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Tag: Fashola

  • Fashola: vote incumbent candidates with track record

    Fashola: vote incumbent candidates with track record

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola has said the track record of incumbent candidates seeking re-election should be the basis upon which Nigerians should cast their votes.

    According to the governor, incumbent candidates had enough time to prove their mettle when they were in office, pointing out that newbies making fresh promises are deceptive.

    Fashola spoke at the inauguration of a network of nine roads in Maidan-Aina-Agiliti area of Mile 12, Kosofe Local Government Area and 18-classroom block in Aiyedire Ajibola Senior High School, Ketu.

    He urged the electorate to reject politicians doling out foreign currencies and other incentives, noting that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was involved in this trend to induce the electorate.

    Challenging President Goodluck Jonathan, Fashola said he had failed in keeping the promises he made in 2011.

    “Has he done the Lagos Airport Road? He is back again promising you this and that. A government that has spent six years should be presenting its track record and achievements, instead of making empty promises again. Beware of them.

    “If you collect dollars, know that you have collected your security, your roads and your infrastructure.

    “It is demeaning, degrading and insulting that anyone who has made promises to come back and offer you money.

    “Tell them your dignity and your vote cannot be bought with naira or dollars.”

    The governor said the road project was evidence that his administration was keeping faith with the slum regeneration and urban renewal plan.

    “I was here in 2007 and this place was taken over by flood. The only source of movement from Kosofe to Maidan was by canoe. You were all very unhappy and asked for culvert and jetty.

    “I said no, since you pay your taxes, I promised to give you a first-class bridge and you have it today. This is for me the value of democracy, where you can hold politicians accountable,” he said.

    He emphasised that all politicians should keep their promises; otherwise they would not be eligible for re-election.

    On the new classroom blocks, he said any government that must discharge its responsibility must do so for the welfare of its children.

    “They must be taught survival skills. Build facilities and prepare them for what they want to do in life.

    “If you work in a place where you cannot be proud to invite children to come and visit you, then there is a problem. It elevates teaching, self esteem and pride of a teacher to say boldly that he is a teacher.

    “Every school will get grant for annual maintenance  All the money that would have been used to build schools and infrastructure, they are sharing it in dollars. Remember that while somebody brought dollar at the last minute, somebody has been under the sun for eight years.”

  • Fashola advises Judiciary

    Fashola advises Judiciary

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola has urged the judiciary to shun religious sentiments in the administration of justice.

    Represented by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ade Ipaye, at a conference titled: “Towards Law and Religious Freedom in Africa”, at the University of Lagos auditorium, the governor stressed the dangers of religious sentiments in a country’s jurisprudence.

    He said: “Bringing religion to issues of jurisprudence is dangerous… Judges have to apply the law and not religious sentiments.”

    The governor advised religious organisations to devise a forum for settlement of their disputes.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Rahamon Bello, expressed concern on the spate of religious crisis all over the world, including Nigeria, saying: “it is inconceivable for any of these religions to uphold or promote terrorism”.

  • Federal task force: Fashola writes Jonathan, mulls legal action

    Federal task force: Fashola writes Jonathan, mulls legal action

    The Lagos State government has called on federal agencies to respect provisions of the law in carrying out their activities in the state.

    The call was made Friday, on the heels of recent development and attendant confusion with the deployment of “faceless” federal task force to Lagos roads.

    There was also complaint about the use of national colours on road kerbs and illegal placements of political adverts, all done without recourse to existing laws in the state.

    The state Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has written President Goodluck Jonathan on the “illegal” deployment of task force to Lagos roads, allegedly set up to create confusion and chaos in the state.

    The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ade Ipaye, while speaking at a State Executive Council briefing on Friday, said the developments were flagrant disregard for rules and regulations guiding the society and a call for concern.

    Ipaye noted that two days ago (Thursday), unknown men in black uniform, under the aegis of Subsidy Reinvestment Empowerment Programme/ Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (SURE-P/FERMA) task force, forcefully took over the control of traffic on the old toll gate section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

    Aided by four armed policemen, the task force forced officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to vacate the axis.

    He said that was the fifth time the group had been unleashed on the Lagos public.

    “We have made series of complaints in the past and at one of such occasions when police personnel were attacked (by the task force), the police made some arrests and since then, we are yet to see a stoppage to this unlawful act,” he said.

     

  • Soldiers lay siege to Tinubu’s home, Imo Govt House

    Soldiers lay siege to Tinubu’s home, Imo Govt House

    It’s routine, says GOC

    Fashola, Junaid, Saraki  deplore action

    Soldiers relaxed yesterday a three-day siege to the Ikoyi, Lagos home of All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his Media Office said.

    Also yesterday, a military team stormed the Imo State Government House in Owerri, deploying an armoured tank.

    The two incidents raised the fear of a crackdown on some opposition figures.

    There has been a major disagreement between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Federal Government and the APC over the shift of the February 14 and 28 general elections to March 28 and April 11.

    The APC has raised the alarm of a likely compromise of the military by the PDP to rig the elections. The PDP and the military have, however, denied the allegation.

    In a statement yesterday, the Tinubu Media Office said: “For three straight days, the private residence of the national leader of the APC, Bola Tinubu, has been under surveillance by battle-ready and helmet wearing soldiers. Numbering close to 30 and riding in three patrol vans and an army truck stationed close to the entrance of the gate to Tinubu’s house on Bourdillon Road in Ikoyi, they have become a permanent feature. Their obvious target, Tinubu himself and perhaps the hordes of politicians and visitors that visit his Bourdillon residence.

    “The soldiers were first noticed on Sunday, a few minutes to 11pm in an army truck. They were stationed about 500 meters away from Tinubu’s gate. Later, they moved close to his gate as if making efforts to enter. The stern looking soldiers were around for hours on Sunday and returned on Monday to continue their surveillance. Monday night about 10.45pm, they returned to the residence in two army vans and were there throughout the night. Some of the soldiers discharged from the van and walked back and forth in front of the house and around the house in what is clearly some casing effort.

    “This morning (Tuesday), two vans from the army were stationed on both sides of the house along Bourdillon Road, their missions shrouded in secrecy.”

    But Tinubu said he will not be intimidated by the show of strength, intimidation and possible harassment. “I remain resolute in my advocacy and support for the rule of law. Jonathan’s government has through the service chiefs staged a coup against Nigerians and the Constitution and now wants to silence his critics. I will not be muzzled through the barrel of the gun. The guns and bullets they should use to defeat Boko Haram are now being turned against the opposition and innocent Nigerians,” he said.

    Tinubu has been an unrelenting critic of the Jonathan-led PDP government. He played a pivotal role in the re-building of the Nigerian opposition and the formation of the APC.

    The statement added: “The exact mission of the soldiers is not known but it fits clearly into a new pattern of intimidation of leaders of the APC and the opposition.

    “It might be part of a broader plan by the Jonathan presidency to intimidate Tinubu and his political associates and scare him from making statements or building a broad coalition against the government as he did during the NADECO days.

    “As the scaremongering by the army continues, Nigerians must come to the realisation that the military has abandoned its statutory role and have now been dragged into partisan politics. Nigerians and the South West should hold the Jonathan-led military responsible if any harm or danger comes to Tinubu and his family. The case of the ‘Unknown Soldier’ is too recent in our memory.”

    At about 3pm yesterday, the soldiers were not on the long stretch of Bourdillon Road and its adjourning streets.

    There were three Police Rapid Response Squad (RRS) vans on the road.

    A security guard at Tinubu’s home said he saw the army soldiers in a truck for two consecutive nights opposite the APC leader’s private residence.

    He said: “They were about 50 and came in a truck.  I saw them between 11pm and 12am Saturday night and Sunday night.

    “They parked at the other side of the road and spent about 30 minutes on each day.

    “I don’t know what they were up to. On the second day, they left after Governor Babatunde Fashola saw them and made a call. I have not seen them again since then,” he said.

    The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division,  Major – General Tanmi Dibi, said his men were on regular patrol across the state.

    He said the Army at the weekend began its routine “show of force”, which is an exercise embarked on whenever there is election.

    He debunked the allegation that soldiers laid siege to Tinubu’s residence, arguing that Governor Fashola was aware of the ongoing patrol across the state.

    He said: “How can anyone accuse the army of laying a siege to Bourdillon or Asiwaju Tinubu’s place? That is most untrue. Soldiers attached to the security outfit Operation MESA and other task forces have been on general patrol across the state.

    “The entire Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki are being patrolled. Even on the Mainland, my men have been patrolling. They have been keeping awake while the masses are asleep to ensure that we continue to enjoy the peace and security we have in Lagos.

    “Even the governor is aware of these patrols or is he now saying he does not like the efforts being made by security agencies in the state? Is he saying they don’t like the peace and security we have been working hard to sustain?

    “Politicians must endeavour to leave the army out of politics. It is not good when soldiers are doing their best and different meanings are read into their action.

    “I am not saying it is not possible my men stopped at Bourdillon. There is the possibility they must have stopped there in the course of their patrol but that does not mean they have been deployed there or have invaded the place.”

  • Fashola, Saraki, Junaid Mohammed deplore siege

    Fashola, Saraki, Junaid Mohammed deplore siege

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, Social Commentator Alhaji Junaid Mohammed and Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday condemned the military siege to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s Lagos home.

    Senator Bukola Saraki said the opposition party’s leaders were ready for the assault from the Presidency and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Federal Government.

    Speaking at a political rally in Ejigbo, Lagos yesterday, Fashola said: “See what they are doing now, they are removing security from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). In the last 24 hours, they are deploying soldiers in Asiwaju’s house.

    “Every night now, they take truck-load of soldiers to Asiwaju’s house. But, I have news for them, we will not be intimidated. When President Goodluck Jonathan was looking for our votes in 2011, he did not use soldiers, he was begging us. He told us that he had no shoes.

    After collecting our votes, he has been inflicting pains on us,” he said.

    Mohammed said: “If Tinubu has committed any offence, the Federal Government should take him to court. Nigerians are today confronted with a creeping coup detat. Those marked for rejection by the people want to retain power by all means.

    “The Army has a responsibility not to keep vigil in the house of a perceived enemy of the Federal Government but to protect all Nigerians equally, irrespective of party affiliation or religious inclination.

    “They have no business harrassing any political leader. The Nigeria Army is not a political party. They are maintained by tax payers money and should discharge their respoinsibilities as well-spelt and stated in the country’s constitution.

    “They should be warned that if our democracy is scuttled, there will be a price to pay by all responsible for it. They have failed to protect Nigerians in the much-troubled Northeast where the Boko Haram insurgents have routinely asserted their supremacy over an enclave supposedly under their concern. They have no business harrassing innocent Nigerians. If anything happens to Tinubu, so many people will pay the price.

    “I support the calls emanating from General Muhammadu Buhari and Senator Tinubu that this country should be wrestled from the stranglehold of the rudderless overlords of the Peoples Democratic Party who have done nothing to show proof of competence to bring joy and needful change to the country and its people in 16 years.

    “The people must be forever vigilant to protect themselves and this democracy for it to endure.

    “Those who are putting him under surveillance should explain why. Given the track record of killings of notable leaders in the country, since the 1966 coup to date, we have every cause to exercise fears regarding the latest assault on Tinubu.”

    Saraki said:  “We have heard of plans to clampdown on us; we are prepared, I learnt the other day military trucks were moving around and I asked what for? But the truth is that this issue is now beyond the APC leaders and so the message is that they should not take the calmness of the people for granted. People want change and anything that will stop that, they won’t accept.

    “My concern is that we don’t plunge this country into a constitutional crisis, so we must ensure that May 29 is sacrosanct. I want Nigerians to stand up and hold both the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the President to account to ensure that they stick to the handover date. It is up to the government to now assure us that there is no hidden agenda.

    “The nation needs not only political stability but economic stability; President Jonathan should give commitment that there will be no further elections postponement.”

    Asked about the spate of political violence in the state, the former governor said it would be the product of “new people” just coming into the politics of the state but asked that security agencies should hold leaders of the parties accountable.

    Saying the violence, was targeted against his party, to incite his followers, he urged APC members to maintain the peace. “I have told them that you don’t win elections by destroying billboards,” Saraki said, adding: “My view is that political leaders should be held responsible as is the practice all over the world; the leaders must be made to know that the International Court is there for such cases.”

  • Fashola blames Fed Govt, PDP

    Fashola blames Fed Govt, PDP

    •Governor cautions residents against violence

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola believes that with the shift in the dates of the general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Federal Government have succeeded in hoodwinking the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Fashola spoke to reporters shortly after collecting his Permanent Voters Card (PVC) at his polling unit at Itolo Grammar School, off Eric Moore in Surulere Local Government Area.

    The governor, who was presented his PVC by the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Akin Orebiyi, condemned the postponement, saying the move was to achieve the Federal Government’s and the PDP’s premeditated agenda.

    He flayed the excuse given by the security chiefs that they could not guarantee the safety of INEC officials as well as voters and election observers in 14 local governments in Northeast, hence the suggestion to shift the polls by six weeks.

    Fashola said: “The credibility of our governance is regrettably diminished. I don’t know any serious democracy in recent times that have set date and then changes them, except perhaps the last one was when a British Prime Minister backed down from elections. And you know what happened in the end; he was still defeated.

    “I think that when a country sets in motion a process like this, it ought to know that there would be political and economic consequences and that is why investors and the global community watch what is going on. I mean it’s disappointing; to put it lively.

    “When you now even hear the Presidency, the Federal Government and the PDP saying they cannot guarantee security; they say it with such relish as if they have a choice in guaranteeing security. That is the primary purpose of government.

    “And when you say it to ambush an electoral manager into not conducting an election because you are afraid of defeat; I mean it’s really a very low point for governance in this country. Because whether we go to elections or not, government will still have a duty to secure this nation. And if countries like Afghanistan, Syria and all those countries where there was war and internal conflicts have held elections, I don’t see why not here.”

    The governor wondered why elections were held in 2011, about a year after the insurgents started attacks in the Northeast.

    He urged Nigerians not to fall for the gimmick of those who orchestrated the postponement.

    “I think Nigerians can see beyond this smokescreen. But it is a deferment of the imminent date of change,” the governor said.

    Fashola, who spoke earlier at a rally organised by the Hausa speaking community in the state at the Onikan Stadium, however, urged residents to refrain from violent acts over the latest development.

    “I use this opportunity to appeal to Nigerians to remain calm, especially to the supporters and members of the APC.

    “This is just a matter of time and the momentum of change is already on and the momentum is Nigerian people’s momentum. But it’s just that it would have consequences for us as a nation,” he said.

     

  • Buhari, Tambuwal, APC governors attend Council of State meeting

    Buhari, Tambuwal, APC governors attend Council of State meeting

    The Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Mohammadu Buhari, on Thursday led the party governors to the National Council of State meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Other living former Presidents and Heads of State also attended the meeting, but former President Olusegun Obasanjo was conspicuously absent when the meeting commenced.

    The former leaders at the meeting are Buhari, Shehu Shagari, Yakubu Gowon, Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalam Abubakar and Ernest Shonekan.

    Also in attendance are the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, Chief of Defence Staff, Alex Badeh and other security chiefs.

    The governors who attended the meeting are – Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), ) Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara), Tanko Almakura (Nassarawa) Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) and Aliyu Wammako (Sokoto).

    Others are – Bala Ngilari (Adamawa), Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Idris Wada (Kogi), Ibrahim Shema (Katsina), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Sule Lamido (Jigawa), Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta), Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo), Jonah Jang (Plateau), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Ayo Fayose (Ekiti), Mukhtar Yero (Kaduna), Willy Obiano (Anambra), Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe), Isa Yuguda ( Bauchi) and Acting Governor of Taraba State.

    Yobe, Abia, and Oyo states were represented by their deputies.

    Senate President, Senator David Mark; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, former Chief Justices Alfa Belgore and Dahiru Musdapher, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, also attended the meeting.

  • Jonathan, Fashola, Atiku, Ashafa mourn

    President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday expressed sadness over the passing away of one of Nigeria’s leading entrepreneurs, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, President Jonathan condoled with the family, friends, associates, business partners  and the people of Lagos, where he held the traditional title of Asoju-Oba.

    It reads: “The President shares their pain and sorrow as they mourn the late Chief Okoya-Thomas who was also honoured in his lifetime with the traditional titles of Odofin of Ile- Ife and Bobasuwa of Ijebu-Remo.

    “President Jonathan urges members of the Okoya-Thomas family and all others who mourn the very successful businessman to be comforted by the knowledge that he lived a very worthy and fulfilled life, and left a legacy of great entrepreneurial achievements for his successors to build on.”

    Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar said his death was a huge blow to the community of businessmen.

    In a statement from his media Office in Abuja, Atiku said that the late Okoya-Thomas was a visionary and astute businessman whose contribution to Nigeria’s private sector economy will remain indelible.

    He said: “Although the late Molade Okoya-Thomas left the stage at a prime age of 79, his death nonetheless is a huge blow.

    “His legacies will remain indelible in corporate Nigeria and I pray God will grant his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.”

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola described the deceased as an epitome of humaneness and dedication to service.

    In a letter to the widow, Mrs. Olivia Abosede Okoya-Thomas, the governor said he and the people had been the beneficiaries of the deceased’s great wisdom and philanthropy over the years.

    Fashola said: “It is with great sorrow that my family and I heard of the passing of your husband.

    “Lagos State was indeed lucky to be the home of the Late Chief Okoya-Thomas because the state felt his impact in various sectors, especially in education, where he was Chancellor of the State University.

    “He was always blunt when dishing out his sage advice but I knew it was because he genuinely cared about the welfare and progress of the state and its people.”

    In his condolence message, Senator Gbenga Ashafa described the business mogul as a rare gem that left us when we needed him most.

    “Chief Okoya was an essential of benevolence, notable business man, sports lover and a philanthropist of great repute.”

  • Fashola to Agbaje: pay your debt

    Fashola to Agbaje: pay your debt

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, to pay his outstanding debt to the state.

    The governor, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Hakeem Bello, said Agbaje owed N1,629,064.62 of Land Use charge.

    The debt, the governor said, is on JayKay Pharmacy on 9, Randle Close, Apapa owned by the candidate.

    Fashola said Agbaje owes the state from 2009 to 2012, even though he had paid for 2013 and 2014.

    The governor said the property is distinct from 1, Bombay Crescent, Apapa GRA over which Agbaje does not owe the state.

    The statement reads: “We consider it necessary to make a response to the rebuttal of Mr. Jimi Agbaje in some newspapers to the assertion by His Excellency, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) on the subsisting default in Land Use Charge payment of N1,629,064.62 by JayKay Pharmacy Limited on the above mentioned property.

    “For clarity, the issue at hand has to do with Mr. Agbaje’s business premises at 9, Randle Close, Apapa and not 1, Bombay Crescent, Apapa GRA, for which he was commended.

    “The letter issued by the Commissioner for Finance is in respect of 1, Bombay Crescent, Apapa GRA, which was published in Mr. Agbaje’s response and is proof of government’s acknowledgement of payments made on that property at 1, Bombay Crescent, Apapa GRA which presumably is his residence.

    “The Land Use Charge on the business premises of JK Pharmacy at 9, Randle Close, Apapa, was not paid for 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

    “As Governor Fashola acknowledged, payment was made for 2013 and 2014 on 9, Randle Close, Apapa, perhaps in preparation for the election.

    “The payments for 2009 to 2012 remain outstanding and unpaid and those monies go to the Local Governments to fund primary education and primary Healthcare.

    “The amount due and unpaid is N1,629,064.62. The only way this debt owed to the people of Lagos will go away is if it is paid.”

  • Fashola to open C & S conference

    Fashola to open C & S conference

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) will on February 5 lead other eminent Nigerians to open the annual conference of the Cherubim & Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria.

    The event holds at St Moses Orimolade Cathedral, Egbe-Ikotun, Lagos, the general headquarters of the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim & Seraphim.

    C & S Unification Church of Nigeria is the umbrella body of C & S churches in Nigeria and overseas.

    A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the church, Superintendent Apostle (Dr.) Michael Adeyemi, said the conference with the theme: “I will heal your land”, would afford the delegates the opportunity to discuss on how to move the church forward and take a position on the state of the nation.

    It noted that the development on the proposed Moses Orimolade University (MOU), which was being built by the church at Omu-Aran, Kwara State, would top the agenda of the spiritual parley, to be presided over by the Supreme Head (Olori), C & S Unification Worldwide, His Most Eminence, Prophet/Dr. Solomon Adegboyega Alao JP.