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  • APC’s Cole calls for fresh governorship poll in Rivers

    Rivers State All Progressives Congress(APC) governorship candidate Tonye Cole on Friday called for fresh a governorship election.

    He said many controversies have trailed the March 9 exercise, urging the umpire to organise a corrective poll.

    Affirming the lack of confidence in the system by the two major parties involved in the contest, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Action Congress (AAC), he said any result emerging from the March 9 will not be acceptable to the losing party.

    Cole was silent on what will be his own involvement in a fresh election in his statement titled: “A plea for righteous intervention in Rivers State.”

    Noting the mutual suspicion between the two parties and the acrimony triggered by the contest, Cole pleaded for a fresh start under heavy security to guarantee the will of the people.

    He said: “If there is one thing that I am certain of, it is that the entire election of March 9th is totally and completely compromised from head to toe. There are no results that would be announced today that would reflect the will of the people in any form or manner.

    “There are just as many people who do not trust and will not accept an election that delivers PDP today because of the belief that the umpire has granted unfettered access to the result sheets and a yeoman’s job has been done on the collated results that is guaranteed to withstand any scrutiny through the Election Tribunals or any court of law thereafter just as there are as many people who will not accept a result that delivers the AAC because of the belief that the election day results were structured to favour them by the direct involvement of the military as insinuated by the PDP.

    “INEC must therefore declare the entire elections of March 9th null and void and set out a new date for fresh elections.

    “This time around, there are no distractions left and every eye is upon Rivers State now. The violent elements can be caged and neutralized so they are ineffective on the day of election. We have seen this happen.

    “The people can come out to vote without the fear of intimidation and harassment. We know this is possible.

    “The electoral officials can carry out their duties without compromise or fear of terror. We know this is achievable.

    Cole added: “The security agencies can provide the environment that enables them operate professionally and efficiently without fear of being shot at or killed in the line of duty.

    “We know this is desirable. The party agents and politicians can carry out their duties without the fear of being killed or maimed for their affiliations. We know this is progress.

    “This is a clarion call to the good men out there to conduct fresh elections in Rivers State where the entire focus of the world at large is upon our activities and us.

    “Let us give this land and its people something to cherish and be proud of, a solid foundation to build upon; a democratically elected government that is chosen by her people, freely and fairly, whether or not the chosen candidate is one who just entered politics yesterday or a veteran. Let us allow the people to choose and let their voice be heard loudly and respected completely.”

  • Tinubu advises Fed Govt on how to fix economy

    Ex-governor: any hike in VAT will be a burden on Nigerians

    Buhari, Osinbajo, others honour Tinubu at birthday colloquium

    BEFORE a colourful crowd of dignitaries, former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu yesterday advised the Federal Government not to increase the Value Added Tax (VAT).

    To the All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, a new VAT regime will increase the burden of Nigerians. What should be done, he said, is to widen the tax net for more people to pay.

    The Federal Government has said there are no plans to increase VAT from five per cent.

    Tinubu noted that the time had come for Nigeria to look inward and initiate people-friendly policies. He warned that there were clear indications of the global economy gradually going into recession.

    According to him, forecasters have been predicting that the global economy will go into recession within the next 12 to 18 months.

    The audience applauded as Tinubu spoke. It was all at the 11th Bola Tinubu Colloquium at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja in commemoration of his 67th birthday.

    He advised the government to revisit the privatisation of the power sector for a faster industrial development and job creation. Besides, said Tinubu, estimated billing should stop.

    He said: “I want to appeal to Prof Yemi Osinbajo, the Vice President and his team to put a huge question mark on any increase on VAT. If you reduce the purchasing power of the people, we can further slow down the economy.

    “Let us widen the tax net. Those who are not paying now, even if they are relatives of Bola Tinubu, let the net be bigger and we take in more taxes. That is what we must do in the country instead of another layer of taxes, for now.”

    Speaking on the need to industrialise the country, Tinubu said: “We require serious and bold reforms to achieve this. What is happening to our gas pipelines? Whatever we have to invest now for our future is a task that must be done boldly. The PDP administration shared out generation, distribution and transmission to their friends and cronies without very deep and thoughtful research and evaluation.

    “It has now become pork chops. This privatisation must be revisited. Put experts together for a more constructive reform to improve generation, transmission and distribution by any means necessary. We cannot afford to be too legalistic about this.

    ”We should push to end the practice of billing people for electricity they never received. This practice is a vestige of the past that should not accompany us into the future.  A person should be charged accurately and only for the power that they use.

    “Government should continue to aggressively implement its national infrastructure plan. We must commit ourselves to a national highway system linking our major cities and towns, our centres of commerce, with each other. This will save lives, spur commerce, cut costs and bring Nigerians closer together.”

    The co-Chairman of the APC Presidential Campaign Council stressed that the “Next Level” campaign slogan of the ruling party was not just a campaign jargon that should be discarded after the victory.

    He said: “The Next Level is not just a trendy campaign phrase to be quickly discarded once victory has been achieved. It has a much deeper and more profound meaning, perhaps even more than its authors contemplated. This is because we are a nation still in the process of defining itself politically and economically.

    “In this process, it is tempting and easy to borrow indiscriminately from those nations that seem to have mastered the art of democratic governance and to have achieved economic prosperity. However, to achieve durable progress, we can’t afford to work hard but in mindless devotion to the ways of other nations.

    “This truth is particularly acute when these very nations now face fundamental political and economic questions that cast doubt on the social utility and viability of the economic model under which they have travelled for the past 50 years.”

    He told the gathering that the global economy was facing stiff headwinds as “factors that are not of our making now cast the world economy towards low growth”.

    “Consumer spending is slipping. Aggregate private debt has attained historic levels. America and China are in a trade tug-of-war. Brexit is imminent. Whatever form Brexit takes, economic dislocation will emerge from the political confusion now underway.

    “Even without Brexit, the EU itself has entered a rough patch. The Eurozone may already be in recession. Stock markets experience wild swings that speak to an underlying weakness and pessimism about the immediate future.  Forecasters are predicting a global recession within the next 12-18 months.

    “I render these observations not to frighten anyone, but because they ring true. Wisdom requires that we accept reality instead of obscuring it under the cloak of wishful thinking. We must build policies that interact with the world as it is, and not with the world as it should be.”

    In Tinubu’s view, Nigerians must recognise these harsh economic tidings as advance warnings to the wise and those at the helm of affairs “must think deeper and work harder for our people in Nigeria”.

    Tinubu said: “I would be a most wicked friend if I knew a storm was approaching yet convince you to ready your family for an outdoor picnic under the tallest tree. The truth is always a more valuable guardian than fantasy.”

    He went on: “Nigerians must recognise a fundamental truth of our time. The economic model upon which the world is built is unravelling. The coming downturn is just a symptom of this great upheaval. The global economy faces either genuine reform or gathering ruin.

    “Because of this, the economic cohesion of Western nations is weakening. Income inequality has reached levels unseen in a century. The middle class in most countries is shrinking. Wages stagnate while prices are on a ceaseless march upward.

    “People the world over are questioning the centre-right conservative model that has, with few exceptions, governed the world for the last half century. In one form or another, people are protesting the way things are, and progressive politicians are trying to help the people change things for the better.”

    The Next Level, he said, must be seen as part of this global and historic dynamic. “Our pursuit of the Next Level cannot be achieved by blindly following the economic path of other nations. That would be tantamount to racing to live in a building just as its long-term occupants were frantically rushing out, screaming that the edifice was crumbling.  If we are smart, we dare not enter.

    ”Instead, we must construct our Next Level on a progressive ideology and vision that will take our people out of penury, diversify our economy more aggressively, and empower and retrain our youth.

    “To be the great nation we purport to be, we must reform and retool our economy according to our definition of what is best for our own people. We cannot assign that duty to anyone else. We must do more than simply work for the people.

    “The government must ‘work for the people in a way that enables them to better work for themselves. We must amend our basic ideas about the economy.  We must divorce ourselves from our fixation with GDP rates and similar statistics. These things were initially intended to be indicators, suggestive measurements.

    “However, we have misinterpreted these road maps by treating them as if they were the destination itself. This has caused us to distort the organic relationship between the people and the economy.

    “This dominant train of thought has made the people servants to the dictates of abstract economic theories. In a more effective system, the economy would be fashioned to serve the concrete needs and legitimate aspirations of the people.

    “Our economy must be redefined to be an efficient yet moral social construct with the primary goal of optimising the long-term welfare of the people through the sustained, productive and full employment of labour, land, capital and natural resources.

    “In the current global context, the best translation of laissez faire economics is ‘let’s stay poor’ economics. To believe that we are at our best when everyone focuses solely on maximizing their own position is to believe that one hundred hands can clutch at the same naira note but no one will get scratched.

    “To pull the nation from poverty, government must play a decisive role. It must at times direct and even develop markets and opportunities. This is nothing novel. I am only restating what the established economies did when they were young and assumed their trajectories toward growth.”

    Tinubu believes that in its second term, President Muhammadu Buhari administration will dedicate itself to changing the very structure of our economy for the better. The single most important sector for the government’s focus is infrastructure, the most important of which is power, according to the former governor.

    Tinubu argued that affordable and reliable power will drive industrialisation that can provide jobs and produce goods for Nigerians and take the people out of the dark ages and bring the nation into the light of a better day.

    He went on: “I believe the Buhari administration will work to increase electricity generation, transmission and distribution by more than 50 percent within the next four years.

    “In working to transform the face of our economy, government must also enact policies that encourage industrialisation and modern agricultural practices. We must applaud President Buhari for the historic innovations made in the agricultural sector.

    “We must further encourage him to do even more. Government funded social security for the aged and government backed affordable housing and mortgage facilities are things we must continue to explore in an aggressive manner.

    “In the end, our future is uncertain until we enter it and make of it what we will. We can either let the future happen to us or summon the courage to make the future belong to us as other nations have done. I don’t think we really have a choice in the matter. We must take the people to the next level. It is a promise made and thus a promise that must be kept.

    ”Our goal is nothing less than enabling the people to enjoy lives free of penury and lack. We seek to constitute a nation where all have basic sustenance and sufficient food on their tables, a sturdy and sheltering roof over their heads and the fair chance and means to sustain and further enrich their lives as they see fit.”

  • Appeal Court okays Fayemi’s election

    THE Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the victory of Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last governorship election.

    A three-man panel of the court, in a unanimous judgment yesterday evening, dismissed the appeal by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the election, Kolapo Olusola, for lacking in merit.

    The court upheld the January 28, 2019 judgment of the Ekiti State Elections Tribunal, which sat in Abuja owing to problem of insecurity in Ekiti State.

    The tribunal had, in its judgment, upheld Fayemi’s victory and dismissed the petition by PDP and Olusola on the grounds that they failed to prove their allegations, among which was that the election was marred by irregularities.

    Justice Stephen Adah, who read the lead judgment, resolved the seven issues identified for determination in favour of the respondents – Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), APC and Fayemi.

    Justice Adah, at the commencement of proceedings, at about 7.05pm, noted that the day was fast spent and elected to read a summary of the lead judgment.

    Read also: Breaking: Osinbajo, Fayemi, Yari meet in Aso Rock

    After announcing that the seven issues were resolved against the appellants, Justice Adah proceeded to uphold the earlier judgment of the tribunal.

    He subsequently dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit.

    Other members of the panel, Justices Tinuade Akomolafe Wilson and Emmanuel Agim, agreed with the lead judgment.

    The proceedings lasted less than 30 minutes.

  • Ambode, Obasa, Fasanmi, others hail Tinubu at 67

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, his Ekiti State counterpart, Kayode Fayemi, Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, the National Leader of Egbe Afenifere, Pa Ayo Fasanmi, and many others yesterday congratulated ex-Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on his birthday.

    Tinubu turns 67 today.

    Ambode saluted the role played by the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, saying Nigeria was already on threshold of greatness with the duo in the next level government.

    Ambode, who spoke at the 11th Bola Tinubu Colloquium held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja as part of activities marking the 67th birthday of Tinubu, said it was gratifying to note that the next level promised by the APC government was already unfolding, adding that the next four years would engender massive development and service to the people.

    He said: “We are all expectant and we can feel the next level unfolding. Our country is on the threshold of greatness because for the first time since our independence, we would have successive administrations of a progressive and visionary government; a government of integrity, a government whose sole interest is the well-being of Nigeria and Nigerians.

    “We are lucky to be here in this exciting time; in a time when our country will be led by selfless individuals who have the progress and prosperity of our people as their major objective and we are here today because Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been a very key part of this story.

    “We are here not only to celebrate him (Tinubu) but to celebrate the incoming dawn in Nigeria; we are here to celebrate the next level in Nigeria where Nigerians will be served and given what is due to them.”

    The governor, who attended the colloquium with his wife, Bolanle, hailed Tinubu for his political dexterity, doggedness, undoubted courage and political acumen, saying the attributes of the national leader played key part in the electoral victory of APC at the Federal, National Assembly, Governorship and State Assembly elections.

    While describing the theme of the colloquium: “Next Level: Work For People,” as perfectly conceived and apt for the moment, Governor Ambode said it was instructive that it was coming at a time when Nigerians were eagerly looking forward to revolutionary transformation in key sectors and sections of the country.

    “This colloquium is coming at a time when the APC has spread its political tentacles even further in the country and this colloquium is coming at a time when Nigerians are eagerly looking forward to the next level in progressive politics, economic growth, social welfare and increased national security,” the governor said.

    Fayemi, in a tribute to Tinubu, described him as the leading light of progressive politics in the country, a fact which he said critics of the APC leader usually acknowledge.

    He recalled his working relationship with the former NADECO chieftain and said Tinubu remained a dependable, reliable and passionate leader, whose record of grooming successful disciples is unmatchable.

    Read also: Tinubu: Why Fed Govt can’t increase VAT now

    Fayemi said: “I celebrate you today as always because you have been a reliable, dependable and passionate leader. The hallmark of a great leader is not measured in castles and materials, but in his ability to groom and lead successful disciples.

    “Like a colossus in the jungle of life, your ability to identify, nurture and engage talents is unequalled. Your life has been a testimony of human capital development in an unrelenting struggle for a better life. Even your political detractors secretly admire your courage, vibrancy, intelligence, ebullience, kind-heartedness, warmth and sagacity.

    “I will forever cherish the memory of our struggles for the enthronement and sustenance of democracy and good governance in Nigeria. Your infectious smile, as we have witnessed together on a number of occasions, is disarming. You have, over the years, succeeded in constantly reinventing yourself as a leading light of progressive politics.

    “You mean different things to different people. To some, you are a patriotic politician, while to others, you are a political strategist who loves challenging the powers-that-be as a result of your passion and desire to see that your people are not deprived of their rights at any time.

    “You might not be the darling of all, but you have carved a niche for yourself in the political history of Nigeria. May providence reward your labour of love with long life in good health, unspeakable joy and everlasting bliss.

    “On behalf of the government and good people of Ekiti State, I wish you the best of what your new year can offer. Above all, I wish you many more useful and productive years,” he added.

    Obasa described Tinubu as the greatest politician of the present generation. The speaker, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Musbau Rasak, yesterday said:  “Asiwaju is the greatest politician of this generation. His leadership qualities and ability to discover and nurture talents for the greater good of the public is uncommon and unrivaled among his peers.

    “But for the special discovery talent of Asiwaju, great administrators like the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo; former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; former Lagos Governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN; Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; Messrs Wale Edun, Yemi Cardozo and Dele Alake among others would not have had the opportunity to show Nigerians and the world at large, the stuff they are made of.”

    Obasa also praised the pioneering efforts of Asiwaju Tinubu for the creation of modern Lagos which has become the role model for others to emulate in the country.

    “He’s the architect of modern Lagos, laying the solid foundation on which successful governments continue to build on making the state the best among its peers in the country and the continent,” he said.

    The Lagos Assembly Speaker stated further that the APC National Leader deserves all the accolades, best wishes and praises showered on him because he has always stand for good governance anchored equity and fairness nurtured by justice and strict adherence to the Rule of Law.

    “On behalf of my colleagues at the Lagos State House of Assembly, I rejoice with our Leader, the great Jagaban of Africa on this glorious birthday celebration. I wish you many happy returns sir,” Obasa said.

    Fasanmi, in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Adebayo Temitope, said: “No matter what you may say about Bola either you like him or not, there is no way you can discuss the democracy that is being enjoyed by many people today without mention Bola.”

    He added: “During the NADCO era, he played a vital role which is still fresh in everybody memory. Asiwaju Bola has fought a good fight for the sustenance of democracy and he has won. If not because of Asiwaju’s struggle, some have determined to turn this country to their private business. Bola, what you are celebrating is the reality of unprecedented, steady and consistent progress in the entire nation, even the foundation which you laid as the former governor of Lagos State during the AD still continues. As you are celebrating your birthday Bola, I can say you have come, you have seen and by the grace of God you shall conquer. Wishing you a many more good years. I pray you shall celebrate 93 like me.”

    Osun APC also congratulated Tinubu. The party said: “What makes this moment worthy of celebration is the quality of the series of achievements that the Jagaban of Borgu has made in less than four decades, from a local hero to a huge national figure.”

    In a message of goodwill signed by the chairman of the ruling party, Prince Gboyega Famodun, the APC added: “One of Asiwaju Tinubu’s greatest achievements is his contribution to the political engineering that brought the APC into being and led it to a historic victory in 2015.

    “And as if that was not historic enough, the Asiwaju led the new party to a second term victory in the just concluded elections.

    “These events were first of its kind in the history of Nigerian politics, and one that will occupy a special attention of historians,” the party said.

    He praised Tinubu for what he described as the  “unique generosity of the APC leader”, which has changed the lives of “hundreds of thousands of people”.

    He went on: “These people (that spread across party lines and nationalities) will never forget Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a hurry.

    “They will be amongst the millions of Nigerians who will be praying today to Allah that He grants the APC leader long life and prosperity for the good of Nigeria.”

    A socio-political group, Akwa Ibom Visionaries’ Choice for a Better Tomorrow Initiative (AKV), has described former Lagos State governor as ‘an apostle of one Nigeria’.

    The group said Tinubu has salvaged the country’s democracy through his brand of politics. Its National President, Emmanuel Effiong, said: ”Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is an Apostle of one Nigeria and a dogged fighter for the sustenance of unity and democracy in Nigeria.”

    Effiong said the group has been closely following the political contributions of the APC leader, adding that the posterity will not forgive the present crop Nigerians if they failed to identify with the lofty ideals and inputs of the former Lagos state governor to the country.

    Effiong eulogised Tinubu for his outstanding achievements, noting that the APC leader is an ”American-trained accountant of no mean repute, a party planter for the sustenance of Democracy and a political activist who struggled for the emancipation of Nigerians”.

    He urged all Akwa Ibom people to identify with and celebrate Tinubu as a stateman on the occasion of his birthday anniversary.

  • Abiodun, others get Certificates of Return

    Ogun State Governor-elect, Prince Dapo Abiodun and his deputy Noimot Oyedele-Salako of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday received their Certificates of Return (CoR) from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The CoR was presented by INEC Commissioner in charge of Ogun, Ondo and Lagos Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola at the commission’s state headquarters in Magbon, off IBB Boulevard, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the state capital.

    Twenty-six elected members of the state House of Assembly – comprising 15 All Progressives Congress(APC) including the current Deputy Speaker, Kunle Oluomo (APC, Ifo 1), seven from the Allied People’s Movement (APM), three members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and a member of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) – also collect their CoRs.

    Adedapo Abiodun pledged to be fair-minded in his approach to governance.

    He expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the party’s National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, National leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Governor Olusegun Osoba and the Ogun electorate for their support that ensured his victory at the poll.

    He noted that the victory was for the good people of Ogun State, pledging that he would not betray the trust and confidence reposed in him as expressed with their votes.

    Abiodun said: “Victory at the poll is neither that of our great party, All Progressives Congress (APC), nor mine alone. It is indeed the victory for all the good people of Ogun State who, despite the challenges that could have dampened their spirit and prevented them from exercising their civic duties, defied the odds and came out in their large numbers and laid the foundation for this ceremony.

    “You are the real heroes and heroines of this success and democracy. You are the ultimate winners!

    “It is gratifying to note that, almost all my major co-contestants have demonstrated spirit of sportsmanship, congratulated us and even responded to our hands of fellowship.

    “I salute your character, which confirms that your motivation is beyond aspiration for office or personal interests. Our hands of fellowship remain wide open to all.”

    Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Prof. Abdulganiyu Raji advised Abiodun to note that election has come and gone with the outcome determined, and so, should run an all-inclusive government that would deliver quality governance to the people.

     

     

     

  • Tinubu: The power of Lagos blueprint

    As the All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu celebrates his 67th birthday today, Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU revisits the achievements of the eminent politician, administrator and governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007, which his successors have continued to build on in the Centre of Excellence.

    Twelve years after, Lagosians are full of nostalgia. The welfarist legacy of the Tinubu administration in Lagos State has served as an enduring foundation for successive governments to build on. The achievements of former Governor Bola Tinubu between 1999 and 2007 underscored the power of diligent planning and execution of the famed 24-Year Socio-economic and Political Development Plan.

    The Lagos blueprint also attested to Tinubu’s power of foresight and the import of team work. Lagos, according to observers, has remained a model state because it has evolved a standard that cannot permit deviations by successors. In the successive cabinet of talents are seasoned technocrats who cannot afford to play politics with the development of the state, and the most important factor in success is the judicious allocation of resources.

    Indisputably, the former governor was prepared for the job. He is educated and highly exposed. Also, Tinubu is not a politician without a second address. He had made name in the private sector as a successful boardroom guru. Tinubu left Nigeria for the United States of America in search of the proverbial golden fleece in 1975. He attended the Richard Daley College, Illinois, where he was on the college’s Honours’ List, and later, Chicago State University, Chigaco where he acquired a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, with specialisation in Accounting and Management.

    Tinubu shone like a star in the tertiary institution. In his second year, he was accorded the honour of teaching remedial tutorial classes on part-time basis to the students of the faculty. He was on the Dean’s List throughout his undergraduate years. He received the Outstanding Students’ Award, University Scholar’s Award and Certificate of Merit in Accounting and Finance in his first year. Apart from his academic prowess, he was also a campus politician. He was elected as the President of the Accounting Society in his final year.

    After his university education, Tinubu worked with the America based-accounting firm, Arthur Anderson. Later, he moved to ‘Deloitte Haskins and Sells’, now Deloitte Haskins and Touche for his professional training. The young accountant also received professional training in other prominent firms, including General Motors, First National Bank of ChicagoProcter and Gamble, International Harvester, Fortune 50 Firms, and DEC, the largest communication and utility company in the United States.

    Between 1981 and 1082, Tinubu was a member of the Deloitte team that established the financial system of ARAMCO, the giant oil company. He was even retained by the firm to supervise the implementation of its financial system. However, his employment with the Mobil Producing Nigeria as a senior auditor marked a turning point. He rose to the position of the Audit Manager, and later, Treasurer of the Mobil Producing, Nigeria. Under his leadership, there were prudent financial management, aggressive corporate think-tank for the reorganisation of the company’s financial system and treasury activities, the integration of staff development, cost saving and fraud detection and prevention. The experience made Tinubu to describe himself as a financial surgeon.

    In the Third Republic, Tinubu entered politics as a new breed. Despite being a green horn, his transformation was legendary. He was an outstanding member of the Primose, led By Chief Dapo Sarunmi. As a Social Democratic Party (SDP) senator, he had wanted to serve as Senate President. But, he had to step down for Dr. Iyorcha Ayu. In the National Assembly, Tinubu was not a bench warmer. He was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Finance, Appropriation and Currency. It was distressing to him that former military Head of State Gen. sani Abacha sacked the civilian authorities in 1993.

    Tinubu bounced back in 1999 as governor. Since he had a vision for Lagos State, he planned well, laid a solid foundation for its future and made a difference.  Lagosians recall with fondness the Tinubu years in the Round House, Alausa, Ikeja, the seat of government.  The challenges were daunting. To change the face of the metropolis, Tinubu assembled the best brains in his cabinet. More importantly, he fashioned out a 24-year Development Blueprint, which his successor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), successfully built on.

    Paying tribute to Tinubu during his 60th birthday, Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), In his tribute to the pathfinder during his 60th birthday, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), observed that the former governor tried to reinvent the glorious Awolowo era in the defunct Western Region. He applauded his sagacity and leadership qualities, stressing that “Tinubu remains a major factor in Nigeria’s politics.”

    Tinubu was a dynamic administrator and workaholic. As noted by his Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dele Alake, “Asiwaju Tinubu has no apologies for pushing his health to an edge. He says he applied for the job. He begged Lagosians to give him the job, to give him a place to stand so that he could move their world forward. And if the people identified him as the person for the job, he has no option, but to put in his very best.”

    Also, Tinubu’s media aide, Kehinde Bamigbetan, said: “Governor Tinubu’s philosophy of governance was welfarist. He believes the state must serve the interest of the poor and the underprivileged by encouraging the rich to subsidise the poor. He believes that government, as the agency set up to do this job, must be efficient in raising revenue and dispensing services.”

    Tinubu inherited a Lagos State that was on its knees, although it remained a potentially great state. Lagos roads were an eyesore. According to records, in five years, Tinubu had awarded contracts for 422 road projects, and 308  were completed. His Works and Infrastructure Commissioner, Chief Rauf Aregbesola, later governor of Osun State, was up and doing.

    Road projects completed include Ijegun, Ojo; Oshifolarin, Somolu; Rhythm 93.7, Eti-Osa; Arufa Olugbemi, Ojo; Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island; Agege Motor Road (Idi Oro to Ilupeju Byepass),Mushin and Ojuwoye, Eko Akete, Abaronje-Okerube, Ikotun-Igbado; Alakuko, Ojokoro; and Aniyaloye/Edidi/Adegboyega/Fatai Bello, Ifelodun. Othere were Irede, Amuwo-Odofin; Owuto Ajaguro, Ikorodu; Ekoro, Agbado Oke; Aboru, Agbado Oke odo; Okun Alfa, Ibeju; Agunji Ajiran, Eti Osa West; Old Ota, Ifako Ijaye; Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Maroko-Epe Bye-Pass, Eti Osa West; and Oterubi Ogidan, Agboju.  A memoranda of agreement was signed with reputable construction  companies for the construction of Ajao/Ejigbo Road/Bridge, LASU-Iba-igbo Elerin-Agboroko-Badagry Expressway, and Isheri Osun-Isolo Housing Estate-Ago Palace Way.

    The Lagos Island Central Business District Road upgrading and renewal project were undertaken to give the most crucial economic zone a face lift. The roads were Broad Street/Lagos Western outer Ring Road/ Marina/ Third mainland Ramp; Nnamidi Azikiwe/ cater Bridge; Cater Bridge/ Ereko martins/Balogun and Idumagbo/Third mailand Bridge and inner adjoining roads.

    Tinubu also repositioned the health sector through heavy financial and human capital investment. More General Hospitals were established. The existing ones were rehabilitated. Also, the administration built more health centres at the grassroots. Modern medical equipment were procured for the health hospitals and helath centres. New medical laboratories were also set up.

    The administration introduced free health policy for children below 18 and adults above 65 years. The drugs for patients were heavily subsidized. Under the Blindness Prevention Programme, millions of Lagosians were saved from sight problems. There were free eye surgeries and free glasses (Dingi Bola) were distributed to patients. To reduce the scourge of HIV/AIDS, the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency intensified its enlightenment programme targeted at youths. The administration’s “Roll Back Malaria” programme complemented the Eko Free Malaria Treatment programme under which millions of people were treated. Government also combated the dreadful diseases, including tuberculosis by setting up clinic devoted to the disease and polio through the immunization of millions of children.

    To attend to medical emergencies, the  LASAMBUS scheme was initiated. Dozens of ambulances were provided to ease rescue operations. Tinubu introduced reforms, which led to the decentralization of the Health Management Board, the revatalisation of the Primary healthcare System, the establishment of the Lagos State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency to ensure quality assurance, the establishment of Hospital Services Commission and the promotion of partnerships in health between the government and the private sector.

    In 1999, Tinubu inherited a city of fifth. Refuse disposal was a major headache. The fear of epidemic engulfed the state.  The former governor separated the Ministry of Environment from the Ministry of Physical Planning and repositioned it to combat flooding and coordination of waste disposal operations.

    Also, the administration defended the education sector. Lagos is a mini-Nigeria playing host to citizens from other states of the federation. A discriminatory education policy was incompatible with the spirit of Lagos. Tinubu believed passionately that education was the antidote to poverty. Moreover, his mother, the late Abibat Mogaji, always sent a long list of students to him for financial assistance. Thus, the former governor started paying WAEC and NECO fees and fees for internal examinations. The administration kicked-off the Millennium School Projects as part of efforts to guarantee a conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning in public schools. In 2001, Tinubu returned the missionary schools to their owners, thereby enhancing private participation in the critical sector.

    The administration’s youth development programme led to the annual “One Day Governor” event. The academic competition anchord by the New Era Foundation sponsored by the First Lady, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, thre up the young scholars. Also, the former governor converted the dreadful Ita Oko prisoners camp into a youth skills acquisition centre. There was also a programme of women empowerment to enable women cope with the harsh economic realities and make them become . More importantly, women were reoriented towards self-employment.

    In the housing sector, Tinubu administration facilitated access to quality accommodation and succeeded in making the Lekki corridor the fastest growing estates. The former governor lamented the Federal Government’s failed housing policy and the neglect of the housing needs of the former  Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He restructured the Ministry of Works and Housing by upgrading the Housing Department or directorate into a full fledged ministry. The ministry was mandated to provide 5,00 housing units yearly and coordinate the activities of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) and the lagos Building Investment Company for more effective management. More importantly, the sector was repositioned to attract private sector participation.

    There was a turnaround in the fortunes of the LSDPC. Its account was red before Tinubu assumed office. In his first term, the moribund Michael Otedola Low Income Housing was completed. The Jubilee Housing Scheme-q 1,300 units of low income housing designated as Abraham Adesanya Housing Estate, was completed. The project was undertaken directly by the ministry. Also delivered were the Lekki Scheme 1, named after the late Eleko of Lagos, Oba Adeyinka Oyekan, the Oko Oba units, Oregun Estate, Ikeja, Femi Okunnu Housing estate, Leki and the Mile 2 Housing Estate. Also, concerted efforts were made to develop the proposed estates in Gbagada 1 and 2, Ibeshe, Ikeja 1 and 2, Oko Oba/Alaba and Ewu Elepe. There were proposals on “Teachers’ Village,” “Civil servants’ Village” and “Judges Village.” The mortgage system was strengthened and foreign investors were encouraged.

    There were also novel initiatives in transportation, including the development of modern water transportation, BRT and LASTMA.

    Under the visionary administration, Lagos blazed the trail in the Independent Power Project (IPP), which continually supplied 270 mega watts of electricity to the national grid. The project demonstrated the capacity of some states to generate electricity, if the power to legislate on it is on the Concurrent List.  Tinubu electrification project covered over 100 communities. In his first term, 53 rural communities were targeted.  The projects were completed in Egan, Atewolere, Ifesowapo, Aboru, Agbado Ayetoro, Akorede, Isheri Ikosi, Orile Aguntan, Rofo, Borokini, Omologbede, Araromi, Oke Agbo, Erekusu, Logberu, Okegelu and Ebute, Lekki. Others were Origanringan, Onigbolakowe, Oke odo Elemoro, Ipaja Isale odo, Agenuba, Ajelogo, Mutaku, Egansando, Ayanfe, topo and Ikola Agbenaje.

    Tinubu created additional 37 councils, following the legitimate agitations of Lagosians for improved governance at the grassroots. The number of the councils rose to 57. However, the National Assembly  refused to list the councils in the constitution.

    For the former governor, necessity became the mother of invention. When the allocation for Lagos was seized, Tinubu put on his thinking cap. He embarked on a novel and aggressive revenue generation drive, which halted the dependence on federal allocations to the state. In 1999, under the military rule, Lagos was generating N600,000 monthly. Today, the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is around N33 billion.

    For eight years, Tinubu also agitated for a special status, or special economic assistance, for Lagos State. Up to now, it is still a dream.

    Tinubu resolved the succession hurdle successfully in 2007. His successor, Fashola, built on his achievements.

    Tinubu has received many awards. They include the ‘Best Governor of for 2001 by the Nigerian/Belgian Chamber of Commerce, Winner of 2002 Best Practices Prize in improving the living environment (by the Federal Ministry of Works and UN habitat Group), 2000 Best computerized Government in Nigeria (by the Computer Association of Nigeria), 2003 Green Crystal Award for Enhancing the Value of the Environment (by Clean-Up Nigeria (CUN), 2002 Healthcare Award as the best provider of best health services in Nigeria, Presidential Merit Award for technological Development by the Nigerian Society of Engineers, 2001 National Literacy award for outstanding contribution to mas literacy, Co-winner of 2002 Outstanding Alumnus award of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), 2001 Distinguished Alumnus Award by Chicago State University, Distinguished Service Award for Exemplary Leadership by the Lagos State Economic Summit Group, Certificate of Commendation by the national Conference of Black mayors, Silver Jubilee Anniversary Award as Labour Friendly Governor by the National Union of Petroleum and Natural gas Workers (NUPENG) and Award of Recognition by Nigerian Berge Limited for the initiation of the Independent Power project (IPP).

    Tinubu was also conferred with a Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree by the Abia State University.

     

     

  • Majority power

    With 65 senators-elect, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is clearly the majority party in the Senate.  The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has 42 and the Young Progressive Party (YPP) has one. The APC is also the majority party in the House of Representatives with 223 seats. The PDP has 190 and other parties have 10.

    So there should be no confusion about which party should get the leadership positions in the upper and lower chambers of the Ninth National Assembly. Specifically, the President and Deputy President of the Senate, as well as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, should be APC legislators.

    It is curious that there are those who think this clear situation is not so clear, or not clear enough. For instance, PDP spokesman Kola  Ologbondiyan said in a statement: “The PDP… does not only have a constitutional say in the process of the emergence of the leadership of the Ninth National Assembly, but will, as a matter of constitutional right, field candidates into presiding offices of both chambers, if need be.”

    Also, a former President of the Senate and PDP member, Senator David Mark, said to journalists at his residence in Otukpo, Benue State: “The election of the President of the Senate also translates to the selection of the chairman of the National Assembly because the person who emerges as the President of the Senate automatically becomes the chairman of the National Assembly. Nobody should interfere in the selection of President of the Senate. The senators should choose amongst themselves who should be their leader not based on number of political parties that won elections into the chamber.”

    That was Mark’s response to the question whether the Senate President should come from the ruling party, or the party that is the majority party in the Red Chamber. Mark, a retired Nigerian Army Brigadier General, was President of the Senate from 2007 to 2015 when his party was in power and the majority party in the Senate.  Now he thinks numerical strength does not matter, but it did when he was at the helm of the Senate.

    The outgoing Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, had created an abnormal situation with Saraki, then an APC member, and Ekweremadu of PDP controversially combining to lead the Senate.

    Surely, that era of political absurdity is gone, and only absurd politicians would imagine minority party members in leadership positions in the Ninth National Assembly.

  • ‘Next Level can’t be achieved by blindly’

    Text of All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at a colloquium organised yesterday at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja, as part of activities marking his 67th birthday.

    Next Level is not just a trendy campaign phrase to be quickly discarded once victory has been achieved.

    It has a much deeper and more profound meaning, perhaps even more than its authors contemplated. This is because we are a nation still in the process of defining itself politically and economically.

    In this process, it is tempting and easy to borrow indiscriminately from those nations that seem to have mastered the art of democratic governance and to have achieved economic prosperity.

    However, to achieve durable progress, we can’t afford to work hard but in mindless devotion to the ways of other nations.

    This truth is particularly acute when these very nations now face fundamental political and economic questions that cast doubt on the social utility and viability of the economic model under which they have travelled for the past 50 years.

    The global economy faces stiff headwinds. Factors, not of our making, now cast the world economy towards low growth

    Consumer spending is slipping. Aggregate private debt has attained historic levels. America and China are in a trade tug-of-war. Brexit looms imminent. Whatever form Brexit takes, economic dislocation will emerge from the political confusion now underway.

    Even without Brexit, the European Union (EU) itself has entered a rough patch. The Eurozone may already be in recession. Stock markets experience wild swings that speak to an underlying weakness and pessimism about the immediate future.

    Forecasters are predicting a global recession within the next 12-18 months.

    I render these observations not to frighten anyone but because they ring true. Wisdom requires that we accept reality instead of obscuring it under the cloak of wishful thinking. We must build policies that interact with the world as it is, and not with the world as it should be.

    We must recognise these harsh economic tidings as advance warnings to the wise. Hence, we must think deeper and work harder for our people in Nigeria.

    I would be a most wicked friend if I knew a storm was approaching yet convinced you to ready your family for an outdoor picnic under the tallest tree. The truth is always a more valuable guardian than fantasy.

    Mr. President, you have warned several times that the storm that approaches is not inevitable. It is born of a human folly and reckless greed. This means that it can be rectified by human wisdom and prudential action.

    At this point, we must recognise a fundamental truth of our time. The economic model upon which the world is built is unraveling. The coming downturn is just a symptom of this great upheaval.

    The global economy faces either genuine reform or gathering ruin.

    Because of this, the economic cohesion of Western nations is weakening. Income inequality has reached levels unseen in a century. The middle class in most countries is shrinking.

    Wages stagnate while prices are on a ceaseless march upward.

    In America, progressives champion a Green New Deal – a massive government programme to modernise that nation’s aging energy infrastructure and to create job programs to keep the middle class from becoming an endangered economic species.

    In France, the yellow vests protest the austere policies of the Macron government. The vests have the sympathy of the people.

    Brexit, no matter how misguided, was in large part a primal scream by people who feared the EU was responsible for their diminished economic conditions. The frustrated British would have been more accurate had they pointed the finger at a culprit closer to home – the austerity policies of two consecutive Tory governments.

    People the world over are questioning the centre-right conservative model that has, with few exceptions, governed the world for the last half century. In one form or another, people are protesting the way things are, and progressive politicians are trying to help the people change things for the better.

    The Next Level must be seen as part of this global and historic dynamic.

    Our pursuit of the Next Level cannot be achieved by blindly following the economic path of other nations. That would be tantamount to racing to live in a building just as its long-term occupants were frantically rushing out, screaming that the edifice was mean and crumbling.  If we are smart, we dare not enter.

    Instead, we must construct our Next Level on a progressive ideology and vision that will take our people out of penury, diversify our economy more aggressively, and empower and retrain our youth.

    To be the great nation we purport to be, we must reform and retool our economy according to our definition of what is best for our own people. We cannot assign that duty to anyone else.

    Here, I must ask for a little liberty to amend the fine title of this colloquium: “Work for the people.” We must do more than simply work for the people.

    Government must “work for the people in a way that enables them to better work for themselves.”

    We must amend our basic ideas about the economy.  We must divorce ourselves from our fixation with GDP rates and similar statistics. These things were initially intended to be indicators, suggestive measurements. However, we have misinterpreted these road maps by treating them as if they were the destination itself.

    This has caused us to distort the organic relationship between the people and the economy.

    This dominant train of thought has made the people servants to the dictates of abstract economic theories. In a more effective system, the economy would be fashioned to serve the concrete needs and legitimate aspirations of the people.

    Our economy must be redefined to be an efficient yet moral social construct with the primary goal of optimizing the long-term welfare of the people through the sustained, productive and full employment of labour, land, capital and natural resources.

    In the current global context, the best translation of laissez faire economics is “let’s stay poor” economics.

    To believe that we are at our best when everyone focuses solely on maximising their own position is to believe that one hundred hands can clutch at the same naira note but no one will get scratched.

    To pull the nation from poverty, government must play a decisive role. It must at times direct and even develop markets and opportunities. This is nothing novel. I am only restating what the established economies did when they were young and assumed their trajectories toward growth.

    Yet, how do we organise ourselves to meet this task?

    Like no Nigerian government before, I believe the second administration of President Muhammadu Buhari shall dedicate itself to changing the very structure of our economy for the better.

    The single most important sector for the government’s focus is infrastructure. The most important of our infrastructural demands is power. This has been the greatest discovery of humanity in the last thousand years.

    Power

    Affordable and reliable power will drive the industrialisation that shall provide jobs in our cities and produce needed goods for all our people. In a more poetic rendering, it will take our people out of the dark ages and bring the nation into the light of a better day.

    I believe the second term of the Buhari administration will work to increase electricity generation, transmission and distribution by more than 50 percent within the next four years.

    We require serious and bold reforms to achieve this. What is happening to our gas pipelines? Whatever we have to invest now for our future is a task that must be done boldly. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration shared out generation, distribution and transmission to their friends and cronies without very deep and thoughtful research and evaluation. It has now become pork chops. This privatisation must be revisited. Put experts together for a more constructive reform to improve generation, transmission and distribution by any means necessary. We cannot afford to be too legalistic about this.

    Also, we should push to end the practice of billing people for electricity they never received. This practice is a vestige of the past that should not accompany us into the future.  A person should be charged accurately and only for the power that they use.

    Infrastructure

    The government should continue to aggressively implement its national infrastructure plan. We must commit ourselves to a national highway system linking our major cities and towns, our centres of commerce, with each other. This will save lives, spur commerce, cut costs and bring Nigerians closer together.

    Water catchment and retention systems in strategic locations should also be introduced to end the destructive  cycles of flood and drought affecting  many      areas   .

    In working to transform the face of our economy, government must also enact policies that encourage industrialisation and modern agricultural practices. We must applaud President Buhari for the historic innovations made in the agricultural sector.

    We must further encourage him to do even more. The government funded social security for the aged and government backed affordable housing and mortgage facilities are things we must continue to explore in an aggressive manner.

    In the end, our future is uncertain until we enter it and make of it what we will. We can either let the future happen to us or summon the courage to make the future belong to us as other nations have done.

    I don’t think we really have a choice in the matter. We must take the people to the next level. It is a promise made and thus a promise that must be kept.

    Our goal is nothing less than enabling people to enjoy lives free of penury and lack. We seek to constitute a nation where all have basic sustenance and sufficient food on their tables, a sturdy and sheltering roof over their heads and the fair chance and means to sustain and further enrich their lives as they see fit.  Let it be that all may live in social contentment and tranquillity with his neighbour as well as with himself. This is what we mean by the Next Level.

    Thank you for this wonderful birthday present you have given me. I have been enriched and energised by the intellectual exchange. I hope that you have too. Now, let’s move on to the Next Level.

     

     

  • APC Scandinavia extols Tinubu at 67

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Scandinavian chapter, Ayoola Lawal has joined the thousands of Nigerian business and political class to felicitates with the National Chairman of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the patriotic leader clocks 67.

    Ayoola in his birthday wishes to the Icon of Nigeria’s politics, Ayoola, acknowledged the efforts of Tinubu to keep Nigeria and the people together, noting that he is worthy of emulation in all aspects of life.

    President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode and many more graced the occasion in Lagos.

    According to Ayoola, no Nigeria or Lagosian will definitely be short of something positive to say when it comes to Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    He said, “Tinubu can be best described as a visionary economic and political leader. An authentic leader that helps disbelievers and weak minded to embrace the vision, hopeless to develop faith and powerless to overcome weakness”.

    Read also: Tinubu advises Fed Govt on how to fix economy

    “A leader per-excellent, one that his contribution to the advancement and development of Lagos and modern Nigeria democracy can never be over-praised”.

    “He is a living legend and a dogged patriot. He is never a complainer of “victimitis excusitis” virus, a victim but he gets this done. The virtue that Nigerians especially the younger generations critically need to move Nigeria forward in rebuilding the nation of their dream”.

    “I will always repeat the fact and history will ever back me up that “If not for the strong conviction and doggedness of Asiwaju Tinubu that ousted the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from power after 16 years of misrule and clueless leadership, Nigeria could have been history in the league of hopeful nations”.

    “We celebrate your virtuoso, exceptional visionary and inclusiveness style of leadership and, your standout on this special occasion of your 67 birthday anniversary. Bola Tinubu never mails it in but always bring it on”.

  • PDP, APC all square in Sokoto House of Assembly

    The Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress almost shared equally the 30 seats available in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, a reflection of the tight race for the governorship seat.

    However, the APC has an edge with 16 members. PDP has 14 members.

    In the governorship election held the same day with Assembly elections, the PDP candidate, incumbent Aminu Tambuwal defeated the candidate of the APC, Ahmed Aliyu by a margin of 342 votes.

    Read also: Sokoto APC alleges attack on supporters by PDP

    Here is a list of the members:

    1) Aminu Magaji (APC- Dange/Shuni)

    2) Mustapha Abdullahi (APC- Sokoto South 1)

    3)Malami Ahmed (PDP- Sokoto South II)

    4) Suke Romo (PDP- Tambuwal West)

    5) Mode Ladan (PDP Tambuwal East)

    6)Musa Miko (PDP- Tangaza)

    7) Murtala Maigona (APC- Wamakko)

    8) Aminu Achida (APC-Wurno)

    9) Shehu Yabo (APC- Yabo)

    10) Haliru Buhari (PDP- Sokoto North 1)

    11) Ibrahim Arzika (PDP- Sokoto North II)

    12) Abdullahi Randa (PDP- Tureta)

    13) Umaru Sahabi (PDP- Binji)

    14) Abubakar Magaji (PDP- Bodinga North)

    15) Bala Tukur (APC- Bodinga South)

    16) Altine Kyadawa (APC- Gada West)

    17) Kabiru Dauda (APC- Bada East)

    18) Mustapha Balle (PDP- Gudu)

    19) Bello Idris (APC- Gwadabawa South)

    20) Abdullahi Garba (APC- Gwadabawa North)

    21) Bello Ambarura (APC- Illela)

    22) Habibu Modachi (PDP- Isa)

    23) Abdullahi Mahmud (PDP- Kware)

    24) Abdullahi Zakari (APC- Rabah)

    25) Almustapha Aminu (PDP- Sabon Birni North)

    26) Saidu Ibrahim (APC- Sabon Birni South)

    27) Alhaji Maidawa (APC- Shagari)

    28) Atiku Liman (PDP- Silame)

    29) Isa Harisu (APC- Kebbe)

    30) Faruku Amadu (APC- Goronyo)
    (NAN)