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Tag: Babatunde Fashola

  • Fashola advocates societal values as basis for good governance

    Fashola advocates societal values as basis for good governance

    LAGOS State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has advocated the promotion of societal values as the building blocks for good leadership and good governance

    Addressing participants in Lagos at the venue of the 2014 Annual Conference on Corporate Governance organised by the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria with the theme “Leadership and Governance in the Public Sector”, the governor said leadership is a matter of values, adding that every society is responsible for the type of leadership that it gets.

    He said although he has been asked to speak on leadership and governance in the public sector, justice would not be done to the subject if it is limited to that sector alone, adding that in order to give it a thorough treatment, the other sector, which is the private sector, must be included.

    He noted, “It seems to me that if any justice is to be done on that subject, it cannot be limited to the public sector alone. We must look across board to the other side, the private sector. This is because, to me, there is a thin dividing line between the public and the private sectors and one good or bad leadership in one sector has the potential to breed more good or bad leaders in the other sector.”

    Speaking further on the topic, the governor declared, “The leadership question is really a question of values. It is at the centre of everything; values such as trust, integrity, merit, strength, compassion, courage, justice, fairness and so on and so forth and this must be so, because human life and affairs have been organised around representation”.

    He pointed out that whether it is a monarchy where people cannot vote, dictatorship or democracy, what the people inherently seek is the assurance that their representative or the one, who decides for them, is honest and trustworthy.

    Fashola further noted, “The truth is that we make our leaders what they are. Our leaders embody the values that we live by. The sad thing is that those values change and more often than not societies, organisations and institutions that end up with bad leaders have been shown to have adopted wrong and poor values.”

    The governor maintained that bad leaders are unlikely to emerge where good values reign and when they do, they do not last there, noting that conversely, good leaders seldom emerge from a school of bad values. “In a corrupt society, it is the corrupt that will decide who leads”, he said.

    He added that in a society where merit is subjugated for nepotism, the weak will lead the strong, adding, “So you can imagine trying to tow a trailer with a beetle. It may move, but ultimately some things will fall apart. In a society where money is more important than ideas and knowledge, leadership responsibility will fall upon those who cannot think to the exclusion of those who can think.”

    He thanked the organisers for the courtesy of their invitation to him saying that when he saw the signature of the President of the Society, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye on the invitation card, he considered it a must to attend the occasion.

  • Power supply: Lagos moves to explore nuclear energy

    Power supply: Lagos moves to explore nuclear energy

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola has said the state is looking towards exploring nuclear energy as an alternative source of power supply.

    The governor spoke yesterday at the 4th Corporate Assembly, tagged ‘BRF Meets Business’ held at the Lekki Free Zone.

    He said the government recognises the importance of power supply to economic development, hence its resolve to explore all possibilities of addressing the challenge.

    He said the decision to establish nuclear energy was arrived at during the Economic Summit (Ehingbeti) to provide adequate power supply for the state.

    “That shows you how we intend to address issues of power in the state. We sat down with one of the foremost practitioners, who is a Nigerian and he took us through all the protocols that is needed for the establishment. Places like the Lekki Free Zone can have the nuclear power between 15 and 24 months.”

    The governor said the government will not leave any stone unturned to ensure the best for its citizens.

    Responding to questions from stakeholders of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) on the need for government to create more enabling environment, the governor told the gathering that most of the regulations guiding their business operations were derived from inherited laws.

    He urged them to be on the side of the law, while they continue to engage government on grey areas.

    According to him, “All what we demand for centre on law and order. Can we imagine running business in the country without regulations?

    “Many of these laws were not made by my administration but those before us. And some of them need to be updated and some we have done.

    “Our society is changing more than it can cope with. Laws are on paper and we need human beings to give value to it.”

    Fashola said the state was able to manage the Ebola Virus Disease because it had put in place structures and laws that came in handy during the crisis.

    “Without an Infectious Disease Centre that Lagos State built, we would have run into crisis. Without the Public Health Law, that dates as far back as 2002, we would have been in problem.”

    The governor said Nigeria must draw inspiration on its ability to manage the disease and use its experience to assist countries still battling the disease.

  • 25 for governor in Lagos

    25 for governor in Lagos

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) will complete his second term in office next year. Ahead of the next governorship election, the two major political parties-the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-have returned to the drawing board. Also, the Labour Party (LP) and other smaller parties are warming up. Between next month and November, the parties would have conducted their primaries for aspirants. When the candidates emerge, campaigns will start and Lagosians will beam a searchlight on the flag bearers itching to succeed the governor.

    Lagos is the greatest stronghold of the progressive bloc. By 2015, the bloc would have dominated power in the Centre of Excellence for 16 years. As the APC seeks the renewal of the mandate, the achievements of former Governor Bola Tinubu and his successor, Fashola, would be the party’s armour. The two politicians have laid a solid foundation for their successors to build upon. They have presided over model administrations. While the PDP, the LP and other smaller parties would be soliciting for votes based on their promises to Lagosians, the APC, now a tested and trusted party, will request for a fresh mandate by tendering the feats of the two governors and making new promises it can fulfill in post-election period.

    During the electioneering, events in the ruling party will influence the decisions by opposition parties. Ahead of the poll, the PDP, for example, is searching for a candidate similar to the one that the APC will  throw up. Many PDP chieftains have links with the APC because many of them had the dormant Alliance for Democracy (AD) as mutual roots. The struggle for the ticket may become fierce, warranting strategic defections by impatient politicians seeking the golden fleece outside their political family.

    Next month, nomination guidelines are expected to be released. In the APC and the PDP, aspirants are not waiting for the guidelines before unfolding their aspirations. They are more visible at social gatherings more than before. Rallies are held to drum support for them by clandestine organisations. Some have declared their interests on the pages of newspapers. Many are still consulting with stakeholders.

    There is no shortage of competent politicians and technocrats to take over from Fashola in the APC. Observers contend that the aspirants parade exciting  credentials. No fewer than 16 chieftains are vying for the governorship. In the PDP 11 are biding for the ticket.

     

    Gladiators in the race

    APC aspirants include Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, House of Representatives Minority Leader Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, House of Assembly Speaker Hon. Yemi Ikuforiji, APC National Legal Adviser Dr. Muiz Banire, and former Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance Mr. Akinwumi Ambode.

    Others are: Commissioner for Agriculture Gbolahan Lawal, his Works Ministry counterpart, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Transport Commissioner Comrade Kayode Opeifa,  businessmen Alobo Bakare and Adekunle Disu, Mr. Fowler, former Health Commissioners Dr. Leke Pitan, Dr. Tola Kasali, and former Head of Service Prince Adeseye Ogunlewe. Fourteen of them are disciples and beneficiaries of Tinubu’s political philanthropy

    PDP aspirants include Minister of State for Defence Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Mr. Bank Rhodes, Setonji Koshoedo, Chief Tunde Daramola and Chief Bode Oyedele. Others are Mr. Tokunbo Kamson, Mrs. Remi Adiukwu-Bakare, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, Dr. Ade Dosunmu, Babatunde Gbadamosi, Mr. Deji Doherty, and Dr. Segun Ogundimu.

    Party sources said that the camp of the PDP leader, Commodore Olabode George (rtd), may sponsor a candidate who will slug it out with these aspirants at the primaries. Eyes are on the pharmacist, Mr. Jimi Agbaje.

    Other smaller parties may field candidates for the poll. But, their impact will not be felt during the exercise.

     

    Succession battles

    The task before the APC is the challenge of raising another competent politician and astute administrator as the candidate. Tinubu and Fashola have set enviable standards and, for Lagosians to vote for continuity, the flag bearer must have a track record of performance, integrity and honour. Since Lagos State was created in 1967, Lagosians have participated in seven governorship elections; 1979, 1983, 1991, 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011. In those polls, except that of 1991, Lagosians voted along similar and predictable lines. The 1991 exception was due to the inability of the progressives in the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) to put their house in order. As the struggle for the ticket between the late Prof. Femi Agbalajobi and Chief Dapo Sarunmi polarised the party, reconciliation proved abortive. The SDP leader, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, directed his camp to vote for the National Republican Convention (NRC) candidate, the late Sir Michael Otedola. The SDP candidate, Mr. Yomi Edu, a lawyer, was defeated.

     

    Issues

    Many issues will shape the contest. The first is the incumbency factor. The size and strength of the parties and their perception by the people will also influence the contest. The APC controls the House of Assembly, which is made up of 40 members, and 57 local councils. The three senators and 24 members of the House of Representatives belong to the ruling party. But, next year, there will be a clash of incumbency power and federal might, which the PDP usually relies upon in the Southwest. In the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, there was that flexing of muscle between the federal and state forces.

    In 2015, indigeneship will not be a serious factor in the megacity, unlike 2007.  But, religion and zoning may be weak factors. In the last one year, some Christian leaders have been calling for a Christian governor, although they acknowledged that the two Muslim governors-Tinubu and Fashola-whose wives are Christians, have never marginalised any religious sect in governance.

    Reflecting on the agitation, APC chieftain Oludare Raji, a House of Representatives aspirant in Osodi/Isolo Constituency, said: “It is a non-issue. Christians and Muslims in Lagos State have co-existed harmoniously without friction. We have had more Muslims governors than Christian governors, but it is mere coincidence. In the Southwest, religion has never shaped our politics.”

    Raji, the former Secretary of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), said that Lagosians looked forward to a successor who will sustain the tempo of performance, and not a governor thrown up by a religious sect. “Lagos is home to many Nigerians. They come here and they don’t return. There is population explosion. Many youths are looking for jobs in Lagos and there is pressure on social amenities, schools, water and roads. There is the security challenge. Lagos needs a governor who will be a problem solver and not a religious irredentist or bigot,” he added.

    The choice of running mates is also a weak factor. In 1979, the leader of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, advised the Lagos chapter to make Alhaji Rafiu Jafojo the running mate to the flag bearer, Jakande. There was no evidence to show that the UPN won, based on that sub-ethnic balancing. Jakande represented Lagos. Jafojo represented Awori.  In the Third Republic, Mrs. Sinatu Ojikutu was Otedola’s running mate. He was from Epe and she was from the Lagos Island. In 1999, Tinubu and Senator Kofowola Akerele-Bucknor paired. Tinubu is from both Lagos Central and Lagos West. Bucknor is from Lagos Central. Fashola is from Surulere, Lagos Central. His first deputy, Princes Sarah Sosan is from the coastal area of the West District. Mrs. Victoria Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire is from Alimoso. The tradition is to look for a running mate, who the flag bearer can harmoniously work with for four years.

    But, there may be a slight difference next year. Sources said that PDP is looking for an Igbo running mate. “The PDP made a Hausa as the running mate to its chairmanship candidate Obalende LCDA. It nearly worked. They (PDP) is thinking that, if they make Igbo running mate, they may get Igbo bloc vote. But, I doubt it. Questions will be raised. They will ask him or her to show Lagosians his native constituency”, said a PDP chieftain.

     

    Challenges of governance

    The next governor of Lagos will inherit the unfinished work of development. A mega city and economic capital, Lagos, the former Federal Capital Territory, is a mini Nigeria. As a cosmopolitan city and the commercial nerve centre, there is the mass exodus of youths in search of real and elusive opportunities. Lagos is a Yoruba city, but indigenes of other states have become part of its political establishment. Their hosts are the people of the five divisions of Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu, Ikeja and Lagos. Nigerians from the hinterland have also increased the voting quality and strength of Lagos. These factors of accommodation and tolerance are great marks of Lagos.

    Lagos is a special a blend of diverse, complex and sophisticated dwellers who account for the prosperity of the city and the menace and vices that characterize its daily life. Lagos is host to the headquarter of thriving business empires. Over 60 percent of the Value Added Tax (VAT) in the country is generated from the state. Despite the relocation of the federal capital to Abuja, many foreign diplomats still prefer to operate from Lagos.  Thus, on the Lagos governor depends thee security of over 180 million residents, although he does not control the police. These residents include the army of restless, jobless youths, unemployed graduates and the masses. The next governor will shoulder the burden of population explosion as thousands continue to flood the city on daily basis. The huge population and influx of people daily will increase the demand for the few public sector employment, water, schools, roads, and other social infrastructure.

    Housing is a major problem in the state. Although the government is trying its best, but the housing gap is still wide. Nowadays, illegal immigrants from poor West African countries have joined the native beggars who take refuge under the bridges. Alarmed at this scenario, Information and Strategy Commissioner Lateef Ibirogba said Okada riders who are from Niger and Togo have also come to protest against traffic law at the state secretariat. Together with the area boys, they pose a threat to security.

    The next governor will inherit the battle for special status. Although Lagos shoulders enormous national responsibilities, the agitation for a special status has been ignored by the Federal Government. He will inherit many federal, state and local government roads calling for attention.

    Reflecting on these challenges, APC chieftain Isiaka Adekunle-Ibrahim said the next governor wake up to the reality that governance is not a tea party in Lagos. “The challenges will be enormous. He will inherit the assets and liabilities of governance. There will be more demands on his administration, in terms of dividends of democracy,” he added.

     

    Lessons of history

    The lessons of Lagos politics are instructive. But, aspirants often refuse to learn from history. Historically, it is difficult to predict who will emerge as flag bearers of political parties. Lagos State is dynamic. Therefore, the contest is always unpredictable. The first aspirant on the track may never become the winner. The history of governorship contest is replete with the emergence of candidates who were never in reckoning before. These emergency candidates have always breast the tape and smiled away with the crown.

    Ahead of 1978/79, when the members of the Committee of Friends, which later transformed into the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), were preparing for the governorship election, three heavy weight politicians; Chief Adeniran Ogunsanya, Chief Akanbi Onitiri and Alhaji Ganiyu Dawodu; were  struggling for the slot. Ogunsanya was a federal legislator and Minister of Housing and Surveys. Onitiri was one of the heroes of the treasonable felony trial. He was jailed along with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Dawodu was a councillor, Lagos Town Council chairman and commissioner.

    Ogunsanya had approached Awo, urging him to influence the committee to give the ticket to him. But Awo turned down his request, saying that the fate of aspirants would be decided at the party primaries. He later joined Dr. Nnamidi Azikiwe’s Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP). Onitiri was highly favoured for the job. But he was lured into the NPP by people who promised to make him the presidential candidate, after convincing him that Zik would not run. He later died in an auto crash. There was another candidate who was turned down because of his low education. Awo was surprised that he had no library in his house. Jakande, a prominent member of the committee, later emerged as the candidate.

    In the Third Republic, the proscribed SDP was popular in Lagos. But, the two aspirants, Sarumi and Agbalajobi were banned. In the subsequent shadow poll between Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, the candidate of the Jakande Group, and Edu, who was backed by the Primose, the latter won. But he lost to Otedola during the election.

    In 1999, Tinubu was warming up for the Senate, until the Afenifere leaders of Ijebu origin advised him to signify interest in the governorship. The only dissenting voice was Dawodu, who, had favoured Funso Williams for the seat. Had Dawodu, fondly referred to as the god of Lagos, signified his intention to run, he would have emerged as the candidate. Dawodu never totally forgave his Awoist friends; Senator Abraham Adedsanya, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Olaniwu Ajayi. The AD flag bearer, Tinubu, defeated the PDP candidate, Sarumi. He spent eight years on office.

    In 2007, the defunct Action Congress (AC) had 14 aspirants. They included Agbaje, Ogunleye, Solomon, Oyinlomo Danmole, Tola Kasali, Tokunbo Afikuyomi, and Femi Pedro. Others are Tunde Fanimokun, Bayo Ajisebutu, Kaoli Olusanya, Omotilewa Aro-Lambo, Remi Adikwu-Bakare, and Fashola, the dark horse.  At the primaries, the former Chief of Staff secured the ticket.

    In 2011, Fashola was retained as the candidate of the ACN. He beat the PDP candidate, Dr. Ade Dosunmu, who was principally sponsored by George. That year, the LP was briefly promoted by some aggrieved ACN leaders loyal to Governor Fashola. The rebellion was short-lived. Since then, the party has remained on the waiting list as a borrowed platform.

     

    Internal democracy

    From 1999 to 2011, the selection process in the progressive camp had followed a similar pattern.  However, times are changing. Some forces are pressing vigorously for internal democracy. It is indisputable that the culture of imposition is being resisted. Ironically, the beneficiaries of imposition are turning around to discredit the process that threw them up as party candidates and elected representatives and political appointees. A legislator, Bisi Yusuf, chided those crying foul over imaginary imposition. He said imposition has different meanings to different politicians and at different times. “When it favoured them, they embraced it. When they know that it will not favour them, they are crying foul”, added Yusuf, who is a House of Representatives aspirant in Alimoso Constituency. Another politician and cleric, said: “Let those opposing imposition search their conscience. All of them are products of imposition. Then, heaven did not fall.”

    The advocates of guided primaries are also being challenged. This is a major challenge. When the Lagos APC opted for direct primaries at its inaugural ward congress, it was chaotic in some councils. Party leaders immediately retraced their steps. In subsequent local government and state congress, consensus was adopted and there was peace.

     

    Indigeneship and zoning

    Another issue that may shape the contest is zoning. But, there are puzzles: Should zoning be based on the five divisions of Lagos, Ikeja, Epe, Badagry and Ikorodu? Should it be based on the three senatorial districts? Analysts have questioned the merit of the rotational formula in a state where people of all tribes cohabit peacefully in harmony. Those who canvassed the idea of zoning based on the three senatorial districts also lack convincing argument to support it. The critics of the idea point out that many residents and indigenes of the West District have enjoyed political opportunities in the Central and East districts and vice versa.

    The first civilian governor, Jakande, son of the Oluwo of Lagos, is from the Central District, although he has been living in Ilupeju, West District. His grandfather was from Omu-Aran, Kwara State. His deputy, Jafojo, has his roots in Ile-Ife. Otedola, hails from Epe, East District. The third, Tinubu, from the Central, represented the West in the Senate in the Third Republic. The fourth, Fashola, is from the Central. In 2007, Ikorodu elders, led by an eminent lawyer, Babatunde Benson (SAN) pressed for power shift to Ikorodu, East District, claiming that out of the five divisions, only Ikorodu and Badagry have not produced the governor. To them, it was a legitimate crusade.

    For strategic reasons, the PDP has tried to put on the front burner the vexed issue of indigeneship, in a bid to incite indigenous Lagosians against the ruling party. But that is now a weak factor. In 2007, indigeneship was displaced by zoning. Critics pointed out that the four governors who have ruled the state have never discriminated against any zone or district. They have treated all the zones and district equally as reflected in their distribution of amenities and key appointments.

    Indigeneship is a weaker factor. Prominent Lagos politicians have their roots in other Southwest states. The late Chief P.O Fagbeyiro, former Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives in Jakande Administration  and Pa Oyeniran Longe, former Chairman of Somolu Council and member of the House of Assembly, were from Efon-Alaaye, Ekiti State. The late Pa. R.B. Solomon had his roots in Egba.  The leader of the Justice Forum is Oba Olatunji Hamzat is the Olu of Afowora-Sogaade, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State. He was a legislator and Commissioner for Transport in the Second Republic. Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola from Ilesa is the former Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in Lagos. Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora from Ijebu-Ife is the former Speaker of the House of Assembly. The Lagos East APC  leader, Pa Busura Alebiosu, is from Ijebu-Ode. The APC Chairman, Ajomale is from Ife. His deputy, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, is from Egba. Pa Rafiu Jafojo’s grandfather was from Ile-Ife. Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, the Asiwaju of Igbogbo, Ikorodu Division, has his root in Ila-Orangun. Hon. Olawale Oshun is from Ijebu-Mushin. There are state and National Assembly members, commissioners and special advisers, councillors and supervisors who are from other Southwest states, the North, the Southeast, and the Southsouth. These people have served Lagos meritoriously. Therefore, indigeneship is a weak issue.

    However, zoning can be manipulated, undermined and subverted, if it is projected as a strong factor. In 2003, Afikuyomi, a senator from Lagos Central, emerged as the AD senatorial candidate for Lagos West. In 2007, Solomon from Mushin, Lagos West, claimed that he hailed from Ipakodo, Ikorodu, to benefit from the agitation for power shift. His paternal grandparents had their roots there. In 2011, Ikuforiji from Epe, Lagos East, won election into the House of Assembly in Ikeja Constituency.

    Also, zoning has not really shaped the contest for governorship, judging by the sheer number of aspirants from across the zones and districts in previous dispensations. In the Third Republic, Agbalajobi, Sarumi, Otedola, Edu, (Epe), Adikwu-Bakare (Awori/Egba), Alaba Williams, Tokunbo Dosunmu (Central), Ogunleye (Ikorodu) were aspirants. In 2003-2007, zoning was a non-issue when Muritala Asorobi (Central), Olorunfunmi Basorun (East), Tokunbo kamson (East), Funso Williams (Central), Wahab Dosunmu (Central), Obanikoro (Central) and Tunde Olowu (West) and Ademola Adeniji-Adele (Central), were in the race. All these have lent credence to the fact that Lagos will not sacrifice merit, standard, excellence and track record of the contestants on the alter of zoning.

     

    Religion

    In Lagos State, and indeed, the Southwest, religion has not played a crucial role in the election of the governor. Recently, some faceless groups have invaded the media, clamouring for a Christian governor as successor to Fashola. They alleged that Christians are marginalised. Some Chriatian bodies have denounced their activities, advising them to desist from heating up the state, ahead of 2015.

    Jakande and his deputy, Rafiu jafojo are Muslims. Otedola, a Christian, ran with a Muslim, Alhaji Sinatu Ojikutu. Tinubu, a Muslum, had three Christian deputies; Senator Kofo Akerele-Bucknor, Pedro and Ogunleye. Fashola, another Muslim, has two Christian deputies; Sosan and Orelope-Adefulire. However, there is nothing to suggest that religion has shaped major state policies. Although Tinubu is a Muslim, his wife, Senator Oluremi, is a deacon of the Redeemed Christian Church. Fashola’s wife, Abimbola, is a staunch Catholic. Since the second Republic, religion has also not played any role in cabinet composition in the state.

     

    Gerontocratic monitors

    Perhaps, the strongest factor is mutual agreement among party leaders. “The doctrine of mutual consent by the controlling leadership is very important. “Ambition is important, but the collective interest of our party will be defended by our wise elders. I look forward to a brainstorming session involving Tinubu, Fashola, Ajomale and his executive committee, party elders, and members of the Gubernatorial Advisory Council and our leaders in the G 15. These eminent leaders will vet the aspirants, moderate the selection process and ensure that the right candidate emerges,” said an APC leader in Kosofe Constituency, who added: “The party has said that there is going to be primaries. But, the respective chapters also reserve the right of screening. The APC is strong and every effort will be made to make it stronger. Ahead of the polls, reconciliation and crisis resolution mechanisms will also be strengthened. Our leaders-Asiwaju Tinubu, Governor Fashola, Pa Hamzat, Alebiosun, Murphy Adetoro, Rabiu Oluwa, Ajomale, Basorun, Seriki Bamu, Prince Ogunleye, Oluyole Olusi, and others-will not let us down.”

     

    APC  aspirants

    Despite the perception that the APC has zoned the ticket to the Lagos East, aspirants are coming from the three zones as a matter of fundamental right. It is not clear whether the proposed guidelines for the primaries would translate the imaginary zoning into reality.

     

    Solomon

    The first aspirant to have declared his interest is Solomon. Although his base is Mushin, he is a household name in Lagos. The political scientist is son of the eminent politician, the late Chief R.B. Solomon, a Second Republic leader of the UPN and an ally of Jakande. From 1998 till date, Solomon has been relevant. Apart from serving as the Chairman of Mushin Local Government Area, he is also a former member of the House of Representatives. Solomon is very popular in Mushin and Lagos West. He became a senator in 2007 when Tinubu declined to contest for the Senate. He was re-elected as senator in 2011. Solomon is also the first contender to set up his campaign office at Ikeja. He has been canvassing for democratic primaries.

     

    Pitan

    He is a successful medical doctor from Agbowa, Epe Division. He served as Commissioner for Health and Education for eight years in the Tinubu Administration. In recent times, he has set up a medical mission. Anywhere he goes, he is accompanied by health workers who screen people for ailments. Many believe that he is fit to rule the state. Few weeks ago, his supporters started the agitation for primaries.  Many youths see him as a role model, mentor and father figure. He is intelligent and hardworking.

     

     

    Ashafa

    Ashafa is a retired Permanent Secretary from Ibeju-Lekki. He became a senator in 2011. When he was the Permanent Secretary, Land Bureau, he did not abuse the privilege. As a senator, he has set up some empowerment programmes for the benefit of his district.

     

    Ikuforiji

    Ikuforiji is from Epe. He became a member of the House of Assembly in 2003. He was re-elected in 2007 and 2011. He is the longest serving Speaker of the House. The Speaker enjoys the support of legislators. Under his leadership, the House has been stable. He has had the privilege of representing two constituencies in two districts in the House of Assembly. Ikuforiji is answering charges of corruption in the court. His supporters allege that he was framed up because he has a governorship ambition.

     

    Ambode

    Ambode is a technocrat from Epe. He has set up his campaign office at Gbagada, Lagos East.  At 21, he obtained a degree in Accounting from the University of Lagos, Akoka. At 24, he earned a Masters Degree and qualified as a chartered accountant. He has worked in many councils as a treasurer before he was transferred to the state civil service. He was the Auditor-General for Local Governments. In 2012, the Fullbright scholar retired voluntary as the Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, at 49. He was the first Permanent Secretary to have done so in the history of Lagos Civil Service. When the Federal Government withheld allocations to Lagos councils, Ambode designed the blueprint for the financial survival of the councils. His colleagues in the civil service describe him as a man of character, capability and competence.

     

    Cardoso

    There is no evidence suggesting that the brilliant technocrat and former Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Yemi Cardoso, will declare his interest in the race. But, eyes are on him. He is not a politician. But, sources said that he may be drafted into the race because he has what it takes to be governor. When he was being considered for the post in 2007, it leaked out. The following day, Cardoso was surprised when party followers invaded his residence, hailing him as the governor. On the advice of his wife, he travelled abroad. Reflecting on that episode, a first class monarch in Lagos described him as a “run away governor.”

     

    Hamzat

    Hamzat is the Commissioner for Works. He is the son of the party leader, Oba Hamzat. His father was a legislator and commissioner in the Second Republic. His mother is from Lagos State. Hamzat, who holds a doctorate degree, is an easy-going professional and good manager of men and resources. He is a computer wizard. He is very close to Fashola, who has confidence in his ability.

     

    Banire

    Banire is the APC Legal Adviser. He holds a doctorate degree in Law from the University of Lagos, where he was a teacher before he was appointed commissioner. He spent 12 years in the Lagos State Executive Council as Special Adviser, Commissioner for Transport and Commissioner for Environment. He is from Mushin, Lagos West. He is a top member of the Mandate Group.

     

    Dabiri-Arewa

    Dabiri-Arewa is the only woman in the race. She is a household name in the country. She is a veteran broadcaster. By next year, she would have spent 12 years in the House of Representatives. She was first elected to represent Ikorodu Constituency in 2003. She was re-elected in 2007 and 2011. In the Lower Chamber, Dabiri is not a bench warmer. She is the Chairperson of the Diaspora Committee. She is very popular in her district and beyond. She may have been drafted into the race by the agitators for power shift in Ikorodu.

     

    Gbolahan

    Gbolahan is the Commissioner for Agriculture. He is a retired police officer. He was the security officer to former Governor Tinubu.

     

    Gbeleyi

    Gbeleyi is the Commissioner for Finance. He is an associate of the governor. He succeeded Mr. Abilru last year as commissioner. He is an egg head.

     

    Gbajabiamila

    Gbajabiamila is the APC Leader and Minority Leader in the House of Representatives. The lawyer is a firebrand legislator from Surulere Constituency. He is very intelligent, bold, brave, and courageous.

     

     

    Ogunlewe

    He is the last born of the late Adegboruwa of Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Oba Omolaja Ogunlewe. He recently retired as the Head of Service.

     

    Kasali

    Kasali is the former Rural Development and Heath commissioner. He was the Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Council. He was a member of the SDP in the Third Republic. When Sarunmi was about to be disqualified, he asked Kasali to obtain the governorship form. But, he declined, saying that the time was not ripe. In 2007, he vied for the position. But, Fashola emerged as the candidate. He later served as Commissioner for Special Duties.

     

    The PDP challenge

    Lagos PDP is in search of a formidable governorship candidate. But, it is yet to fully put its house in order. The chapter is still battling with crisis. Total reconciliation is still elusive. The struggle for the governorship ticket by the caucuses may unleash a protracted post-primary crisis.

    For 15 years, the party has been left in the cold. Does the crisis-ridden chapter has prospect in next year’s election? There are strands and shades of opinion on the succession struggle. The PDP Chairman, Capt. Tunji Shelle (rtd), has said that power shift is possible next year. His APC counterpart, Ajomale, disagreed. He described the threat by the PDP to capture Lagos as laughable. He said there is nothing on ground to show that the PDP can come into reckoning in the state. “What has the PDP Federal Government done for Lagosians? What is their achievement in Lagos? They have failed before. They will fail again,” he said.

    In 1999, the PDP candidate, Sarunmi, was defeated by Tinubu. In 2003, its flag bearer, Williams, was also defeated by Tinubu, despite the defection of prominent AD chieftains, including Senator Adeseye Ogunleye,  to the PDP. In 2007, the PDP candidate, Obanikoro, lost his deposit. He was defeated by Fashola. In 2011, Fashola also defeated Dr. Ade Dosunmu of the PDP.

     

    PDP aspirants:

     Gbadamosi

    He was the first aspirant to declare his interest. If elected as governor, he said that he would turn the critical sectors around. However, he has a fragile structure to actualise his dream.

     

    Doherty

    Doherty, an engineer, is a veteran aspirant, having contested for the governorship thrice. In 2007 and 2011, he lobbied to become the running mate, but he was not considered. Last year, he became the Acting Chairman of the Southwest PDP caretaker Committee, when the Chairman, Chief ishola Filani, resigned. But, since the court has ruled that the status quo should be maintained, Filani has returned to his former position and Doherty is now a member of the zonal executive committee.

     

    Obanikoro

    The Minister of State for Defence is the arrowhead of the party. The second minister from Lagos, Olusegun Aganga, is not a politician. Obanikoro is the most formidable aspirant in the party. He is also the most experienced politician in the fold. Obanikoro is the former Chairman of Lagos City Council, Vice Chairman of the defunct national Republican Convention (NRC), Commissioner for Home affairs and Culture, senator between 2003 and 2007, High Commissioner to Ghana and Chairman of the National Industrial Training Fund. In 2007, he was the governorship candidate. Obanikoro has a structure and resources to run for the election. If he joins the race, it may be difficult for Agbaje to get the ticket.

     

    Agbaje

    In 2007, he was one of the aggrieved aspirants who defected from the AD, following the primaries that threw up Fashola as the candidate. As the candidate of the Democratic Peoples Alliance (DPA), he did not make much impact during the election. Agbaje is rich. He also has a network of friends ready to support his bid. Agbaje is perceived as a man of honour and integrity. His defection to the PDP is surprising to many people. But, he has a good name. The pharmacist detest dirty politics. The PDP is a foreign land. He is trying to familiarise himself with the people there. If Agbaje becomes the flag bearer, Lagosians may take him seriously. However, many would have preferred him to realise his ambition in the progressive camp.

     

    Dosunmu

    When Dosunmu emerged as the candidate in 2011, he was not known in the party. He was brought into the fold by George. He hold a doctorate degree in administration. It is doubtful, if George is backing him for governorship. He does not have structure. But,his posters are all over Lagos.

     

    Adiukwu-Bakare

    The Egba-born politician is an Amazon. Adiukwu-Bakare is resourceful, charming and hardworking. But, to progressives leaders, she is politically impatient. She made waves in the Third Republic when he contested for the slot with the late Pa Michael Otedola in the NRC. In Lagos, her base is Awori. As a governorship aspirant, luck has not smiled on her. In 2003, he defected from the PDP to the AC. She was appointed as the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry and later, Women Affairs, by former Governor Tinubu. After losing at the ACN primaries in the ACN in 2007, she contested on the platform of the PPA. It was a weak party. Later, she returned to the PDP. Sources said that some leaders wanted her to be appointed as a minister. But, the opportunity also eluded her. Adiukwu-Bakare is a brilliant person. She is an effective speaker. She also knows her onions. She is highly connected. But, many see her as a politician in a hurry.

     

    Koshoedo

    The former federal legislator represented Badagry in the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003. He was the party chairman at a time efforts were made to resolve the crises in the chapter and forge unity. But, many see him as George’s stooge. he is a nominal contender.

     

    Oyedele

    Oyedele is a former presidential assistant to former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He is one of the pillars of the party in Ibeju-Lekki area. He is a committed party man.

     

    Kamson

    Kamson  contested for the governorship in 2007. But, he could not make much impact. last week, he unfolded his aspiration at the party secretariat.

     

     

     

     

     

  • We must revive Governors’ Forum before leaving – Fashola

    We must revive Governors’ Forum before leaving – Fashola

    Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has said the governors of the 36 states must strive to revive the Nigeria Governors’ Forum before leaving office in 2015.

    Speaking at a dialogue session organised by the Kukah Centre for Faith and Leadership Research, Fashola said it was embarrassing that the Forum which they inherited from their predecessors was going into extinction, saying “my fear is that the next set of governors may not have a Governors’ Forum.”

    According to him, government and elected officials must realize that the problems of Nigeria revolve around the people of the country, pointing out that there was nothing wrong with the Nigerian nation, but in the value system of the people.

    He said: “If we agree that the problems revolve around people, then the difference will lie in the method. The Presidential system we use is the American system. As a matter of national value, the Americans agree that anybody who earns income must pay tax.

    “The essential quality for institutions to do well is people. When institutions do well, it is because good people have done t he right thing and when they do badly, it is because bad people have been allowed to take charge.

    “So, there is nothing esoteric about institutions because what drive institutions is good men and women. But you will not find them until there is a convergence of ideas and values and this is the right thing to do.

    “We should be driven by a nationalistic value system that if our country crumbles, no party will be saved. Until there are shared values, you can have united actions. If the values systems are different, then you can sit down, you can sit down in a governors forum and have an election and some people will say a smaller number is greater than another number.

    “I say that because I am embarrassed that we were in the same club where that happened. And it speaks so badly of all of us. I fear now that the next set of governors who come on board may not have a governors’ forum.

    “I am hopeful that before we go, the least we can do is to give back to those who will succeed us what we inherited from those we succeeded. I think that in that kind of contest, you can lose one day knowing that there is any other day to fight.”

     

  • Monarch seeks assistance to complete palace

    Monarch seeks assistance to complete palace

    The Osolo of Isolo in Lagos State, Oba kabiru Agbabiaka, has praised Governor Babatunde Fashola for his projects in the area.

    Agbabiaka spoke during the commemoration of his 10th anniversary in his palace.

    He called on the governor and members of the community to assist in completing his palace, adding that about N30million is needed for its completion.

    The monarch lauded his subjects for their cooperation since his coronation.

  • Libel: Lagos Assembly threatens to sue newspaper

    Libel: Lagos Assembly threatens to sue newspaper

    The Lagos State House of Assembly has threatened to sue a newspaper for allegedly crediting it with describing the Lagos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, as a traitor.

    The said newspaper had in its publication of Tuesday, September 2, 2014, allegedly published a story with the caption, ‘Fashola is a traitor, says Lagos speaker,’ which the House noted is capable of destabilising the government and the entire state.

    The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Publicity, Security and Strategy, Segun Olulade, disclosed this at a press conference held at the Assembly complex.

    He added that the publication was first noticed on July 13, 2014 after it was posted on the Speaker’s Facebook Fan Page by an anonymous person.

    On the instruction of the Speaker, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, the House spokesman said his social media team reacted to the Facebook post the following day, July 14, 2014 with a disclaimer stating, “After Mr. Speaker has gone through the text and confirmed that the story was entirely fabricated by the unknown author with a calculated intention of causing a crisis among the top echelon of the Lagos State government.”

    In the disclaimer, Olulade said that the Speaker distanced himself from the story by drawing strong and convincing evidences to back his claim.

    Setting the record straight, Olulade pointed out that the House of Assembly viewed the repeat of the publication by the newspaper with discontent and, as such, has resolved to take some drastic measures, which includes taking the media house to Court.

    He said: “While the Lagos State House of Assembly upholds its respect to the gentlemen of the press across board and various media organisations in the country given the harmonious relationship between the two institutions, we would like to state clearly that malicious publications capable of destabilising the peace of the society especially in the government circles without any serious investigations and cross examinations will be challenged in the face of the law accordingly.”

    It would be recalled that the Facebook page publication had quoted Ikuforiji as attacking Governor Babatunde Fashola; National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Muiz Banire; member representing Mushin Constituency 1 in the House, Mrs. Adefunmilayo Tejuoso and Justice Habib Abiru of the Lagos High Court.

    However, in his disclaimer, the Speaker described the actions of those allegedly spreading the damaging story as people working to destabilise the state, the APC and the government for heinous intentions.

     

  • Fashola’s reversal of LASU fees

    Fashola’s reversal of LASU fees

    One vital attribute every leader must possess in good measure is courage. Courage is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, or discouragement. What lies at the heart of every courageous leader is not the absence of fear, but the conviction that the action he is about to take, or taking, is the appropriate one. Many leaders sometimes lack the courage to take critical decisions because of the fear of public perception. This, according to Confucius, is the worst kind of cowardice.

    The recent reversal of the Lagos State University (LASU) fee from N350,000 to the old rate of N25,000 across board by the State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, at the 19th convocation ceremony of the University in Lagos, has been described by many as   a courageous decision.  In a country where political leaders often rule in imperial fashion, the governor’s decision to resort to the old fee regime is seen as breath of fresh air. With the reduction, it is expected that the university could now run an uninterrupted academic calendar. An elated LASU Student Union President, Nurudeen Yusuf, commended Fashola for his kind gesture.”Today marks a significant day in the history of Lagos, with this development, we are optimistic that the future of Lagos is great,” he said.

    With this development, Governor Fashola had proved that he is a listening leader by wiping out the tears of the LASU students with the total reversal. The beauty of it all is that the gesture is a surprise package. It was unexpected because what the students proposed to the state government was N46,000 but the governor surprised them by reversing the fee back to N25,000.

    The governor and the students must be commended for resorting  to consultations in seeking the final resolution of the crisis.  It is, indeed, heartwarming to note that the students have also shown that they can choose the path of conflict resolution by reaching out to the state government. This is what is expected of leaders of tomorrow. It is particularly pleasing that the governor, in his words, was compelled to revert to the old fees as a result of the current economic situation of the country. This is a reflection of the humane side of the governor and his government.

    This is a further evidence of the Lagos State government stance to reposition education in the state. Governor Fashola recently  called on stakeholders to fashion out  means to re-invent the nation’s higher education to tackle its development challenges. The governor who made this charge at the 64th Foundation Day anniversary of the University of Ibadan, entitled, ‘Framework for reinventing higher education for Nigeria’s national development’, declared that in order to overcome the current challenges confronting the country there is an urgent need to restructure education at all levels.

    According to the governor: “In the 21st century, education will remain the most valuable currency that every nation will desire but which no central bank can print. Every nation must decide for herself how much of this currency she requires and set about how to acquire it. In order to agree on a Nigerian approach, I think we must agree on the purpose of education. For me, it is simply to refine and develop the quality of our human capital, which, is our most valuable resource”. According to him, if the nation defines its roles correctly and identifies its problems properly, it will not be difficult to develop an education framework that will take it to a place of pride.

    Being a man that practices what he preaches, the Lagos State government under his leadership is quietly but steadily working hard to improve the quality of education in the state. With particular reference to on-going development strides at the state owned Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Lagos, it is quite clear that genuine efforts are on to re-invent tertiary education in the state. Very soon, Lagosians would realise the LASU of our collective dream and aspiration as the government has embarked on a process that would attract the finest intellectual brains in the country to the school as lecturers . Similarly, the state government has renewed efforts to ensure that courses on offer at the institution  are accredited by the National University Commission, (NUC). Today,  85% of courses at the school have been accredited by the NUC.

    Indeed, the LASU School of Transportation , first of its kind in Nigeria, which is a response to contemporary necessity, has been  fully accredited by the NUC.  Equally, there is a massive infrastructural renewal project on-going at the school. Presently, the Students Arcade, Senate Building, Central Library, School of Transportation, Faculty of Law Auditorium, School of Management Sciences,  LASU International School, among others are at various stages of completion.

    Now that the LASU fees issue has been finally resolved, the state government must now concentrate on consolidating on infrastructure upliftment in the institution. Equally, the state government must ensure that no child who seeks education is left behind in the state. It is equally hoped that the management, staff and students of the institution will reciprocate the love and gesture of the state government by ensuring that academic activities run smoothly in the institution.

    If indeed, democracy is about the people, this is the time for our leaders to uphold the right concept of power for the good of the society. This is also the time for the followers to ask questions of their leaders. Government does not exercise power, rather, it is the concept of government, upheld by law, which exercises power. Democracy will be endangered, when political power actors assume that they wield power, and not, that power wields them.

    According to Mao Tse–tung , the founder of  the People’s Republic of China: “Our duty (as leaders of the people)  is to hold ourselves responsible to the people. Every word, every act and every policy must conform to the people’s interests, and if mistakes occur, they must be corrected – that is what being responsible to the people means”.

     

    • Ogunbiyi is of features unit, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy.

     

     

  • Fashola’s men and their 2015 ambition

    Fashola’s men and their 2015 ambition

    Ahead of next year’s elections, members of the Lagos State Executive Council are nursing ambitions for elective offices. Correspondent MIRIAN EKENE-OKORO examines how far they can go.

    One thing that cannot be taken away from the Lagos State Executive Council headed by Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) is the team spirit.

    The decision to work as a team has obviously paid-off in the last seven and half years. It has led to effective administration. According to observers, the Fashola Admninistration has built on the foundation laid by its predecessor, the Tinubu Administration.

    Fashola is a trail blazer. The number of developmental projects embarked upon by him attests to his vision and determination to catapult the state to the horizon of progress.

    The achievements of the administration has elicited applause from home and abroad. This credit is shared by him and the egg heads in his cabinet. However, on May 29, next year, the governor will pass the baton to his successor.

    There are some members of the executive council itching to succeed the governor. Their supporters believe that they have what it takes to serve Lagosians as the number one citizen.

    Top on the list is the Works Commissioner, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat. He is the son of the eminent politician and monarch, the Olu of Afowora Sogaade, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Olatunji Hamzat. He is the brother of Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, who had been in the House of Representatives since 1999. His mother is from Epe, Lagos East District. Between 2005 and 2011, he was Commissioner for Science and Technology. In 2011, he became the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure under Fashola.

    Hamzat is a brilliant technocrat. He holds a doctorate degree. As Science and Technology Commissioner, he  introduced the Oracle Technology to boost data and record keeping by the government. The move led to the elimination of ghost workers in the state’s civil service.

    Four years before he resumed at the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, the ministry was under the supervision of a Special Adviser, Hon. Ganiyu Johnson. He has sustained the tempo of the infrastructure battle. Under him, Lagos has become a huge construction site. The governor has tremendous respect for Hamzat. In fact, in the cabinet, he is perceived as the defacto deputy governor because of the responsibilities delegated to him by Fashola. This has led to a sort of rivalry in the cabinet.

    The billboards and posters of Hamzat are visible in the metropolis. He has a solid support base. His father’s colleagues in the old Justice Forum are rooting for him. But, prominent Lagosians have objected to his ambition on the ground that he hails from Ogun State. Few months ago, the Olowo-Eko of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, said that community elders and chiefs will not support the ambition of the Ewekoro prince. Despite this, Hamzat appears to be a formidable aspirant.

    Another contender is the Commissioner for Transport, Comrade Kayode Opeifa.He is the son of the Asiwaju of Aworiland, Pa Opeifa of Orile-Agege. He was one of the early leaders of the Campaign for Democracy in Lagos. Opeifa was a lecturer at the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, before he travelled abroad for further studies.

    Opeifa was appointed as the Special Adviser on Transportation  in 2007. He was a House of Representatives aspirant in Agege Constituency. When the ticket for the legislative seat eluded him, he did not betray the party. He supported the candidate, Hon. Samuel Adejare at the poll.

    The human rights activist has also served the state as a member of the Lagos State Scholarship Board, Bursary Awards Screening Committee, 1992-1997, and Lagos State Forum. He was a member the Alliance for Democracy, United States Chapter, and founding member of the Action Congress (USA) and Action Congress, Lagos State.

    The Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Ayo Gbeleyi, a Fellow of the Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA),  former Director-General and Special Adviser on Public Private Partnership (PPP) Scheme, is eyeing the governorship. He is popular in the financial sector. He is a first class technocrat. But, he has little political experience.

    His supporters have said that his late entry into politics will not be a barrier. They recalled that Fasola did not have any party card, until he became an aspirant in 2007.

    Gbeleyi’s counterpart in the Ministry of  Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr. Gbolahan Lawal, is another aspirant. The former police officer was the former aide-de-camp to former Governor Bola Tinubu.

    There are other members of the executive council who are eyeing other elective positions.

    The deputy governor, Mrs Tawakalitu Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, is said to be eyeing the House of Representatives seat in Alimoso Constituency. The lawmaker from the constituency, Hon. Olamilekan Adeola, is returning to Ogun State to vie for the senatorial slot in the Yewa/Awori District.

    Orelope-Adefulire was born into active politics. Her father, Pa Karimu Laka Orelope, is an Awoist and one of the pillars of the progressive bloc in Alimoso. In the Third Republic, she was a member of the House of Assembly. He was the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation under the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC). Between 2003 and 2011, she was a commissioner under Tinubu and Fashola.

    Orelope-Adefulire was not a dormant commissioner. She introduced skills acquisition training programmes for unemployed youths.  Her passion for youth development led to the establishment of 17 Skill Acquisition Training Centres. About 9, 000 beneficiaries have graduated annually from the centres.

    As an advocate of child survival, protection and development, she co-sponsored the passage of the Child Rights Law in 2007.  She has worked hard to ensure that every child is given equal opportunity to education and medical care, irrespective of status, gender and background.

    Another cabinet member nursing ambition is the political scientist and journalist,  Mr. Tunji Bello, who is a two-time Commissioner for Environment. He has been described as  a‘round peg in a round hole’. So far, he has lived up to expectation. Flooding has reduced in Lagos, owing to his campaign against indiscriminate dumping of refuse on drainage channels and canals, the  clearing of drainage channels and the construction of new channels.

    The Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Bosun Jeje, is warming up for the House of Representatives election in Kosofe Constituency. Many believe that he was the choice of the constituency at the shadow poll in 2011. Before he ventured into politics, he was a successful banker and private investor. Jeje is also a lawyer.

    Former Special Adviser on Central Business District (CBD) Mrs. Derele Disu, who resigned few weeks ago, is said to be eyeing the deputy governorship. But, family members have disputed this, pointing out that her husband, Kunle Disu, is a governorship aspirant.

    The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ademorin Kuye, has been drafted into the senatorial race in Lagos East by party elders. Their argument is that no senator has come from Somolu/Bariga axis of the district.

    Kuye is a loyal party man. The lawyer is a former Chairman of Somolu Local Government. However, his supporters said that the contest is not a do or die affair for him.

    Also, the Commissioner for Rural Development, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, is eyeing the House of Representatives seat in Ojo Constituency. He is a former council chairman and federal legislator. During the primaries in 2011, he was persuaded to jettison his second term ambition. The ticket was given to Hon. Toyin Suarau, the son of the political leader, the late Pa Suarau.

    The Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Hon. Lateef Raji, is an aspirant for the House of Representatives in Osodi/Isolo Constituency. The historian is the former secretary of Alliance for Democracy (AD). He contested for the seat in 2011. But, the ticket was given to Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, who was elected into the House in 2007.

  • Fashola asks APC spokesmen to connect with people

    Fashola asks APC spokesmen to connect with people

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has urged the publicity secretaries of All Progressives Congress (APC) to connect the people with the party’s ideology.

    He made the call yesterday when the publicity secretaries visited his office at Ikeja House.

    The governor said: “It will be your duty to clearly articulate the issues in your states, where we have governments. You must bring debate on the developmental work going on.

    “You must commend them on developmental work and how government has stood up for the people across the board in spite of the daily human challenge. Work will never finish, but you must continue to connect our party with the government of the day and connect policy of government with the party.”

    He said APC has shown developmental capacity, adding that if given the same capacity and resources like the government at the centre, it would do better.

    “You must learn your skills now to tie up national issues because people cannot connect poverty with electricity. If there is no power, factory cannot run and if factory don’t work, there will be no job. If you don’t have job, you will be poor. You must help make this connection.”

    He added that the party did not control price of fuel nor control exchange and interest rates.

    “Those are rates that affect what the company produce and how much and how effective they can produce. Our party is not responsible for managing income from oil. So, why is it disappearing? If the party in control cannot do it, let us show them how to do it,” he said.

    He praised the initiative of the publicity secretaries coming together to synergise on the way forward.

    “You are making history for coming together and this is definitive for the kind of politics we play going forward. Because clearly, the APC has changed the game and people expected us to do normal things, but they are seeing APC organising public lecture and doing things differently.

    “We are going to hold every other party with issues; that is what drives politics and we are going to discuss those issues totally,” he said.

    The state APC Publicity Secretary, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, who led the group, said they were converging in the state to synergise.

    “We have been talking since morning. We feel that by 2015, there is no way APC will not take over. Hence, we need to prepare ourselves for the change, because we must deliver,” Igbokwe said.

     

     

  • Fashola’s men and their 2015 ambition

    Fashola’s men and their 2015 ambition

    Ahead of next year’s elections, members of the Lagos State Executive Council are nursing ambitions for elective offices. Correspondent MIRIAN EKENE-OKORO examines how far they can go.

    One thing that cannot be taken away from the Lagos State Executive Council headed by Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) is the team spirit.

    The decision to work as a team has obviously paid-off in the last seven and half years. It has led to effective administration. According to observers, the Fashola Admninistration has built on the foundation laid by its predecessor, the Tinubu Administration.

    Fashola is a trail blazer. The number of developmental projects embarked upon by him attests to his vision and determination to catapult the state to the horizon of progress.

    The achievements of the administration has elicited applause from home and abroad. This credit is shared by him and the egg heads in his cabinet. However, on May 29, next year, the governor will pass the baton to his successor.

    There are some members of the executive council itching to succeed the governor. Their supporters believe that they have what it takes to serve Lagosians as the number one citizen.

    Top on the list is the Works Commissioner, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat. He is the son of the eminent politician and monarch, the Olu of Afowora Sogaade, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Olatunji Hamzat. He is the brother of Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, who had been in the House of Representatives since 1999. His mother is from Epe, Lagos East District. Between 2005 and 2011, he was Commissioner for Science and Technology. In 2011, he became the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure under Fashola.

    Hamzat is a brilliant technocrat. He holds a doctorate degree. As Science and Technology Commissioner, he  introduced the Oracle Technology to boost data and record keeping by the government. The move led to the elimination of ghost workers in the state’s civil service.

    Four years before he resumed at the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, the ministry was under the supervision of a Special Adviser, Hon. Ganiyu Johnson. He has sustained the tempo of the infrastructure battle. Under him, Lagos has become a huge construction site. The governor has tremendous respect for Hamzat. In fact, in the cabinet, he is perceived as the defacto deputy governor because of the responsibilities delegated to him by Fashola. This has led to a sort of rivalry in the cabinet.

    The billboards and posters of Hamzat are visible in the metropolis. He has a solid support base. His father’s colleagues in the old Justice Forum are rooting for him. But, prominent Lagosians have objected to his ambition on the ground that he hails from Ogun State. Few months ago, the Olowo-Eko of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, said that community elders and chiefs will not support the ambition of the Ewekoro prince. Despite this, Hamzat appears to be a formidable aspirant.

    Another contender is the Commissioner for Transport, Comrade Kayode Opeifa.He is the son of the Asiwaju of Aworiland, Pa Opeifa of Orile-Agege. He was one of the early leaders of the Campaign for Democracy in Lagos. Opeifa was a lecturer at the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, before he travelled abroad for further studies.

    Opeifa was appointed as the Special Adviser on Transportation  in 2007. He was a House of Representatives aspirant in Agege Constituency. When the ticket for the legislative seat eluded him, he did not betray the party. He supported the candidate, Hon. Samuel Adejare at the poll.

    The human rights activist has also served the state as a member of the Lagos State Scholarship Board, Bursary Awards Screening Committee, 1992-1997, and Lagos State Forum. He was a member the Alliance for Democracy, United States Chapter, and founding member of the Action Congress (USA) and Action Congress, Lagos State.

    The Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Ayo Gbeleyi, a Fellow of the Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA),  former Director-General and Special Adviser on Public Private Partnership (PPP) Scheme, is eyeing the governorship. He is popular in the financial sector. He is a first class technocrat. But, he has little political experience.

    His supporters have said that his late entry into politics will not be a barrier. They recalled that Fasola did not have any party card, until he became an aspirant in 2007.

    Gbeleyi’s counterpart in the Ministry of  Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr. Gbolahan Lawal, is another aspirant. The former police officer was the former aide-de-camp to former Governor Bola Tinubu.

    There are other members of the executive council who are eyeing other elective positions.

    The deputy governor, Mrs Tawakalitu Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, is said to be eyeing the House of Representatives seat in Alimoso Constituency. The lawmaker from the constituency, Hon. Olamilekan Adeola, is returning to Ogun State to vie for the senatorial slot in the Yewa/Awori District.

    Orelope-Adefulire was born into active politics. Her father, Pa Karimu Laka Orelope, is an Awoist and one of the pillars of the progressive bloc in Alimoso. In the Third Republic, she was a member of the House of Assembly. He was the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation under the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC). Between 2003 and 2011, she was a commissioner under Tinubu and Fashola.

    Orelope-Adefulire was not a dormant commissioner. She introduced skills acquisition training programmes for unemployed youths.  Her passion for youth development led to the establishment of 17 Skill Acquisition Training Centres. About 9, 000 beneficiaries have graduated annually from the centres.

    As an advocate of child survival, protection and development, she co-sponsored the passage of the Child Rights Law in 2007.  She has worked hard to ensure that every child is given equal opportunity to education and medical care, irrespective of status, gender and background.

    Another cabinet member nursing ambition is the political scientist and journalist,  Mr. Tunji Bello, who is a two-time Commissioner for Environment. He has been described as  a‘round peg in a round hole’. So far, he has lived up to expectation. Flooding has reduced in Lagos, owing to his campaign against indiscriminate dumping of refuse on drainage channels and canals, the  clearing of drainage channels and the construction of new channels.

    The Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Bosun Jeje, is warming up for the House of Representatives election in Kosofe Constituency. Many believe that he was the choice of the constituency at the shadow poll in 2011. Before he ventured into politics, he was a successful banker and private investor. Jeje is also a lawyer.

    Former Special Adviser on Central Business District (CBD) Mrs. Derele Disu, who resigned few weeks ago, is said to be eyeing the deputy governorship. But, family members have disputed this, pointing out that her husband, Kunle Disu, is a governorship aspirant.

    The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ademorin Kuye, has been drafted into the senatorial race in Lagos East by party elders. Their argument is that no senator has come from Somolu/Bariga axis of the district.

    Kuye is a loyal party man. The lawyer is a former Chairman of Somolu Local Government. However, his supporters said that the contest is not a do or die affair for him.

    Also, the Commissioner for Rural Development, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, is eyeing the House of Representatives seat in Ojo Constituency. He is a former council chairman and federal legislator. During the primaries in 2011, he was persuaded to jettison his second term ambition. The ticket was given to Hon. Toyin Suarau, the son of the political leader, the late Pa Suarau.

    The Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Hon. Lateef Raji, is an aspirant for the House of Representatives in Osodi/Isolo Constituency. The historian is the former secretary of Alliance for Democracy (AD). He contested for the seat in 2011. But, the ticket was given to Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, who was elected into the House in 2007.