi Ambode, a 51-year-old accountant and public finance management expert, is the governorship candidate of the APC while Jimi Agbaje, a renowned Pharmacist and Afenifere chieftain, is PDP’s choice. The two gladiators and their party chieftains have been traversing the length and breadth of the state seeking the votes of the electorates.

    For Ambode, the need to build on the achievements of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola is the reason behind his ambition. According to the Epe-born Accountant, there is need for Lagos to sustain the current tempo of development if the state is to benefit fully from the labours of its past leaders.

    “I want to continue the good work of our current governor and the ones before him. I want to build on the efforts of the likes of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Raji Fashola. Lagos cannot afford to stop the current trend of development. We need to build on it until we get all the benefits therein,” Ambode said.

    Agbaje, joined the PDP late last year after he was allegedly promised the party’s governorship ticket by the leadership of the party at the national level.

    “I decided to choose the PDP to realize my political ambition based on the common and aggregated opinion among the core of my supporters across the state that the party was the most viable platform interested in causing the change desired by Lagos people,” Agbaje had said when defending his party of choice.

    Ahead of the general election, Agbaje’s emergence as the PDP gubernatorial candidate has set the stage for claims and counter claims over what he portends for the opposition party in Lagos State.

    Tough one for PDP

    While some talk about a keenly contested two-horse race between the APC and the PDP, for who will become the next governor of the state, others insist Agbaje’s candidature will not add any value to the party’s chances as it will still be roundly defeated as usual.

    Those optimistic about Agbaje’s performance in the polls are citing the fact that the structure on which he contested the 2007 election has now been collapsed into the PDP. With this, they feel the party is further strengthened to tackle the APC in next month’s election.

    But there are those who feel that with PDP as his party of choice, Agbaje should not bank on the support he enjoyed in 2007. “While Agbaje may be well loved by Lagosians in a way, his candidature is not enough to change how the people of Lagos feel about the PDP.

    The implication of this is that Agbaje will not make any meaningful impact at the election. He has disconnected from the people of Lagos the moment he joined PDP. He was loved as a progressive who meant well for Lagos by associating with those who mean well for Lagos. His current party is a big minus for him,” Liadi Abatan, former State Secretary of the DPA, Agbaje’s former party, said.

    And to further worsen the situation for the PDP, analysts believe Agbaje’s recent statement that if President Goodluck Jonathan fails to win next month’s election, the South-South could shut down the oil sector and this would affect the nation’s economy which is oil-dependent, has done a lot of harm to his candidature.

    The PDP governorship candidate made the highly criticized statement at a meeting in London organised by his supporters and the UK chapter of the PDP.

    “I was active in the politics of the South-West in 1999. The Afenifere of which I was a very active member, did not support Olusegun Obasanjo as President but in 2003, it was difficult for the Afenifere as an organisation to go out and tell people that they should not vote a Yoruba man into office and so what did they do? They said they would not present a candidate because they had their own son (Obasanjo) who was running for office. That is the politics of that country.

    “Now, in 2015, we are saying that the South-South has presented a candidate and we are talking about equity and some are saying that he should not be given a second term. This is a very difficult thing.

    “In argument, some have said ‘what will happen?’ Well, people will be upset and they have shown that they have the power to shut down the system. I am not saying it is justified but the reality is there. If the system is shut down, where are we as a country?

    “They say if the others don’t get it, they too could shut down the system. Yes they can shut down the system but ask yourself which of the two do you think we can survive with? And these are the realities that we have to face.

    “These are the realities that we have to allow. First, we have to sell the achievements of our person but we have to understand the politics of our country that we are still doing turn by turn and it must run in a way that is equitable,” he had said.

    But in a swift response, the Lagos chapter of the APC warned voters in the state to take a closer and critical look at the personality of the governorship candidate of the PDP candidate, berating him for saying that “South-South can collapse Nigeria’s economy” if President Goodluck Jonathan is not re-elected during the February 14 presidential election.

    “For Jimi Agbaje’s information, South-South crude oil has become a curse to Nigeria instead of blessing. Crude oil has ruined our capacity to reason, to think and to explore other areas like agriculture, science and technology, industrialisation, building and construction industry, etc.

    “Japan, Germany, France, Italy, South Korea, Spain, Netherlands, Turkey, Sweden, Switzerland, Singapore etc have no oil and yet they have given a good account of themselves in the global economy through commitments, power of critical thinking and dint of hard work.

    “Even in the Third World, there are many countries that are surviving without oil. In 1997, Dell computers made more money than Nigeria with just 12,000 workers. MEARSK Containers, a shipping company, Apple, HP make more money than Nigeria and yet Jimi Agbaje, a pharmacist, cannot think in the 21st century.

    “We have told anybody who cares to listen in Lagos that Jimi Agbaje is a pretender and a hustler who lacks the capacity and cognate experience to dream of governing a state like Lagos. Jimi has never been a counselor, he has never served in a local government, and he has never been a commissioner, a House of Assembly member or a special adviser. He has never served at the federal level either. So, where is the experience for Lagosians to trust him with the treasury of Lagos,” the party asked.

    But a chieftain of the PDP in Lagos, Olufemi Williams, said the party stands a great chance of winning the governorship election with Agbaje as candidate.

    Williams said an Agbaje candidacy would boost the PDP’s chances at the polls.

    “Jimi Agbaje is the best man for the job. He was not a member of the party but we convinced him to join us. Let us not deceive ourselves. I believe Agbaje is the man with the needed requisite to win Lagos for us. He is still as popular as he was seven years ago when he vied for the governorship slot and we all know he could have won if our election had been free and fair,” Williams said.

    Troubles within

    But in spite of his victory at the primary election, Agbaje is currently battling some serious issues within his party. And unless these issues are promptly resolved, his aspiration to rule Lagos may remain mere wishful thinking.

    Issues like the need to reconcile the several factions of the party and how the party will coordinate the governorship campaign are slowing down the progress of the party towards preparing adequately for the all-important February election.

    “We are preparing seriously. But up till this moment, some leaders are not ready to work with others to ensure Agbaje’s victory. Even after all the aspirants pledge their supports to him, some leaders remained aggrieved even after the candidate himself met some of them and pleaded for their understanding. Majority of them claimed they are not angry with him but with the leaders who imposed him on the party.

    There is also the problem of how to run the campaign. This is a pressing problem. Some have been wondering if the present structure established before the primary election to promote Agbaje would be retained. There are frantic calls for harmonisation to accommodate all interests in the party.

    Feelers, however, indicated that the Bode George/Ogunlewe faction of the party may be unwilling to accommodate other interests. A source, who said the party will commence its campaign early this month, indicated that moves by the party to resolve the matter have not yielded positive results.

    A member of the state executive committee who preferred anonymity, while assuring The Nation that all interests would be harmonized soon, said the party realizes the danger of the current situation.

    “This is nothing unusual in party politics. There was a primary election and people contested against themselves. Leaders supported different aspirants. Now we have a candidate and everybody needs to work together.

    It is a process and we are on that road to harmonization and reconciliation. It will be concluded soon. Yes, there are issues but we are working hard to resolve them. Are there no similar issues in the other parties? It is normal in party politics and democracy,” he said.

    Unlike what Agbaje is battling with, Ambode’s party, the APC has somehow managed the fall out of its keenly contested gubernatorial primary election better. Although there were some aggrieved aspirants at the end of the process, the party, sources said, was able to appeal to them to sheath their swords and support Ambode.

    PDP’s claim to fame

    But chieftains of the PDP say contrary to opinions that the party is not strong in the state, it boasts of a good number of political heavyweights in the state. Beside the likes of Bode George, Adeseye Ogunlewe, Musiliu Obanikoro, Remi Adiukwu-Bakare and other known leaders of the party in the state, the PDP will also be relying on the network of some grassroots mobilisers to defeat APC in February. These include:

    Ade Dosumu

    He was the former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency, NIMASA. Dosumu was the party’s governorship candidate in the 2011 general election. He lost to Governor Fashola with a wide margin.  He is believed to have some political clout in some parts of Lagos Central Senatorial District.

    Owolabi Salis

    He is a United States based lawyer who participated in the 2007 primaries of the PDP but later fell out with the party when he could not achieve his aspirations. Soon after, Salis rejoined the PDP and participated in the 2011 primary elections. His wife is the senatorial candidate of the party in the Lagos East Senatorial District. His political base is the Ikorodu axis of the state where he is expected to help the party to victory.

    Adedeji Aganga-Williams

    Aganga- Williams is an Austrian based banker who once had interest in governing the State of Excellence. He also took part in the 2007 and 2011 PDP primaries but got nowhere after which he returned to his lucrative banking job in Austria. His political associates are expected to rally round the party’s candidate, Jimi Agbaje.

    Babatunde Olalere-Gbadamosi

    Olalere-Gbadamosi who hails from Ikorodu is a respected grassroots politician in the area. Although his name does not ring much bell within the PDP fold because he has no state wide structure on ground, he is nonetheless expected to add to the performance of the party.

    So, brimming with confidence, Agbaje said APC cannot win in 2015. According to him, it is time for the PDP to take over the governance of the state and reposition it.

    According to him, the APC has run out of ideas on how to move Lagos State ahead in terms of development, adding that the PDP is set to replace the ruling party in the state.

    “We have to look at the issues, come 2015 Lagos State is the economic hub in our country and region and the dynamics of the politic of Lagos is very different generally from across the country, what you find is that Lagosians have very high aspirations and  they are concerned and to know whatever they have to know or do to aspire that they have government that will make their aspiration come true.

    “They know what they are looking for, Lagos is about good governance, Lagos is about making things better for the people in terms of the ruling party in Lagos, they have been there for 16 years, therefore, we believe that they are now reaching a stage where it is the end of a cycle because they have run out of ideas and put themselves in a position where they are no longer in a position to deliver to the people.

    “If you go around Lagos today and talk to the major stakeholder, you will find out that their aspirations are not being met, talk to the youth, market women, civil servants and even the traders and professionals, everybody has a major grudge with the ruling party in Lagos.

    “Therefore, we believe in the PDP that we have a lot of answers to this thing, so for us, it is time for a change as far as governance in Lagos is concerned “We are looking at a Lagos that is the city state of the future, Lagos can no longer be compared to what I call just everywhere. We must begin to compete with those city capitals that we see across the globe. That is the way forward for Lagos”.

    Lagos as APC stronghold

    But the APC candidate for Ikorodu Federal Constituency in Lagos State, Barrister Jimi Benson is of the opinion that no matter how hard Agbaje and his party may try, defeat awaits them at the polls. He said that his party is poised to sweep all elective positions in the state during the 2015 general elections because traditionally, Lagos is an APC stronghold. He said the people of Lagos, as lovers of good things, will continue to keep faith with the party.

    According to Benson, the APC will benefit from the goodwill of its leaders in Lagos State like former Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babatunde Raji Fasola amongst others.

    “God has used the likes of Asiwaju Tinubu and Governor Fasola to bring meaningful development to our dear state. The people of the state are living witnesses to the great efforts of our leaders towards making life better for the people.

    “These and other goodwill is what will win the state for APC. Apart from that, take a good look at the candidates the party is presenting and you will agree with me that APC is the party to beat in this election. The fact remains that APC is the party of the people in Lagos State,” he said.

    Hon. Adeola Olamilakun is the APC senatorial candidate for Lagos West. He is representing Alimosho Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. He believes PDP stands no chance in Lagos.

    “First and foremost, when you mentioned that PDP felt we have not done enough for the people and they are coming on board to show us the red card; don’t forget that Lagos is the fifth biggest economy in Africa and it is the most populated state in Nigeria.

    The local government, Alimosho Federal Constituency, which I am currently representing, is bigger than Bayelsa and Yobe as a state in terms of population. With that in place, we are of the firm opinion that if within a state, a local government is like a state, what that tends to show is that in terms of population, landmass, water front and everything, Lagos is big and large.

    Also, don’t forget that Lagos still remains the commercial capital of Nigeria. And if we have been opportuned to rule this state since 1999 and have done so much under a ten point agenda, that was put in place by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which was followed to the letter by Governor Babatunde Fashola, and to be continued by Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; anybody that meant well for this state, will have no choice but to continue to support this progressive minded party, so that we can take Lagos to the enviable height of our dream.

    We are the fifth biggest economy, the fifth biggest city in Africa; if we are the fifth in Africa, then in the whole world, we have a position.

    There are basic things that have to be in place for you to qualify to be called a city. In terms of infrastructural development, I know that the average Lagos resident will score the government a minimum of 60 and 70 percent. And the other aspect of the economy which is the bane of our problem today, is electricity. We would have been involved in this process until the then Federal Government under the Obasanjo regime truncated the process, because they don’t want us to lead by example. There was an IPP project that was already in place, which could have contributed some megawatts to national grid, but it was truncated, it was stoped for their own selfish end. You see turbine being built by PDP governments in the later part of that regime.

    Their own states are there for comparison with Lagos. And anybody that has come in and out of Lagos, has agreed that Lagos has changed and changed for good,” he argued.

    This was similar to the opinion of the Deputy Chairman of APC in Lagos State, James Omolaja Odumbaku, who said the party had already coasted 80 percent victory as a result of its delivery on democracy since the beginning of the Third Republic in 1999.

    The APC chieftain also said that the achievement of the party in Lagos State gives it a broader chance of clinching the governorship seat once again. According to him, the achievements of the state government in the area of health, education, transport, infrastructural development and provision of social amenities are now reference points to all the states in the federation.

     FASHOLA’S PREFERENCE

    Given his rating as a performer, pundits are of the opinion that Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola’s support for any candidate will go a long way to determine who succeeds him.

    And amidst rumours that he may be displeased with the choice of Ambode by his party, Fashola recently said Lagos State is too big to be handed over to the PDP governorship candidate, Jimi Agbaje, to experiment with as he lacks experience.

    Fashola, who spoke on Tuesday at a Town Hall Meeting with artisans and tradesmen, said the All Progressive Congress, APC, candidate, Akinwunmi Ambode, should be trusted to govern and lead Lagos State in the right direction as he has the needed experience to do so, having beein in government for 27 years.

    Though the governor did not mention Agbaje’s name,  he was referring to him when he advised Lagosians not to trade experience in government business for experiment and trial and error that the opposition (PDP) wanted to bank on.

    According to him, Ambode is better suited for the state’s number one job because of his competence saying he worked with him for over six years as Accountant-General of the State and would start from where he handed over the baton to him.

    He said he could thump his chest and vouch for the governorship candidate of the APC in Lagos State as one who would be a worthy successor to him.

  • Ambode: don’t vote for ‘trial and error’ candidate

    Ambode: don’t vote for ‘trial and error’ candidate

    Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, yesterday urged Lagosians to vote for continuity instead of voting for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, who he described as a trial and error flag bearer.

    The former Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, said that Lagos was not prepared for political experimentation in the post-Fashola period, advising voters to endorse the progressive bloc that has made the state proud in the last 16 years.

    Also, Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), said Lagosians will reject the PDP at the polls because it has nothing to offer the Centre of Excellence. He said, since President Jonathan has admitted that he has failed, he is unfit for a second term.

    The governor also said that the state does not need an inexperienced administrator, saying that is dangerous.

    He said an inexperienced opposition candidate would reverse the gains of the past 16 years in the metropolis.

    At a carnival-like rally in Apapa, the commercial hub and host to the largest seaport in the sub-region, Fashola and Ambode lamented the traffic gridlock, which is a recurrent decimal in the axis, assuring that the APC presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, will clear the mess if elected as the President in the general elections.

    The APC campaign train rolled into Apapa around 8 am, with broom waving and jubilating party supporters drumming, singing and dancing.

    On the stage was ace musician, Buga, who thrilled the crowd, and artists-Sunkanmi Omobolanle and Eniola Badmus, who enjoined the people to collect their voter’s cards from the electoral commission.

    A huge number of party supporters came to the rally from Lagos Island and Mainland, Ajeromi/Ifelodun, Eti-Osa, Yaba, Ijora/Badia and Apapa/Iganmu councils.

    The venue was electrified with the arrival of the senator from the Lagos Central, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, and her supporters around 12.30 pm. She was accompanied by former Commissioner Jide Sanwoolu, Alhaji Mutiu Are, former House of Assembly Deputy Speaker Toun Adediran and Mrs. Bolanle Akinyemi-Obe.

    There was also a wild jubilation when Ambode rode into the venue, accompanied by thousands of youths from across the 57 local councils. Adorning a red customised shirt and a fez cap to match, the flag bearer climbed the stairs to the podium swiftly, drawing an applause for his zest, agility and vigour.

    The Chairman of the party, who presided over the campaign, was assisted by Fashola in presenting party flags to Senator Tinubu; House of Representatives candidate for Apapa Constituency Hon. Ayodeji Joseph; House of Assembly flag bearer for Apapa Constituency 1, Mrs. Mojisola Lawal, and her Constituency 11 counterpart, Hon. Muyiwa Jimoh.

    In happy mood were party leaders, including Deputy Governor Joke Orelope-Adefulire; Secretary to the Government and Ambode’s running mate, Dr. Oluranti Adebule; Transport Commissioner Kayode Opeifa; former Deputy Governor Olufemi Pedro; former Minister of State for Defence, Chief Demola Seriki; one-time Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Mr.Wale Edun; former Home Affairs and Culture Commissioner, Tunde Balogun; the Campaign Team Leader, Cardinal James Odunmbaku; Hakeem Sulaimon-Oris; APC Publicity Secretary, Comrade Joe Igbokwe, and  his deputy, Abiodun Salam.

    Also at the event were Fashola’s wife, Abimbola; Ambode’s wife, Bola; APC Vice Chairman (Lagos Central), Hon. Fuad Oki; Pa Murphy Adetoro; Hon. Denge Anifowose; Hon. Olawumi Edet; Hon. Paul Kalejaye; Hon. Ademorin Kuye; Mr. Abdullahi Enilolobo; Mrs. Bolaji Dada and Alhaji Lawal Akapo, who rendered the opening prayer.

    Thanking the supporters for their commitment and resilience, Ambode assured that their efforts would not be in vain. The flag bearer promised to implement his manifestoes faithfully, if elected as the governor.

    Ambode said: “We are together in this for the prosperity of Lagos. All you have listed for me to do for you, I will do for you.

    “I have visited you before the primaries. You gave me support. You listed your demands. All of them will be met when we are voted in.

    “We are tired of the traffic gridlock on Apapa/Oshodi Expressway. We will want to address it. The only way to address it is to vote for Buhari on February 14.

    “On February 28, you should vote for APC in Lagos for continuity.

    “In almost 16 years, we have had steady growth and development in Lagos, which the APC is noted for. We will not vote for somebody without experience and trial and error.

    “President Jonathan said that he has failed. That is why he should not be re-elected. What we need in Lagos is continuity. We will build on the achievements of Governor Babatunde Fashola. We will complete all projects.”

    Waving the broom at the excited crowd, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who thanked the people for voting for her in 2011, enjoined them to renew her mandate for greater work.

    She said: “T thank the people of Apapa for voting for me in 2011. I have been working for you. I will continue to work for you. If you vote for me. it means more work.”

    Fashola, who frowned at the promise to cancel the Lekki toll gate by the PDP flag bearer, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, said the statement underscored his lack of experience.

    He stressed: “The PDP candidate is confirming his lack of experience. He was quoted as saying that if Jonathan does not win, Southsouth will leave Nigeria. Those who aspire to leadership don’t make that type of divisive statement.

    “The reason Lagos is safe is that we have lived in peaceful co-existence and harmony. Everybody, North, South and West, Lagos is home.

    “Ambode will not make that kind of divisive statement. He is speaking to his own experience. I have told you, don’t experiment with Lagos. We need those who can build cohesion, not those who promote division.

    “Yesterday, I heard that he will cancel the Lekki Toll Gate. Yet, they say they want to create jobs. Investors are withdrawing close to one trillion naira; N793 billion from our economy because of insecurity. Yet, the PDP candidate said he wanted to cancel direct fund contract into Nigeria. Will that bring jobs or take away jobs?

    “When somebody is cancelling contract, is he promoting prosperity or promoting poverty? That is why they are Poverty Development Party.”

    The governor complained about the traffic snarl in Apapa, which the Federal Government has failed to address in almost 16 years. He promised that the APC government at the centre would resolve the problem by decentralising fuel distribution.

    Fashola said: “I am happy to be here today. We opened the campaign at Ikeja. We are continuing today at Apapa. I told you that only a youth can be governor of Lagos. Ambode is a youth. He is my brother.

    “They say the President is a youth. But, the President has come to Lagos to tell us that he has failed. That is one. Second, security is the most pressing challenge today. He is the President, but some parts of the country have been seized from him.

    “Who can handle the security matter better between Dr. Jonathan and Buhari? It is Buhari. There is corruption.

    “Who is corrupt? Have you had any corruption allegation against Buhari before? You know who is corrupt.

    “Four years ago, I promised to construct roads here. How is Eurodrum Road now? It has been tarred. Warehouse Road, Calcutta Crescent Road, Mosalasi, Sanri-Iganmu, Itapeju Road have been tarred. We fulfilled our promises.

    “Jonathan came here four years ago. He said he would do the road to the Murtala Muhammed Road. He didn’t do it. He said he would provide electricity and that you would not need generator again. But where is electricity now?

    “Now, work is still going on in Marine Road, Bombay Crescent, Ibikunle Akintoye Street. The ones we can complete, we will complete. The ones we cannot complete, Ambode will finish them.”

  • Ambode, Agbaje clash over public service experience

    Ambode, Agbaje clash over public service experience

    Ten of the 17 governorship candidates in Lagos yesterday reeled out their programmes.

    It was at a debate jointly organised by the Diocese of Lagos West (Church of Nigeria), Anglican Communion, the Diocese of Badagry and the Diocese of Lagos Mainland. It held at the Archibishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, GRA, Ikeja.

    Those at the debate were Akinwunmi  Ambode, All Progressives Congress (APC); Adeniji Victor of Kowa Party (KP); Jimi Agbaje, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Akele Ayodele, National Conscience Party (NCP); Ishola Aregbesola, Action Alliance (AA); Izuchukwu Edion, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); Jacobs Kayode, Mega Progressives Peoples Party (MPPP); Lawal Omoshola, Independent Democrats (ID); Ogunseye Bolaji, Alliance for Democracy (AD) and Michael Popoola, the running mate of the Labour Party (LP) candidate Olulana Olurotimi.

    Bishop Theologian, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Rev (Prof) Dapo Asaju was the moderator. Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) President Femi Adesina, Managing Director, Excel Professional Services Limited, Dr Oladimeji Alao and Managing Director, Businessworld Newspapers, Ray Echebiri, were the panellists.

    After the candidates made their opening speeches, the panellists asked questions on what would be the state’s relationship with the Federal Government under them; how they would ensure harmony; what they think is wrong with education, and how they intend to generate funds to develop the state in the face of falling oil prices. Members of the audience also asked questions.

    Expectedly, the focus was on the two major contenders, Agbaje and Ambode, who threw mild barbs at each other.

    Agbaje believes that experience in public service is not a guarantee for good performance, Ambode believes his experience as a former Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary makes him the best candidate.

    Agbaje said the late  Chief Obafemi Awolowo and even President Goodluck Jonathan had no previous experience in public service before they won elections.

    He said his experience in the private sector, which includes managing a small scale business and becoming an industrialist, is enough.

    “I bring to you change…new ideas with a fresh perspective to move Lagos forward,” the PDP candidate said.

    But Ambode fired back, saying of Jonathan’s lack of previous experience: “he had no previous experience, but look at the result today. We’re not going there for trial and error.”

    The APC candidate said the emphasis should be on “relevant experience, not experiment”.

    Agbaje said his leadership would be based on transparency, openness and honesty, and not on “vested interests”.

    Ambode said the so-called “vested interests” have made Lagos safer and more prosperous. He said those with the “vested interests” are those who have the interest of the ordinary Lagosian at heart. He added that his administration would be driven by quality service, equity and justice.

    “Lagosians are looking for somebody who can take them to a more prosperous Lagos and can even make their own children more prosperous. We’re looking for a Lagos that will work for all of us. I have served under the last two governors, and you will see that in the last 16 years, we have had a tradition of excellence. It’s that excellence that I want to pursue.

    “Lagos is a safer and cleaner place. It’s been prosperous. There has been steady growth and development. We are looking for someone who is going to take it to a more prosperous level. My message remains Lagos. And what does LAGOS stand for? ‘L’ is for Leadership. We’re looking for strong leadership. ‘A’ stands for Accountability. I will be accountable to you. ‘G’ stands for Governance.

    “One of the basic tenets of good governance is to allow you to have a voice. And when you have a voice, it becomes a government of inclusion. We’ll create opportunities that will allow you to thrive. Everybody wants a comfortable life, and the government is ready to create more opportunities (‘O’) than ever before. ‘S’ stands for Service. We’ll give you selfless service.

    “The three major issues in my mission are security, to create more jobs, and integrate other sectors to allow the economy of Lagos to thrive. In the last seven years, the state government has committed N12billion to the Security Trust Fund, of which N4billion had been contributed by the private sector. We intend to improve on that. We’ll light up our streets, use modern technology to improve on the security of life and property,” the APC candidate said.

    Ambode said he would create an employment trust fund with N25billion to create access to funds by entrepreneurs, N1billion to be accessed annually by each of the state’s five divisions.

    On dwindling oil prices, Ambode said the PDP government had been unable to diversify its economy. However, two-third of Lagos’ income, he said, is from internally generated revenue.

    “We’re the only state not dependent on fluctuations in oil prices.” This, he added, was achieved despite that four of eight million people avoid taxes. He said his administration’s aim would be to bring the four million within the tax net.

    “I have the experience and the capacity. Lagosians should stand up and be counted at this crucial point of our history,” Ambode added.

    Agbaje said rather than make the non-tax-paying four million to pay, the state has “rather overburdened the four million tax payers”.

    The PDP candidate said his vision was to create “a global megacity of well-educated, healthy, skilled people living in a secure and prosperous environment”.

    He added: “It is also important for the state to bring opportunities to the people, irrespective of their socio-economic background, gender, tribe or religion.

    “People didn’t come to Lagos to look at Eko Bridge. They have come to realise their professional, commercial and entrepreneurial aspirations.

    “We cannot continue to talk about educated people and skilled people if we have not provided correctly in this area. Our state budget for education is one that provides 82 per cent of its budget on education on the current expenditure and three per cent on capital projects. All that we do with education budget is to pay salaries and overheads. But the education of today is about innovation and creativity.”

    Ambode disagreed. He said the three per cent is only the state’s contribution to SUBEB that is funded by the Federal Government.

    Agbaje went on: “Today we have a situation where the state spends about three percent of the budget on primary education.

    “It means it spends little or nothing on primary education. And that is the key; once you don’t have that foundation, then you build on nothing. We’re not talking about reinventing the wheel; we’re talking about bold ideas and new opportunities.”

    Agbaje said the current 1.5 per cent of the budgets spent vocational skills is like paying lip service to it. “We don’t want to create welders for burglary proof. We want to create welders for the oil and gas industry,” he added.

    The Bishop, Diocese of Lagos West, Rev James Odedeji, described the debate as the church’s way of encouraging the emergence of the best leaders in Lagos.

    “We seize this opportunity to call on all agencies involved in the conduct of the elections to be God-fearing in discharging their responsibilities. We call on INEC, security agencies, media and civil society organisations to be fair to all, and realise that they will give account of their stewardship one day to their creator,” Odedeji said.