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Tag: Fashola

  • Lagos APC to PDP: you can’t say Fashola’s govt is bad democratic model

    Lagos APC to PDP: you can’t say Fashola’s govt is bad democratic model

    Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the allegation that Governor Raji Fashola-led government was a bad model of democratic governance as baseless and the biggest joke of the 21st century.

    The Lagos PDP, in a recent statement, accused Fashola-led administration of not showing signs that it was willing to conduct local governments’ election as the tenures of the office-holders end in October 29, 2014.

    But the APC, in a statement by its Director of  Publicity, Joe igbokwe, said: “Now, contrary to this bedtime stories of Lagos PDP, we want to make it clear that Lagos State government is prepared to conduct local government areas (LGA) elections as it has been doing in the past, when INEC concludes its delineation exercise in some states.

    “INEC is creating new wards and new polling units in some states, including Lagos and until it finalises that very important exercise, it may not be feasible to conduct LGA elections because we need to know the new wards and the new polling units before going to the polls”.

    It added:  “If the new voter cards and the new voters register are yet to be seen, please tell us how you can conduct elections. Once these structures are put in place, LASIEC will move into action.

    “Some PDP-controlled states have not conducted local government elections in the last eight years, but we are not PDP. We do the right thing, we follow the rules and we get results. However, if these issues are not resolved before the October deadline, Lagos State government may appoint caretaker committees to replace the outgoing LGA Chairmen.”

    On the allegation that the government officials are provoking PDP members by removing and destroying PDP signs, the APC said it must “be known that Lagos State has a Signage Agency called LAASA and if Lagos PDP wants its services, they know what to do. Advert agencies in Lagos know that it is not business as usual as LAASA has cleared the mess in Lagos and set up new standards for Outdoor Advertising.

    “Lagos State government has not provoked anybody or any group, but sometimes decisions are taken in the overall interest of 25 million Lagosians. Rather it is Lagos PDP that has been provoking Lagos APC.

    “We saw the provocation when a junior Minister in the Ministry of Defence, Senator Obanikoro, went with armed soldiers to Ilubirin Housing Estate to harass contractors building homes for Lagosians. We see this provocation when one of our leader on the island, Alhaji Azeez Asake, was brutally murdered by PDP thugs after their rallies at TBS. We see these provocations on a daily basis at old toll gate Lagos where Lagos PDP is training thugs for 2015 elections in the name of SURE-P. PDP is on the wrong side of history in Nigeria and the same history will remain our witness.”

  • Fashola urges change in noise culture

    Fashola urges change in noise culture

    LAGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola has called on all Lagosians to do everything possible to change the state’s current noise culture ahead of the ‘no horn day,’ which kicks off next Wednesday.

    Fashola, who noted the adverse effect of noise on citizens’ wellbeing, said the horn-free day is a challenge Lagosians must rally round to adopt as a way of promoting social wellness.

    He spoke at the Lagos Drivers’ Appreciation Day, a programme organised by the Ministry of Transport to sensitise drivers on the horn-free day.

     “We are meeting here to again show to the world that beginning from October 15, Lagosians would decide to reduce the noise level around them, starting from the motorised horns. You and I, from that day, would voluntarily choose to live differently by refusing to contribute more to the noise level around us by no longer using our horns when we are on the road.

     “What we do and when we are willing to reduce the noise level around us beginning from October 15 is a decision that lies with you and I. If you travel outside the country, you see that people do not use the horn the way we do here. If you heard a siren blowing, it must mean those concerned whether the police or any other  under emergency and you will see other road users yielding the way.

    “Why can’t it be the same here? Why are we so noisome? Let us show other parts of the country that we can live differently,” he said.

    He praised the state’s Ministry of Transportation for taking up the challenge and promoting a culture that would take the country close to what obtains elsewhere in the world.

    The highpoint of the event was the recognition of no fewer than 25 professional drivers who were adjudged as worthy of emulation.

  • Photo: Tinubu, Fashola, others at Sallah celebration

    Photo: Tinubu, Fashola, others at Sallah celebration

    L-R;National Leader Of APC,Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Lagos State Governor Mr Babatunde Fashola and the Children ;Senator Oluremi Tinubu;Senator Gbenga Ashafa;(LEFT) Mr Akeem Bello;Alh Suraju Ayinra;Mr Lare Babalola and Information Commissioner Latifu Ibirogba;during the Eid-el-Kabir Celebration Day;...............PHOTO;TAIWO OKANLAWON
    L-R;National Leader Of APC,Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Lagos State Governor Mr Babatunde Fashola and the Children ;Senator Oluremi Tinubu;Senator Gbenga Ashafa;(LEFT) Mr Akeem Bello;Alh Suraju Ayinra;Mr Lare Babalola and Information Commissioner Latifu Ibirogba;during the Eid-el-Kabir Celebration Day;……………PHOTO;TAIWO OKANLAWON
  • Gowon, Fashola, Army Chief bid Adekunle farewell

    Gowon, Fashola, Army Chief bid Adekunle farewell

    EMINENT Nigerians yesterday paid their last respects to the late Brig Gen Benjamin Adekunle. He was laid to rest yesterday at the Ikoyi Vaults and Gardens, after a funeral service at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos. Chief of Army Staff Kenneth Minimah; Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola and Chief of Air Staff Adeola Amos were among those present at the funeral. It was more or less a state burial.

    Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, in a tribute, described the late Gen Adekunle as a gallant soldier who ensured his fatherland remained strong and united during wartime Nigeria. Gen Gowon, who was represented by Gen Emmanuel Abisoye (rtd), said the late Gen Adekunle was dedicated to duty as an exemplary fearless and loyal officer.

     “He was one of my commander of commanders, a through bred soldier, my ‘brother in arms’ and we should thank him for fighting for a just cause.” First daughter of the deceased, Mrs Bisola Olatunji, said her father had a lot of potentials and dreams for the country. “His regret was that we did not live up to our potential in his life time, the reason for the civil war,” she said. Other dignitaries in attendance were Gen Alani Akinrinade (rtd), former Chief of Defence Staff, Alex Ogomudia (rtd) and traditional rulers.

  • Fashola urges Nigerians on nation building

    Fashola urges Nigerians on nation building

    Lagos State Governor Mr. Babatunde. Fashola (SAN) has urged Nigerians on the need to show commitment towards the development of the country.

    He spoke yesterday at the Independence Day rally at the Police College, Ikeja.

    Fashola said the challenges confronting the nation would be surmounted if citizens worked for the country’s progress.

     The governor also advised Nigerians to rekindle the spirit of national service and pride symbolic of the good old days.

     He noted that the excitement, which  characterised past National Day celebrations had waned into a mere ritual, saying the good  old days could be restored if Nigerians changed their attitude.

     Said he: “In the past, national days were celebrated with excitement. Everybody looked forward to such celebrations.

     “But in recent years, the celebration has waned to a mere ritual. Just another work-free or school-free day with little celebration or importance attached to it. This should not be so.

     “In some countries, national days are celebrated with fanfare. Independence pageants are held and there are celebrations.

      “We should begin to celebrate the nation’s independence with the passion of the past. We should revive the old patriotic zeal.”

     Fashola enjoined Nigerians to re-ignite the nationalistic passion of the past and believe in the Nigerian project.

    The celebration was a parade of colours, as pupils and personnel of para-military organisations participated in the march past.

  • Ebola: Fashola to fund Ebola research

    Ebola: Fashola to fund Ebola research

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, (SAN) on Monday promised to provide fund for any research work on the Ebola Virus disease.

    Fashola made the promise while disbursing grants to 31 beneficiaries whose research proposal had been approved by the Lagos State Research and Development Council.

    The governor challenged the former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Maurice Iwu, to come up with a lucid proposal on his bitter kola theory, saying the state government would be willing to sponsor it.

    He explained that professors, Ph.d holders and scholars are respected not because of their glittering titles but because of their intelligence and what they have to offer the society.

    The governor said, “I was curious about what was Prof. Maurice Iwu was doing with election if he was already doing research on how bitter kola can help cure some diseases. He should come back and do his work because really this is his core competence and if he is listening to me, I am challenging him that he will be able to reopen the frontiers of that research and present it to this organization.

    “It is something that I am sure that we would be looking at. For me, our world is moving quickly and we must participate in it. We must be visible and active theatre of thinking and ideas.”

    He said it was disappointing that when the country was faced with the problem of Ebola, none of the much talked about probable solutions came from Nigeria or Africa as a whole, noting that periods such as when there was Ebola scourge presents opportunities for researchers and scholars to write their names in the good book of history.

    “If you look at the last epidemic challenge that we faced, all the offers and solutions, ZMapp, Dan and all of the possible drugs were coming from the outside Africa where we have the problem itself and there are scientists here who carry all sorts of titles,” Fashola stated.

  • Fashola faults national awards to political office holders

    Fashola faults national awards to political office holders

    LAGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola has described the award of national honours to political office holders as inappropriate.

    He spoke in Lagos at the Fourth Gani Fawehinmi Colloquium organised by the Gani Fawehinmi Chambers of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos.

    The theme of the colloquium was “Consolidating Democratic Norms through Credible Electoral Process.”

    The governor said the practice undermined the culture of hard work as it presumed recipients had done exceptionally well in the service of the nation, even when they had not completed their terms in office.

    His words: “The concept of giving public officers national awards simply offends, because I ask, what will you give to such persons after he has left office and has done well?

     “The whole idea undermines the culture of hard work and it is better we start recognising people the right way and for the right reasons,” he said.

    The governor also decried the arbitrary conferment of awards on people by tertiary institutions and other organisations, saying its promote wrong societal values.

    He said the conferment of such honours should be strictly for exceptional and deserving individuals and not for pecuniary expectations or other favours.

    The Lagos State University (LASU), he added, has been directed to suspend the conferment of awards in order to preserve respectability of such honours.

    The governor urged Nigerians to guard the nation’s democracy jealously by shunning acts that could weaken or truncate it.

    He said: “To consolidate our democratic norms, we must all unite ourselves with our values and from there; our democratic journey will be less arduous from the way it currently is.”

    Fashola noted that the late Gani Fawehimi was a brand that was built on the best values that the society should aspire for.

    “His brand was built on hard work, justice and fair-play, rule of law and equality before the law, anti-corruption, public accountability, freedom of expression and speaking the truth to the power.

    “Gani’s values had nothing to do with race, religion or tribe; they had everything to do with common good.”

    The chairman on the occasion, first governor of Imo State and former governor of Lagos State, Rear Admiral Ndubuist Kanu (rtd), in his remarks, prayed that the person to take over from Fashola would be as good as or better than him.

    He noted that there was need to structure government on the right foundation.

    The host, Dean, Faculty of Law, UNILAG, Prof Akin Ibidapo-Obe, thanked Fashola for his contribution to the development of the school and for his presence at the colloquium.

    He described Gani as a man who stood for legal service to the masses.

    Gani’s first daughter, Mrs. Basi Fawehinmi-Biobaku, who represented the Fawehinmi’s family thanked the gathering for the gesture to her late father.

  • Fashola to commission EKO CLUB New Arcade Hall

    Fashola to commission EKO CLUB New Arcade Hall

    Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola will commission Eko Club New Arcade Hall as part of activities to celebrate the club’s 40th anniversary.

    The club’s President, Mr. Babatunde Faruk-Grillo, during the half yearly general meeting that all hands must be on deck for the success.

    He called for the support and cooperation of members, saying the programme for the celebration of the anniversary is slated for October 10 to 18.

    Faruk-Grillo gave the breakdown of events for the celebration to include thanksgiving Jumat Service and church service and the Special Family Day and Sport Finals.

    Other activities include the anniversary Symposium and Photo exhibition, founding fathers special day will come up on October 16 on October 17, the Club will hold Bumper Sitting & Charity Day.

    The club, he said, had presented Insurance claims to families of  three members of the Club who died last year.

    Grillo said N300,000 was given to each family.

    He listed the beneficiaries as families of the late Nosiru Alayaki, the late Rasak Kosoko and the late Ahmed Gaji.

  • Fashola decries ‘slow pace’ of justice delivery

    Fashola decries ‘slow pace’ of justice delivery

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), on Tuesday decried the slow pace of justice delivery in the country.

    He regretted that various reforms being put in place to accelerate the course of justice appeared not to have changed the situation for the better.

    Fashola made this observation at a valedictory court session held in honour of the immediate past Chief Judge of the state, Justice Ayotunde Phillips (rtd).

    The governor, who was represented by the state’s Attorney General, Mr. Ade Ipaye, stated that periodic reviews of the criminal and civil procedure rules were aimed at eliminating delays.

    He remarked that the problem was not only an antithetical to the course of justice, but also amounted to a violation of the sections of the constitution which guarantee fair hearing within reasonable time.

    “Nigeria is still ranked 136 out of the 168 countries surveyed in the aspect of enforcing contracts,” he lamented.

    Quoting the report of a survey, the governor lamented further that resolution of contractual disputes could take an average of 447 days and gulp up to 92 per cent of the contract value in terms of attendant costs.

    He urged stakeholders in the justice sector to take steps to redress the situation.

    “The bench, the bar, the government, the academia and other stakeholders must take immediate steps to ensure that the Nigerian justice system is able to meet the real expectations of the people,” he said.

    The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, promised to continue with the various reforms initiated by her predecessor.

    “Today, we celebrate our own legal icon and quintessential jurist for her meritorious service to the Lagos State judiciary.

    “She introduced various innovative ideas which helped in reforming our justice delivery system and also imparted a lot of us positively,” she stated.

     

  • Fashola, Obi call for return of values among leaders

    Fashola, Obi call for return of values among leaders

    THE Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Raji Fashola and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, have narrowed down the problem of Nigeria to failure of leadership. They both spoke yesterday at the Oriental Hotel, during the 2014 Annual Conference on Corporate Governance organized by Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria, with the theme: ‘Leadership and Governance in the Public Sector’.

    Speaking at the event, Governor Fashola, who said that the question of leadership was the question of values, described public sector leadership as the management of public trust. Analyzing the qualities a leader should have , he said: “A leader must have the strength to bear the burdens of the led; the wisdom to represent us; the patience to listen to the people even when he has no solution; he must be fair to all even when he has his favorites.

    ” In his own contribution, the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, said that part of the problem with governance in Nigeria was the misplacement of values and priorities. “Sometimes, I wonder what has happened to the values of our people. A bank wants to have their meeting in Dubai, even when the problem they want to discuss is in Nigeria.

    Such wastefulness is even witnessed more in public service, where a lot of money is wasted because of mounting cost of governance. I saved money for the state because I cut the cost of governance.” Using Singapore as an example, Obi said it moved from third World to first World because its leadership focused on the right things by absorbing their best in academics into the civil service.

     He said that the idea of most Nigerians about public and corporate service was a platform to amass wealth and engage in Epicurean indulgence, and called on Nigerians to start asking questions about the life and conduct of their leaders.