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Tag: Bola Tinubu

  • All hope is not lost, Tinubu tells Nigerians

    All hope is not lost, Tinubu tells Nigerians

    National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the country’s future.

    He said the progressives are poised to transform it into a fertile land of prosperity, when they take over power in 2015.

    In his New Year message, the former Lagos State governor said Nigeria is destined to be better than it is today.

    Tinubu said: “If put in the hands of enlightened progressive leaders, this nation can become a fertile land of prosperity, lawfullness, peace and dignity for us all.

    “This is why we formed the APC, a vehicle to generate and accelerate the process of change towards the most beneficial end for the greatest number of our people.

    “We may not be perfect, but we are dedicated to the wellbeing of something far greater and more important than ourselves.

    “Beginning this New Year, the APC will show the people the vast difference between it and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). We shall demonstrate our commitment to democracy by exercising internal democracy and transparency in our party deliberations.

    “We shall communicate with the people at the grassroots as well as at the national level. You will see and hear from APC members and leaders at the local, state and national levels.

    “We will highlight the ideological and substantive policy differences between the progressive us and the elitist them. Where the PDP has imposed trickle-down economics reminiscent of 1980’s Reagan –Thatcher-IMF road show, we seek an economy of genuine and broadly-shared growth, where the labouring wage earner and small business person benefit proportionally to the powerful financier and big corporate power

    “2014 will be the year of an even greater change foretold, for it shall set the stage for year after. May, 2015, will be the fateful year when we affirm into governance the change Nigeria needs.”

  • Jonathan, Tinubu, governors mourn with Soyinka over daughter’s death

    Jonathan, Tinubu, governors mourn with Soyinka over daughter’s death

    President Goodluck Jonathan, former Lagos State governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Governors Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) and Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) yesterday sent condolences to Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka over the death of his daughter, Iyetade.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President said the death of Soyinka’s daughter “at such a tender age must be very painful” to the renowned writer.

    The statement reads: “On behalf of himself and the federal government, President Goodluck Jonathan extends sincere condolences to Prof. Wole Soyinka and other members of the Soyinka family on the death of the Nobel laureate’s daughter, Iyetade, at the age of 48.”

    “Noting that Iyetade’s untimely death at such a young age must be quite painful for Prof. Soyinka and his family, President Jonathan prayed that God Almighty will comfort Prof. Soyinka and all others who mourn his late daughter.”

    “He urged them to take solace in the belief that Iyetade has gone away from all earthly troubles to rest for eternity in God’s bosom.”

    Asiwaju Tinubu, who is a National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), sent his heartfelt condolence to the Soyinka family over the death of Iyetade.

    The former governor prayed that Prof. Soyinka would find true comfort and the courage to bear the loss.

    In a statement yesterday in Lagos, Tinubu said: “As a father, I know that the loss of a daughter, not just at age 48 but at any age for that matter, can be devastating. I share in your sorrow and pray that you will find strength in the coming days to bear the pains that come with such a tragic death. My family and I will continue to have you and the Soyinka family in our prayers.”

    Aregbesola, in a statement, titled: Gone in her Prime, described the death of Soyinka’s second daughter as untimely and sad.

    The governor said it was sad for the deceased to have left at her prime when she was most needed by her immediate and extended family, her state and country.

    The statement reads: “The news of Iyetade’s death came to me as shocking as it is sad. While it pains when one loses a parent, it is even more painful for parents to watch their child die before their very eyes.

    “Iyetade’s death conveys sadness to her parents, families, friends and well-wishers. We have indeed lost an energetic, promising young woman in her prime.

    “On behalf of my family, government and people of the State of Osun, I send our heartfelt condolences to the immediate and extended families of the deceased.

    “Most importantly, our condolences go to our own W. S. We pray that the God Lord will repose the soul of our dearest daughter, wife and sister.”

    Amosun expressed his deepest condolence to Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in Literature.

    In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Funmi Wakama, the governor described the death of Iyetade as “most unfortunate and regrettable”.

    He added: “It is most unfortunate that the cold hands of death have snatched away Dr. Iyetade Soyinka at the prime of her life, when her knowledge and expertise would have been invaluable to her immediate family and the society at large. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to Prof Wole Soyinka and his family at this trying period, although we know that only God can comfort him.”

    Amosun, who also extended his heartfelt condolence to the mother, children and other family members of the deceased, prayed Almighty God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

    A statement by Jahman Oladejo Anikulapo on Sunday announced Iyetade’s death.

    It said: “It is with great sadness and an overwhelming sense of loss that the Soyinka Family announces the passing away of Iyetade Soyinka.

    “Iyetade Soyinka was born on 6 June, 1965 in Ibadan. She attended Staff School and Queens School, Ibadan (Oyo State) before reading Medicine at the University of Ibadan (UI).

    “Affable, intelligent and sometimes capricious, Iyetade struggled with her health in recent years. In spite of this, she greeted every day with a smile and doted on her two children.

    She took ill quite suddenly and passed away while being treated at UCH, Ibadan.

    “Iyetade leaves behind two children, parents, numerous siblings, nieces and nephews.”

  • We’ll not falter in the crusade to rescue Nigeria, says Tinubu

    We’ll not falter in the crusade to rescue Nigeria, says Tinubu

    FORMER Governor of Lagos State and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, yesterday said the party would not falter in its legitimate struggle to “rescue Nigeria” from the “rudderless and clueless” Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP)-led government at the centre.

    Tinubu, who spoke in Imoru-Ijebu, Ogun State, during the installation of the APC Interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, as the Baba-Oba of Imoru by Oba Munirudeen Bashorun, said the progressives would provide the country with “purposeful and quality leadership” needed to pull it away from the brink.

    According him, the struggle to salvage Nigeria and place her on the path of genuine development and transformation by the progressives had been on for a long time.

    The APC National Leader, who is the Agbaakin of Imoru-Ijebu, expressed gladness that about 16 progressive governors cutting across the country are currently joining hands with him and others in the “crusade for a better Nigeria.”

    Tinubu said, “We will provide Nigerians with good leadership; once upon a time, Ogun State was on the wrong political corner of this country. Now, we have a purposeful and people-oriented government in Ogun State.

    “There was a time I was alone, but today we have 16 governors on a rescue boat. We shall rescue Nigeria as a whole. We shall succeed in this crusade to save Nigeria. As Moses crossed the Red Sea, no going back to Pharaoh again.

    “The PDP-led administration at the centre is demolishing democratic structures without any plan to rebuild it.”

    While commending APC governors in the South west and other parts of the country for their determination to make things better for citizens of their respective states, Tinubu expressed satisfaction at the massive infrastructural development in Ogun State, which he described as second to none in the annals of the Gateway State.

    He said, “Ijebu-Ode is already a giant construction site with the dualisation of roads going on, the overhead bridge, thank you Governor Amosun for your dedication and commitment to duty which made the transformation possible.”

    In his acceptance speech, Akande lauded Oba Bashorun, his chiefs and Imoru people for finding him fit to be bestowed the title of Baba Oba, pledging to always work for the growth and development of the town.

    Akande noted that the traditional institutions remain the custodian of the people’s culture, history and tradition and rued that it is now being bastardised by government’s interference.

    The former Governor of Osun State warned traditional rulers in the country, particularly those in the Southwest region not to be part of the touted National Council of Obas, which he said may not be in their best interest and the institution they represent.

  • Tinubu, Aregbesola, Ajimobi, others for 200 years of Yorubas in Ghana

    A grand reception in honour of former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, holds on November 23 at Accra, during the celebration of 200 years of the Yoruba race in Ghana.

    The event organised by the patrons, executive council and all Yoruba in Ghana will also witness the conferment of Yoruba heritage awards on prominent Yoruba indigenes.

    Recipients of the award include the Oyo State governor, Abiola Ajimobi; his Osun State counterpart, Rauf Aregbesola and Chairman Energy Bank, Ghana, Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim.

    Others include First Lady of Ekiti State, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land, Alhaji Arisekola Alao; veteran actor and writer, Adebayo Faleti, and former Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Musiliu Obanikoro, among others.

    There will also be presentation of Exploits of a migrants’ community: Chronicles of Yoruba in Ghana, dedicated to Tinubu.

    The book is written by Joshua Bolatito Olalere, Managing Editor at Delight Communications West Africa Limited, a publishing and media consultancy firm.

    The celebration holds at Aviation Social Centre, Accra.

     

  • Tinubu hails Lagos magistrates

    National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has lauded Lagos magistrates for ensuring justice at the basic level.

    Tinubu spoke in Ikeja, Lagos, at the opening of the Annual General Conference of the Magistrates’ Association of Nigeria, Lagos chapter, where he was honoured with a lifetime award for his contributions to the development of the Judiciary when he Lagos State governor.

    Tinubu said: “Magistracy is an exalted position, because it dispenses justice and keeps the society together. It listens to an aggrieved tenant; seeks out remedies for the cheated small trader; protects the ordinary citizen against the excesses of the government and policemen; and seeks to keep the society safe by punishing offenders after the establishment of guilt.”

    Quoting a study by the Socio-Economic Right Accountability Project (SERAP), Tinubu said magistrates handle over 80 per cent of criminal cases, adding that Lagos magistrates often have up to 1,000 cases in their dockets.

    He urged magistrates to stick to the quip of Solon, the lawgiver of ancient Athens, that “a society is well governed when its people obey the magistrates, and the magistrates obey the law”, adding that this can only be attained if magistrates keep to their judicial oaths.

    Tinubu left the magistrates with some posers, which he told them to answer, if the magistracy must deliver better justice to the society. They include: Why is the wheel of justice so frustratingly slow to the extent that citizens are not confident of prosecuting the smallest of claims in the shortest possible time?

    Why is it so difficult for our judiciary to take full advantage of modern technologies and facilities that make the judicial systems of other climes efficient, transparent and effective?

    Why is there the persistent perception of corruption in the Judiciary?

    What steps can be taken to institute a more open and transparent administration of justice at magistrate’s courts?

    What are the inconveniences magistrates put up with and how can the government and the society help?

    Are the best brains in the legal profession drawn to a career on the bench? If not, what specific steps can be taken to correct the situation?

  • Tinubu returns after successful surgery in U.S

    Tinubu returns after successful surgery in U.S

    National leader of the All Peoples Congres ( APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu returned from London on Saturday after weeks of absence for medical attention.

    He described his absence as the longest since 1993.

    Speaking in an interview at the Executive Jets Hangar wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, he said : ” This is the first ever and the longest period of my absence from Nigeria’s political scene since 1993, it has never happened. The only time something like this happened was when I was in exile.

    “Since, 1999 that we returned I have never been away for more than one week not even personal vacation. I am glad that I am back, I am fit and able, I can run 2.5 kilometer, if you want to try me, I will get down, and we can run and see who wins.

    “It is a great joy to be back, it is good that we are back and I really appreciate your concern and this great gathering. I am returning today, having travelled overseas for medical attention, among those who contributed to this are great Nigerians, well qualified, who have moved out of the country because there are no facilities, no equipment.

    “There are no such opportunities in Nigeria. Now the surgery was successful, among them physiotherapist who did the job that I must get well quick and return to the country.

    Tinubu was received by hundreds of political associates led by his wife, Senator Oluremi.

    Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State and his Ekiti counterpart, Dr. Kayode Fayemi were also at the airport to welcome the former Lagos State governor back home.

    APC stalwarts including, Senator George Akume, former governor of Benue State, Senator Ganiyu Olarenwaju Solomon and Alhaji Lai Mohammed were among the dignitaries that received him at the Lagos Airport.

    The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Ikuforiji Adeyemi, flew in with the former governor from the United Kingdom.

     

     

     

  • Tinubu mourns Agagu

    Former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of  Dr. Olusegun Agagu, former governor of Ondo State who died in Lagos on Friday.

    In a press statement, Tinubu said Agagu’s death is a blow to the renewed struggle to bring sanity back into our body politic.

    “I received with utmost shock and sadness the news of the death of former Governor Olusegun Agagu. Once again the cold hands of death have snatched an illustrious man of great character and devotion to country.  Agagu was a good man,  a bridge builder who never let the bitterness of defeat or politiical disagreements rob him of his patriotic spirit”.

    Asiwaju described Agagu as a man with a noble heart and a politician who placed national interest above self interest.

    ” Over the years since he exited power, he has worked tirelessly traversing Ondo State, Lagos and the whole country seeking to forge a new democratic front for his people.  His death will slow down this new movement but certain that others will pick up from where he stopped “. Tinubu stated.

    In condoling with the people of Ondo State and Agagu’s immediate and extended family, Tinubu urged  politicians and other public office holders to always remember the day of reckoning, when according to him,  only their records will speak for them, in their dealings with the public.

    He said Agagu had completed his tour of duty on earth, and had gone back to his creator, adding that it behoved the living who are also in public office to make the society better than they met it.

    While condoling with the Agagus and the late governor’s political associates, he prayed that the courage to bear the great loss would not leave them now, adding that God receive the soul of the dead and grant him eternal rest.

  • Babatunde Raji who?

    Babatunde Raji who?

    Seeth thou a man deligent in his work, he will stand before kings and not mean men.

    Seven years ago, only few Lagosians can claim to know Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola. Though an accomplished legal practitioner and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), serving as Chief of Staff to former Governor Bola Tinubu, the reaction of many to his nomination as the candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria ( ACN) was Babatunde Raji who?

    I remember being at a media chat with some political chieftains of the Action Congress of Nigeria during which some journalists questioned the choice of an unknown Fashola over other known political bigwigs in the state. The leader of the group tried hard to convince them that Fashola was the best man for the job but not many were convinced.

    I was particularly swayed by a revelation by the chieftain about how Fashola had been very diligent in his duties and refused to abuse his privileged position. He cited how the power to sign Certificate of Occupancy on behalf of the Governor was vested in Fashola, yet he declined to sign those of anyone related to him on the grounds that he will be violating the principle of conflict of interest.

    Those who knew him as Chief of Staff recall how thorough he was in his assignment and how he refused to be swayed by unnecessary political considerations. Not many found it funny that Fashola always insisted on subjecting their requests to due diligence notwithstanding their political status.

    These were some of the virtues which ordinarily could be a minus in political circles but turned out to be a plus for the man who has not only sustained the good works started under the Tinubu’s administration but has justified the confidence in him.

    Perhaps a good lesson for political appointees is the fact that Fashola was busy doing his assignments instead of scheming for political positions after his boss’s exit. As he had always stated he had no political ambition since he was not a politician, but his outstanding qualities could not be ignored by Tinubu who risked being demystified if Fashola had not lived to expectations.

    Under Fashola, Lagos has remained a city of excellence and a barometer for good governance nationwide.  Infrastructural development has been massive and various policies of the government have improved the various sectors in the state.

    He has brought to government a high sense of duty and commitment that has earned him numerous commendations even from opposing political camps who have acknowledged that his performance has been outstanding given the limited resources available to him.

    As long as a policy is in the overall interest of the state, like the banning of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, Fashola has not shied from taking the necessary decision. It is to his credit that the once notorious Oshodi is now a passable route for all motorists at any time of the day unlike before when it was a den of all manners of criminals who held sway there.

    There are some parts of the state where the impact of his government still needs to be felt but that cannot detract from his accomplishments along with his commissioners and other government officials.

    In the fulfillment of his political slogan, Eko oni baje – Lagos will not deteriorate – Fashola has kept faith with Lagosians and things can only get better as he rounds up his second term in office. Such is the high rating for Fashola’s administration that political parties in the state cannot afford to present just any candidate for the next governorship election who cannot match his performance

    In commemoration of his 50th anniversary, I join others in wishing Fashola, a model of what a governor should be, a very happy birthday and more years of service to the nation.

  • ’23 governors now in APC’

    ’23 governors now in APC’

    Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the National Publicity Secretary of Action Congress of Nigeria, on Friday said 23 governors are already in the fold of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    Mohammed spoke in Lagos at the 7th Town Hall Meeting of Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, representing Lagos Central.

    He said 12 more governors had signified interest to join the party in addition to the 11 already in the fold.

    “The 12 governors will make their declarations after the party has been registered, possibly in two weeks time.

    “We are likely to get our registration certificate by the end of June or second week of July,” the ACN spokesman said.

    He explained that the delay in submitting the new party’s application to INEC was caused by “the complexity of merging.’’

    “Merging is not an easy process, it is complicated. Aside from the name, constitution and logo change, each of the merging parties must hold special conventions to adopt the merger.

    “The merger forming APC comprises ACN, Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Grand Progressive Alliance (APGA) and the Democratic People’s Party (DPP).”

    In her speech, Tinubu, who is the wife of a former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu, described APC as “an assurance of hope for Nigeria.’’

    She said:“Without the genuine change and development being advocated by our great movement — APC, Nigeria risks further descent into the abyss of underdevelopment and backwardness.’’

    On the bill seeking special status for Lagos, the senator said no effort would be spared to achieve it.

    Tinubu disclosed that the three senators from Lagos had sponsored a bill seeking provision of financial grants to the state in the constitution, in recognition of its status as the nation’s economic hub.

    The News Agency of Nigeria  reports that Tinubu distributed free November/December General Certificate Examination (GCE) forms to 220 youths in the senatorial district.

     

  • Opposition determined to rescue Nigeria – Tinubu

    Opposition determined to rescue Nigeria – Tinubu

    Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said in Kano on Saturday that opposition leaders remain resolute in their desire to reconstruct Nigeria into a “sturdy and bright home” by creating a chance of a better future for the citizenry.

    The former Lagos governor, who was among eminent Nigerians conferred with Honourary Doctorate degrees by Kano State University of Science and Technology, Wudil, (KUST), noted that there are leaders in this country with the ability and capability to turn the nation around by chasing away, “the demons,” whose activities have remained a source of impediment to the general growth of the Nigerian society.

    “History teaches that those who stay resolute shall win in the end. We are resolute for there is no shame in wanting democracy, no shame in wanting prosperity, fighting against poverty, ignorance and diseases, just as there is also no shame in believing in justice, striving for a better life and demanding good governance,” he told the gathering.

    The ACN leader said all that is needed to address the country’s problem is to possess the willpower to face the challenges, stressing that education plays a vital role in this direction.

    “To lift this nation from its low state, you must equip the people with the knowledge needed to face the challenges on ground. Education is a dynamic thing that must be adapted to our needs and reflect our circumstance; it must give us the skills needed to become architects of the destinies we seek and not idle bystanders in our lives,” Tinubu added.