The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Fashola

  • Fashola urges judges to be fearless

    Fashola urges judges to be fearless

    •Lagos gets 6 judges

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday urged judges to be upright and fearless in the discharge of their duties.

    Fashola spoke at the Adeyemi Bero Hall of the Lagos Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, while swearing in six judges of the state high court.

    The judges are Ms. Folashade Bankole-Oki; Mr. Michael Savage; Mrs. Sedotan Ogunsanya; Mr. Wasiu Animahun; Mrs. Oyindamola Ogala and Mr. Ganiyu Safari.

    The governor urged judges to restore the dignity of the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.

    Lamenting the high level of corruption in the country, he said impunity has become the order of the day, adding that looters and electoral offenders go about unpunished.

    Fashola said the appointments of the judges were necessitated by the increasing cases of crime and the need for quick dispensation of justice.

    He said: “This administration’s commitment to law and order remains unflinching. We will continue to tackle the growing cases of crime legally.”

    The Chief Judge (CJ), Justice Ayotunde Phillips, threatened to sanction corrupt judges.

    Advising the new judges, she said: “I urge you to take your oaths with seriousness because you are expected to be disciplined, incorruptible and express maturity in all aspects of your lives or you would be sanctioned.

    “You are to ensure justice and fairness to all concerned and live within the oath of your hallowed office.”

    The CJ said the new judges were chosen in a transparent process and their appointments had been confirmed by the National Judicial Commission (NJC).

    This brings the number of judges in Lagos to 56 – 40 females and 16 males.

    Speaking on behalf her colleagues, Justice Bankole-Oki thanked the governor for finding them worthy of the appointments.

    She said they would dispense justice without fear or favour and uphold the good reputation of the state judiciary.

    The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, said the judges were appointed based on the NJC’s recommendation.

  • Fashola’s vision

    Fashola’s vision

    The book Fashola: The Historic Reconstruction of Lagos written by Emeka Anthony Odikpo, resonates with me. Any government without vision, careful planning and intense execution will definitely not achieve much success. Of course a government that is built on crystallised vision, such as that of Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN), is light years ahead of its contemporaries even before the added vigour in implementation.

    As Mr. Odikpo states in this work, the impact of Governor Fashola in Lagos has been phenomenal. This work has also examines the policy statements and documents behind such projects as the Eko Atlantic City project, the Light Rail project, the public transportation policies, the greening projects, the healthcare policies of the government and other areas of governance and concluded that the projects are epochal and profound.

    I agree with the analysts and conclusions offered by Mr Odikpo. Governor Fashola has truly had a remarkable effect on Lagos. The Light Rail project has impacted on the lives of the people of Lagos State in several ways. Thousands of jobs have been created by the project and, over the years, even more jobs will be created for the effective running of the rails. The project being on the land gateway into Nigeria, undoubtedly, adds cubits to the reputation of Nigeria amongst her West African neighbours. The positive effect on the lives of the potential users of the rail service will also be great.

    Mr Odikpo further states that the government’s efforts towards beautifying Lagos have been remarkable and impressive. I wholeheartedly endorse this. An overview on such projects, such as this work, brings home forcefully to you the fact that the beautification was actually the product of meticulous planning. The slumming of a big city, such as Lagos took quite some time and a lot of negative effort or lack thereof to accomplish. On the other hand, the de-slumming and beautification must have taken quite some imagination. Mr. Odikpo carefully articulates this imagination; he then proceeds to elucidate on the vigour applied by the Governor in implementing the policies.

    A book such as this serves the essential purpose of challenging prospective leaders. These leaders can achieve even more if they utilise their brains to their full extent, eschew corruption and be vigorous in ensuring due implementation of their policies. I have spent the better part of my life fighting for the election by our people of visionary and strong leaders. My sincere hope is that my efforts must yield dividends at the national level. This book will undoubtedly prove useful to all leaders and even followers in Nigeria desirous of accessing sagacious leaders.

    This book will further prove useful as a historical document. Our penchant for not documenting history is rather disturbing. In other climes the ideas behind the leaders in government, academia, business, science, sports and the society at large are regularly packaged into books. These types of biographies, or sometimes even hagiographies, are a staple by themselves. These books are more effective than reading generic motivational books that do not pertain to one individual. Books on industry figures like Lee Iacocca and Steve Jobs have proven remarkably successful across the world. Books on political leaders like Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan and others have equally been successful. My sincere hope is that the art of writing and reading biographies should become a part of our culture in Nigeria.

    I have no doubt that this work by Emeka Odikpo will prove useful to any person interested in learning the dynamics of good governance. It will also be of immense benefit through the years as a detailed capture of historical moments in Lagos State under the watch of the inimitable Governor Fashola.

  • Fashola cautions children against drugs, cultism

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) yesterday urged children in the state to stay off drugs, shun cultism and other social vices that can derail their future.

    The governor inspected the children’s parade at the Police College, Ikeja, during this year’s Children’s Day celebration.

    He emphasised the need for children to avoid social vices as well as cult groups but to remain focused on their studies.

    Fashola recommended the Boys Scout, the Red Cross, the Traffic Club and Power Kids Club for children, adding that his administration has endorsed and empowered them for youths to join.

    The governor recalled that there had been some unpleasant reports of kidnapping in the state.

    He cautioned the children to be vigilant.

    Fashola said: “To avoid those (bad) people and remain safe, you must desist from boarding any unregistered vehicle or vehicles that is not painted in the state yellow and black colours.

    “You should also be wary of the type of company you keep and be careful about how you associate with strangers by refusing to be tempted with gifts and money.

    “When you are confronted with any issue, seek your parents’ guidance and teachers’ advice; never shun their warnings.”

     

  • Lawmaker seeks Fashola’s help in Lagos mainland

    Member representing Mainland I constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Bashir Oloto, has lamented the spate of bad roads in the area.

    He called on the state government to come to the aid of the constituency by rehabilitating the roads.

    The affected roads, according to Oloto, include: Omidiji Street, beside Oloto of Otto Palace Ebute Metta West; Dawodu Lane, Ilogbo, Apapa Road, Ebute Metta West; Willoughby Street, Ebute Metta East and Tapa Street, Ebute Metta, East.

    He told reporters at the weekend: “these roads in question are in very bad shape and those residing in the areas are not finding it easy, especially anytime it rains.

    “I am not happy with the situation of the roads in question and I feel sad each time I visit those places.

    “I am concerned and I want the state government to come to our aid and rehabilitate these roads so that those residing in the affected places can benefit from the dividends of democracy being spread across by Governor Babatunde Fashola.”

  • Monarch hails Fashola on leadership

    A monarch, Oba Babatunde Ogunronbi of Shasha Kingdom in Alimosho Local Government Area, Lagos State, has praised Governor Babatunde Fashola for supporting and inspiring traditional rulers in the state.

    This development, the monarch inferred, has helped traditional institution to, in turn, galvanise the grassroot and boost overall leadership in the state.

    Oba Oguronbi spoke at the grand finale of a colourful week-long celebration of his one-year anniversary on the throne.

    The traditional ruler was coronated last year at an event which paraded leading lights in and outside the kingdom.

    At the anniversary, dignitaries equally turned up heaping praises on the king.

    Among the guests were the chairman of the council, Hon Israel Adekunle and some members of his cabinet.

    Royal fathers were equally in attendance. They included Elejigbo of Ejigbo, Elegbe of Egbe, Olu Agege of Agege, Oniseri of Isheri-Olofin, Olojo of Ojo, Oba Elewu of Ewu kingdom, Alabirun of Ikaare, Baba Oba of Shasha, Baale of Banmeke, amongst others.

    Hon. Adekunle said of the monarch: “His life radiates courage, humility and service to humanity which makes Shasha kingdom, in Alimosho area of Lagos State a kingdom to envy among African traditional kingdoms.

    “Through selfless service, all stakeholders of Shasha kingdom unanimously approved his candidacy for the throne of Shasha unopposed and today we do not regret considering his enormous contributions…to the growth and development as well as political stability of Shasha kingdom.

    The monarch thanked God for His grace, Shasha people for their support, his chiefs and other monarchs for their cooperation. He was equally appreciative of Fashola administration’s inspiration.

  • Fashola approves six new judges for Lagos High Court

    Fashola approves six new judges for Lagos High Court

    Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has approved the appointment of six new high court judges for the state judiciary.

    Amongst the new High Court judges to be sworn in by the state governor on May 28 is the chief Registrar of Lagos State High Court, Mr. Ganiyu Safari.

    A statement issued from the office of the chief Registrar of the High Court and signed by its Public Relations Officer, Grace Alo, said the governor’s approval was sequel to the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mukhtar.

    Other judges include daughter of late Chief Tanimose Bankole Oki, former Chairman, Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) , Ms Folashade Bankole-Oki, wife of Babatunde Ogala, former chairman, Lagos State House committee on judiciary, Mrs. Oyindamola A. Ogala, a Magistrate, Mr. Michael Akintunde Savage, Mrs. Sedotan Ogunsanya and Mr. Wasiu Animahun.

    The appointment of the new judges brought the number of judges in the State High Court from 50 to 56.

    The new judges are expected to fill the vacuum created by the elevation of Justice Habeeb Abiru to the Appeal court, the retirement of Justice Benedicta Shitta- Bay and the demise of Justice Wasilat Abisoye Esther Ayo, who died on December30, 2012.

    The swearing in ceremony will hold at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.

     

  • Litigations, technical issues delay delivery of roads, says Fashola

    Litigations, technical issues delay delivery of roads, says Fashola

    LAGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) at the weekend explained why some roads across the state have not been completed.

    The governor said there are several complex and people-related matters that are involved and need to be resolved.

    Addressing reporters at the Lagos House in Marina, Fashola explained that some of the roads on the mainland need piling.

    According to him, others require underground work before they can be surfaced.

    The governor also said there are others that are facing a lack of urban planning, community resistance and legal actions.

    On the Lagos-Badagry Expressway’s expansion project, Fashola said the project was awarded to two contractors – Messrs Julius Berger, which is handling the 10-lane road and Messrs China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), which is handling the light rail section of the road.

    The governor explained that because of the piling CCECC has to complete before the road is filled, Julius Berger has to step aside until the piling is finished.

    He said: “Remember we have two major contractors on the road – Julius Berger, doing the road surfacing and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) handling the rail. We asked Julius Berger to stop meanwhile for CCECC to complete the piling on the road before they come to surface it.

    “Julius Berger cannot hand over the road because any time it finishes a project, it signs off. And it has not in this case. Besides, there are going to be 11 pedestrian crossings between Alaba, Orile and the National Theatre. The contractors have to drive in piles along the road. The project, as it is now, is like a building you have finished but you cannot paint until all the external works are finished.

    “That is why in order to avoid those problems, we have now awarded Phase 2, from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko. The reason we have two contractors, in the first instance, is that we wanted Julius Berger to build the roads. There were things under that road which the other contractors that bidded for the road did not see. Julius Berger found them…”

  • FG installs 906 CCTV cameras in Lagos

    FG installs 906 CCTV cameras in Lagos

    The Federal Government has installed no fewer than 906 Close Circuit TV cameras in strategic parts of Lagos State to enhance security surveillance, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Adebiyi Mabadeje, said on Wednesday.

    Mabadeje announced this at a news conference in Ikeja organised to mark Governor Babatunde Fashola’s sixth year in office.

    He said the cameras were deployed from the 1,000 earmarked for the state, saying the devices were already assisting security agencies to track the activities of criminals.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the deployment of CCTV cameras nationwide to enhance surveillance, is a core component of the FG`s National Public Security Communication System Programme.

    “Yes the project is on and it is real. 906 of the 1,000 cameras earmarked for the state have already been delivered and they have already being installed at secret locations across the metropolis.

    “Though they have not been officially commissioned, they are already being put into use by the security agencies to track the activities of criminals,’’ he said.

    The commissioner noted that the installed cameras were sophisticated devices as they had the capacity to generate video, voice and data simultaneously, to ensure effective surveillance.

    He denied the report that the installation of the equipment had initially caused a rift between the state and the Federal Government.

    According to him, the parties actually had an understanding on the deployment of the devices.

     

  • More knocks for PDP over probe Fashola call

    A group, the Fasholamania Independent Support Movement (FISM), has criticised the call for a probe of Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola.

    It described the Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Mr. Tunji Shelle, who made the call, as “an enemy of the state”.

    In a statement by its President, Mr. Olukayode Salako, FISM said Lagos PDP “has refused to see anything good in the Fashola administration because of its desperate desire to capture the state”.

    It accused Lagos PDP of deceiving Lagosians daily with “childish lies, baseless accusations and unintelligent propaganda”.

    The statement reads: “Whether Lagos PDP accepts it or not, the Fashola administration remains a benchmark for setting copious standards for good governance in Nigeria. Shelle and Lagos PDP have not governed any state before, so they may not really know the challenges of governing an over populated, complex and cosmopolitan environment like Lagos.

    “Any reasonable person who sees the quality of the state government’s projects will know that it costs money to build good and lasting infrastructure.

    “Lagos PDP is outside the government, so cannot easily determine the cost of projects and running an effective government. We urge Lagosians to beware of the baseless accusations of Lagos PDP and not be deceived into believing that it is a credible alternative in 2015. Lagos PDP is a factionalised party. It is not united. It is a party of crises.

    “If there is anybody who should call the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe any government for corruption, it should be Nigerians calling for the probe of many incumbent and past PDP governors, who did nothing tangible for their people. That alone is corruption.

    “The greatest mistake Lagosians can make in 2015 is to vote to return Lagos to the past. Lagos PDP would return Lagos to the past. Lagosians, be warned.

    “Instead of castigating Fashola, we urge the PDP to tell Lagosians how it can govern Lagos better than Fashola.”

  • Fashola, entertainers eulogise lawyer

    Encomiums, yesterday, appeared inexhaustible at the Service of Songs for late entertainment industry lawyer, Efere Ozako, who died on April 18, 2013, of a stress related ailment.

    The Shell Hall, MUSON Center, venue of the tributary event, was full to capacity, as friends, family members, entertainers and Barrister colleagues of the deceased, including Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola and his wife, Dame Abimbola, gathered at the ceremony that got the crowd laughing amidst tears.

    Given the various tributes that came in for the deceased, it appeared difficult to summaries what Ozako stood for while on earth. His life, as it were was filled with the valuable impacts he had on everyone who crossed his path. Like a mother hen, Ozako was said to have lived his life, fighting for everyone’s right as a lawyer, friend and acquaintant. Governor Fashola, who revealed how close he was to the deceased, said they not only attended the University of Benin (UNIBEN) together, but that they were also neighbours in Surulere, before he became governor. Fashola said that while dealing with the physical separation, the memories of his times with the deceased will put a smile on his face always.“This morning when the storm for the rains began to gather, I said to myself, this man is not going to go away quietly… And I am sure that in his own unique way, he has connected with every one of us. You know what; if there is life after death, Efere will live it – that I am sure. And he probably has started to live it. All the lawyers he would meet there, he would probably have started to publish a magazine for them to read. This was a prince of the Niger Delta who made Lagos his home. He was my friend and my brother. Efere was my next door neighbor in Surulere and we were at UNIBEN together. And I remember that I was always running off somewhere and wouldn’t come back until 1am or 2am; from one club to another. And the day I became governor, Efere said: “You see, I told you to let me go out at night; this man has become governor.” The crowd roared with laughed. “I am sure my wife has a lot of stories to tell; the long hours she spent with Efere; it was about people who are faithful to their wives. This was the community in which we lived in Surulere.” The governor said, paused and changed his mood slightly.“I know this is a very difficult situation to deal with. I think that we are dealing with the physical separation… Efere is not dead. He has just moved on to fulfill a covenant that all of us will fulfill. Yes, we would struggle with this physical separation, but I will remember the very funny times and memories I shared with him, and he will keep a smile on my face. And I know he will on the face of Ann too, who was really his soul mate. She would understand it better and so are his children. Well done my brother. Warri no dey carry last. Move on. God bless you.”