The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Lagosians

  • Motorists, OPS lament return of trucks to Lagos roads

    Lagosians thought the end had come to the traffic gridlock on its major roads  with the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari two week ago on a campaign tour.

    But like a flash in the pan, the traffic nightmare has since returned.

    Their joy and relief was  short-lived as these tankers have returned to the roads, causing stressful traffic and frustrating ride on road users.

    The frustration is not limited to commuters alone, but other businesses, such as real estate in Apapa and environs have fallen victims as people are moving out of the area in droves. They cited poor business as a result of lack of patronage, unhealthy living conditions and increased rate of accidents.

    Motor bikes, which serve as veritable alternatives are causing incalculable damage and losses to their riders and passengers. The roads have been so terrible that no matter how careful a motorist or a biker is, he is not guaranteed a smooth and safe drive or ride, as he will try to avoid potholes and ditches to the detriment of other road users.

    The  Organised Private  Sector (OPS), which also expressed grave concern at the return of the tankers to the roads, especially areas leading to Apapa Wharf  and ports, raised concerns on the current dilapidated state of roads leading to traffic gridlock. They said the challenge on road is having debilitating impacts on trade facilitation, cost of cargo transportation and overhead cost of businesses.

    They frowned at the fact that traffic jam on the road currently hampers access to the sea ports, paralyses economic activities, engenders loss of man hour, causes enormous wastage of fuel,  brings about huge increase in cargo dwell time, causes preventable accidents and heightens security risk.

    They spoke in a statement by Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Director-General, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir on behalf of Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (NACCIMA), National Association of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (NASME) and National Association of Small Scale Industries (NASSI).

    It read in part: “Most worrisome is that fact that this challenge is also leading to heavy revenue loss to government,  overly too long turnaround time for delivery of cargoes, huge transportation cost, avoidable raw materials stock-out and the inability of companies to meet set production targets.”

    The statement lamented that trucks hired to carry cargoes cannot have easy access to the ports to lift or deliver cargoes and those lifting cargoes cannot come out of the port because of the long hours in the traffic. “It now takes between five to eight weeks for our members to take delivery of their cargoes of vital raw materials,” it said.

    These port users now pay between N350, 000  and N400, 000 as cargo transport cost as against the standard rate of N100, 000 per cargo.

    Ajayi-Kadir, in the statement, argued that the current condition of the road with tankers littering the breath and length of the metropolis is not good for business, but hinders profitability and will eventually erode the reasonable progress government has made in improving the operating environment.

    To the OPS, it is appauling that the ports being the gateway to international trade and flow of cargoes cannot have world class infrastructure, access roads and facilities comparable to those in China, Dubai, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore to mention a few.

    He called on the government to speed up actions that will proffer permanent solutions to the challenge, set up a taskforce made up of representatives of all stakeholders to strategise on ways of resolving the challenge.

    Ajayi-Kadir also suggested the need to immediately free the roads and ease the current pressure on all the stakeholders operating on the maritime value chain.

    A tanker driver, Mutiu Ismail recalled what happened on the day President Buhari came to Lagos. He said they were sent to their parks, which they knew would not last as their daily existence depends on their visibility on the roads. He said they have little or no choice than to pack the way they do to seek visibility and prospect for customers, who either want to lift containers from the ports or export their goods.

    Asked if his association knows the dangers they pose to motorists he responded that this is a case of survival and that the government and other relevant stakeholders know the solution to the problem but has refused to take the bull by the horn.

    He said though a section of the public may have seen them as nuisance, he alleged that they are being made to part with sizeable amount of money on a daily basis by various security agencies, who claim ignorant of what the other arm is doing.

    Another tanker driver, who does not want his name in print, said the public should rather blame the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) for the chaos, claiming that they only work for two hours everyday and wondered how it should allowed by government.

    He said: “When this public institution work for two hours and shut their gates, these containers cannot get inside the port, and in the process they block tanker drivers, who are on their way to various tank farms in Apapa port and environs. When these containers block tanker drivers, will our members climb over them to go into the tank farms?” He added that setting up task force is not the solution to the problem, but just a palliative measure.

    Mrs. Yemi George, who works on Victoria Island and lives in Surulere, lamented the stress goes through everyday to navigate the tankers on the road and bridges. She said she is not the only in this precarious situation and pleaded with government and all stakeholders to consider the plight of commuters who are constrained to go through this on a daily basis.

  • Sanwo-Olu celebrates valentine with Lagosians

    Lagos State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday marked the Valentine’s Day with residents at an event tagged “A Passion to Serve”.

    The event held in five locations – Abule Egba, Festac, Ikeja, Surulere, and Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS).

    Sanwo-Olu, with his running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, promised their commitment to birth a greater Lagos that would ensure the prosperity of residents. He also shared roses and other gifts with attendees.

    The campaign featured music, dance competitions and pretty ladies in red, addressed as ‘Sanwo Angels’, handing out roses to Lagosians.

    At Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu reiterated that health, cleaner and safer environment, traffic management and transportation, security, as well as improved economy, would be prioritised among other laudable programmes his administration would offer the people.

    He said: “From the creative energies of our youths, the spirit of enterprise in our land, to the wisdom of our elders, I am persuaded a greater Lagos is possible. There could not have been a better day for me to tell you of my love to serve you than today.”

    The candidate promised that his administration will be committed to reducing travel time and increasing per capita productivity for Lagosians by improving infrastructures, such as road, rail and water transportation.

    “Our major healthcare plan is to improve access and affordability through comprehensive health insurance and improve primary and secondary health facilities. And for our environment, LAWMA’s waste management system will be upgraded for better service delivery, while we implement measures to turn waste to wealth and ensure a clean and healthy environment in Lagos,” he added.

     

  • Why Lagosians should not vote for Atiku, by Tinubu

    • Says state suffered under Obasanjo/Atiku regime
    • Buhari : No looter would go unpunished
    • Oshiomhole: Election is battle between rich and poor

    The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, yesterday told the people of Lagos State that the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, is undeserving of their votes in Saturday’s election for working against their wellbeing during his tenure as Vice President.

    Tinubu, speaking at the presidential campaign rally of the APC at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, said the then President Olusegun Obasanjo and his deputy, Atiku, subjected Lagos State to unnecessary suffering, and it is now pay back time for the PDP candidate.

    President Muhammadu Buhari, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the APC, said at the rally that   his administration owed Nigerians a duty to continue to send corrupt people to jail, and vowed that it would not relent in doing that.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said the Buhari government would focus on jobs creation and provision of  electricity and infrastructure if re-elected while the national chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole warned about the danger inherent in voting the PDP into power.

    Tinubu, who described the rally as a celebration of democracy, said: “Lagos is sure, very sure about voting for APC under the broom revolution.

    “The party chairman, (Tunde) Balogun, has catalogued Buhari’s achievements. Buhari did not make empty promises. You could see action.”

    Tracing the history of Lagos from 1999, the former governor said the people had struck a deal with the progressives, adding that they cannot endorse the PDP that has not catered for their interest.

    Continuing, he said: “We have had progressive governments in Lagos since 1999. We have provided education and quality health. We were the first to pay WAEC fees of students. We catered for poor women and widows. I handed over to Babatunde Fashola. I asked him a question: ‘what will happen, if you are elected governor?’ He said: ‘Lagos will not spoil.’

    “Obasanjo then came. We thought there was no way for a revolutionary economy without the Independent Power Project (IPP). I introduced IPP. He and Atiku opposed it. I went to court. My lawyer was Osinbajo. I won and we started generating 300 megawatts. If they had allowed IPP, Dunlop, Michelin would not have moved out of Nigeria.

    “Look at our roads and the traffic density. Obi (Peter) said he will create jobs. But, he has not been able to make brake pads and wheel spanners for vehicles. He said we should go and extend our ports in Benin Republic. I call that container economy; Obi China.”

    Tinubu asked the crowd: ‘how many of you are with your PVCs?’ The people replied by raising up their hands. Then, he conducted what he described as voter education that will make them pass the ‘INEC exam’ on Saturday, urging Lagosians to gird their loins.

    His words: “Get to the polling booth early in the morning. Take your food. Go there. Tell people you want to teach PDP and Atiku, the stubborn guy, a lesson. Give your PVC to them. If the card reader is not working, rub your finger. If they say no, don’t leave. It is your day.

    “After clearing you, study the ballot paper. Some of the parties have collapsed, 73 parties on the ballot. The space will be small. Use your index fingers. Go to the ink. Look for the broom symbol. Don’t put your finger on the broom. That is void vote. Vote and wait until they count the votes. If you use too much ink, it will spread to another party. That is INEC WAEC.”

    To the youths and students Tinubu said: “There are reasons you should vote for the APC. They accuse the vice president because we are helping the poor. The poor people need help. It is not a crime to help them. “When it was their turn, they shared the money. Their SURE-P was Chop-P. They chopped the money. That was why Buhari started the TSA. Today, the money is being shared between capital projects and salaries.

    “Atiku said he will create jobs. They were shutting down industries. They dissolved the Airways. It was Buhari that paid their pensions. The money should be spent on education, infrastructural development and job creation. PDP sent Michelin, Dunlop and Siemens out of the country. They want to take the money and businesses to their friends in Europe and America.”

    Tinubu welcomed foreign observers to the country, urging them to stick to their primary assignment.

     

    He said: “Observe, write your report and go home. This is our democracy. We are watching Trump and China.”

    The former governor described Obasanjo as a master rigger, whose legacies in office were electoral fraud.

    “CNN asked the late President Umaru Yar’Adua about election. He said the election that brought him to power was severely flawed. Who conducted the election? Obasanjo is the greatest election rigger. He has expired. Confine him to the dustbin,” he said.

    Also speaking, President Buhari yesterday reiterated his commitment to the anti-graft battle, vowing that corrupt politicians would continue to be sent to jail.

    “This is our duty, this is our responsibility and I assure you we will continue to do it,” he said, adding: “I assure you, whoever is entrusted (with public property), his primary responsibility is to account for it.

    “If the proper thing is not done, we will eventually get a hold of them, take away what they have stolen and get them in prison.

    He also promised to fulfill his campaign promises, if re-elected in next Saturday’s election, urging Lagosians to vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates “from top to bottom.”

    The president, who stormed the venue around 2.45 pm, was excited at the crowd that had waited for him from sunrise.

    For him, the visit to the stadium was historic. He and other party leaders were seized by nostalgic feelings. Four years ago, President Buhari had defeated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar at the APC presidential primary held at the venue.

    It was a carnival-like rally. Security was tight. Party supporters outside the stadium were more that those inside the main bowl. Thrilling the crowd were ace musicians-Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde, Lady Queen and ‘Small Doctor.’ Party faithful, who came from the 57 councils, mixed with other party supporters and followers-representatives of the entertainment industry, Community Development Associations (CDAs), women groups, youth associations and students.

    President Buhari and other party leaders, including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, National Chairman Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Presidential Campaign Council Co-chairman Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Campaign Director Rotimi Amaechi, and Minister of Power, Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola, spoke on the achievements of the APC-led government in the last three and half years at the  rally.

    At the venue were Lagos State Deputy Governor Idiat Adebule; Nigeria’s Ambassador to United States Justice Oguntade; former   APC Interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, Afenifere chieftains, led by Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Governors Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) Gboyega Oyetola (Osun); and Godwin Obaseki (Edo), APC National Deputy Chairman (South) and former Ekiti State Governor Adeniyi Adebayo, National Auditor Chief George Moghalu, National Treasurer Adamu Fanda, National Welfare Secretary Ibrahim Masari, Legal Adviser babatunde Ogala, Vice Chairman (Southwest) Pastor Bankole Oluwajana, Vice Chairman (Northeast) Emma Enukwu, Vice Chairman (Southsouth) Ntifam Ita and National Youth Leader Sadiq Abubakar.

    Other chieftains include former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Lagos State Deputy Governor Tawa Orelope-Adefulire, Lagos State APC Chairman Tunde Balogun, former Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda, Chief Olusola Oke, Bala Usman, Interior Minister Gen. Abdulsalam Dambazau, House of Representatives members Tony Nwoye, Rotimi Agunsoye, Babajide Benson, and James Faleke; Lagos State APC Governorship Advisory Council (GAC) members-Dr. Abayomi Finnih, Chief Olumuyiwa Sosanya, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, Chief Lanre Rasak, Chief Rabiu Oluwa, Chief Muftau Taiwo, Chif Mutiu Aare, former House of Assembly Speaker Yemi Ikuforiji, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat.

    Others include Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Senator Muniru Muse, Ayo Afolabi, Festus Keyamo, Lagos APC secretary, Dr Wale Ahmed, Publicity Secretary Comrade Joe Igbokwe, his deputy, Abiodun Salami, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Rotimi Abiru, Tayo Ayinde, Tunde Braimoh and Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who were masters of ceremony.

    The highlights of the campaign was the handing of party flags by Oshiomhole to the Lagos State governorship candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos Central senatorial candidate Senator Oluremi Tinubu, her Lagos West and East counterparts-Senator Solomon Adeola and Sikiru Osinowo, and House of Representatives flag bearers who were represented by the Majority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila (Surulere Constituency).

    Thanking Lagosians for their patience and commitment, the president said: “I thank you very much for defying the weather to be with us. I don’t think there is much to add to what the Minister of Works and Housing, the Minister of Transport and the vice-president has said. I thank you very much and I can assure you that the promise we have made in 2015 to those who elected us, we have fulfilled.

    “We have made enormous progress in reviving the economy, on security and fighting corruption. I assure you that we will collect what they have stolen and send them to prison. This is our duty. This is our responsibility and I assure you that we are going to do it.”

    Osinbajo, who spoke in Yoruba, said Buhari will provide three things, if re-elected. These, he said, are jobs, electricity and infrastructure, including roads and railway.

    He thanked the president for making ‘June 12’ Democracy day and a holiday, in commemoration of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential polls and the injustice of annulment.

    He added: “All these are easy, if we vote for Buhari. They don’t want Buhari to remain in office because he is opposed to corruption. Buhari made June 12 Democracy Day. When he was minister, three of the four refineries were built. The longest pipeline routes were constructed. He has built roads and he is doing railway. On February 16, use your index fingers to vote for Buhari.”

    Oshiomhole said Nigeria had been beset with leadership failure in the past, advising Nigerians not to return PDP to power.

    He said a huge gap exists between President Buhari, who is fighting corruption, and Atiku, who has promised to give amnesty to treasury looters.

    The party chairman also chided the PDP candidate for promising to enrich his friends, instead of fighting poverty.

    He challenged Atiku to tell the people what he has done for the Southwest, particularly Osun State where his wife hails from, adding that there is no single borehole there to his credit.

    Oshiomhole also said Atiku’s running mate, Obi, cannot match Buhari’s running mate, Osinbajo, who is a professor of law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

    Oshiomhole said he is very confident that the Nigerian people will vote for President Buhari, because they have no reason to bring PDP back to power. He said in three and half years that the APC has surpassed the achievements of the PDP in 16 years.

    He said in 16 years the PDP brought poverty, corruption and mismanagement. He said for those who say there is no difference between the APC and the PDP, “we have a president that says Nigeria must work for Nigerians, unlike the PDP that believes Nigeria must work for the rich”.

    Oshiomhole said it is interesting to note that the PDP that believes Tradermoni and Marketmoni is a waste of money has so many members that took loan from the bank and defaulted during their time and the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) had to bail them out.

    He said the Lagos example has demonstrated that a state and its people would succeed when it is united by sheer commitment to embark on sustainable growth and development.

    He added: “Not many would remember that there was a time in Lagos when they had to deploy a colonel, Col. Paul Tarfa, to use horse whip to control traffic. That was the time when odd and even number vehicles plied  the road on different days. This was because Lagos was not working then; today Lagos is the centre of infrastructure.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Lagosians will vote for govt of continuity, says lawmaker

    Tunde Braimoh, lawyer and member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, is seeking re-election. He spoke with Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU on his plans for Kosofe Constituency 11, issues that will shape the governorship poll and why Lagosians will retain the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in power.

    Why are you seeking for a second term in the Lagos State House of Assembly?

    I am seeking for a fresh term because the legislative job is not like the executive. The constitution allows as many terms as possible. The constitution does not limit the number of times a person can be elected as a legislator. It is something like wine that gets better with age. It is knowledge base. You have to acquaint yourself with. Lawmaking is like law practice. You don’t train for law making in Nigeria; you train on the job. I study law in my university and the law school and I had to learn in a chamber as a pupil lawyer before I became a principal counsel on my own. But, you acquire knowledge and experience as a legislator and you have to use them for the benefit of your constituency.

    So, I am seeking election because I have experience to offer. I am preconscious. Without being immodest, I have been a lawyer. I have served as an executive chairman of local government. I know about the procedures of law making and governance. I know the rules. There is a message and there is a messenger. Just like the court room, the parliament has a procedure. It is a hallowed chamber and it is highly procedural. I know the procedures very well, having participated at the local government and the House of Assembly. It will do my constituency a lot of good, if I employ the knowledge and experience for the benefit of the constituency. The longer a legislator stays in office, the better fir the constituency and the House. It is not that somebody should be there permanently. Even, in America, legislators stay for a long time in parliament. During our trip, we met the Clerk of a parliament of the State of Georgia. He said he was born in 1963 and there is a legislator who was elected in 1961. He has been there before he was born and the legislator is still there. Nigeria has not advanced to that level. But, we have had legislators who have done fifth term, fourth term consecutively. They earn respect, even if they do not occupy any position in the House. They are bastion of experience and knowledge. Most of the time, the parliamentary offices are reserved for ranking members. The more experienced, the move versatile legislators are for the benefit of constituency. It will be a great disservice to my constituency if I do one term and run away. I am not standing on the pedestal of experience, pedestal of encounter and pedestal of familiarity with the tenets and procedures of the parliament.

    In the last four years, what are your major achievements as a member of the House of Assembly, in terms of contributions on the floor, sponsoring of motions, resolutions and bills?

    We have to be careful. We have to be modest. It is not possible for somebody to say that he, singularly, sponsored motions, or passed bills. That will be very realistic. That will be against the spirit if democracy with which we work in the House of Assembly. You can introduce a bill or sponsor a motion. But, yiu need lobbying to convince others. You may have your say, majority will have their way. If your message is good and you as a messenger you don’t know how to push it, there will be problem. I have contributed very well and my colleagues can bear witness. But, I won’t like to arrogate to myself some things. As the Chairman of House Committee on Media and Security, many motions on the security of Lagos were passed. The governor acted upon them. So many reforms on the judiciary of Lagos were carried out and still on-going. I have done things jointly with my colleagues, particularly the Speaker, who has given me the opportunity to serve. He is a factor in the House and an experienced legislator. He has impacted on me. When we were working on the Neighbourhood Watch Bill, it was initiated by him actually. But, I had to drive it as Chairman of the Security Committee. I worked with him personally and officially. I contribute to every debate and in a positive light.

    I always articulate the problems of my constituency in the House and other issues that concern my constituency; security, welfare. There was an accident waiting to happy, a bridge was about to collapse in Isheri. Once I get an information about any issue, I act on it.

    What are your second term campaign promises?

    My campaign promise is to further entrench the principles of democracy whereby a leader should be a servant. A public office is a public trust. Nobody is good enough to lead another person without the consent of the person. I believe in servant-leadership, especially when you are a legislator. The five broad functions of legislature are represent, legislate, make laws, do appropriation; to allocate resources, and do oversight on the executive functions. Representation is first; it comes before legislation. Before you legislate, you must represent. The issues of safety and security of the constituency are very important. All the things that affect the security, welfare and abundance of life of the people of Kosofe Constituency 11 are paramount to me. It is not all issues that are treated at the plenary. Others are tackled at the inter-ministerial level and inter-governmental arms relations. I can go to whatever office to get solutions to the problems of my people. Even, those under executive functions, I go there to get solutions. I write letters, I make contacts, I visit. That is why I am elected. So, the work is not about grandstanding or to answer chief, honourable, doctor, alhaji, otunba. It is very easy to adopt titles. But, what is important is how you are able to discharge the functions of your office. When you receive calls, an average of five persons are asking for money. You won’t say you won’t respond. You give the ones you can give. That is one of the peculiarities and idiosyncrasies of our society. They believe that legislators are loaded and should be able to support. Of course, you do what you can do within the limit of your ability. You have to show sympathy and care. If you go to MDAs and you see opportunities for your people, you take the advantages. What you cannot do, let the people understand that you cannot do it. If an area is been vilified or under the scourge of violence or armed robbery, you raise an alarm. If a community is being cut off from facilities, you intervene.

    If I am re-elected, it will give me a leverage. By getting more entrenched, no contact is lost; no knowledge is wasted. All these will be used to the advantage of the people of Kosofe. My people know that I have the ability and the zeal to serve. I will not let them down. I will continue to be their servant, not their master. I am not a boss. I am deputy to them. I will do more. I will do better. Their wants, aspirations, yearnings and challenges will be my preoccupation in the House.

    What is the level of confidence you have; that you will be able to beat your PDP rival at the poll?

    I am a modest person. I don’t underrate anybody. A contest is a contest. It is easier for people to vote against you than to vote for you. It is very easy to vote against you. They don’t need any conviction. They don’t want to hear anything from you. It is can be anybody, except you. But, for them to vote for you, you need to convince people in democracy. You need to warm your way into the hearts of the people. I fear a situation where people will vote against me. When people don’t vote against you, when they vote for you, you are lucky.

    Read also Zamfara: APC not eligible to field candidates – INEC insists

    If you want to talk about experience, stability, I don’t want to start comparing myself with people. It will be immodest, unfair. I just want to talk about issues that are involved. I have told you what I want to do for my people. People can interrogate those who are contesting against me. I have done debate before. Pentecostal pastors organised one before and they were able to make up their minds. I have the experience. I have been local government chairman in 1999. I have been in politics for a while. I am not struggling to build a house now. I am not struggling to own a car. I am not struggling to fix myself. But, if may sound immodest. If you want to be a big man, you can be a big man in your house. If you want to serve people, you can’t know more than the people you are serving. You cannot be bigger than the people you are serving.  I am just happy serving the people. I am not unemployed at all. It is my choice to be in public life. I wanted to quit before. But, we can’t turn our back to public life. Even, as a lawyer, I used to be in the midst of people. I like assisting people. I will not like to compare myself to other candidates. If they are not qualified, they would not have come out. It is the beauty of democracy. There is need for opposition in democracy. Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely. Contest makes you to prepare well. I commend those people who have the temerity, the courage to contest. Opposition is a veritable tool on democracy. If there is no opposition, there will be no democracy. I tried to reach out to the electorate. I have my own style. By the grace of God, I will be elected to serve. We are just building democracy. The military has been in power fir long; between 1966 and 1979, 1984 and 1990, quasi-military, quasi-democracy between 1990 and 1993, between 1993 and 1999. This is the longest time we are having democracy. It was rough in 1999. Now, electorate are more politically conscious. They know what they want. Power belongs to the people.

    What are the issues that will shape the next governorship election in Lagos State?

    It is not about sentiments. Without being immodest, with all sense of objectivity, the governments of AD, AC, ACN, and APC have performed wonders in Lagos State. The account for the outstanding position of Lagos State in the comity of states. A vehicle breaks down. Before you know it, the Rapid Response Unit will tow it to your house, free of charge. A vehicle plunged into the river in my constituency here, at Owode Elede. Nobody died because of the response of the unit. They rescued all. They pulled out the vehicle and everybody survived. Government is truly functional in Lagos. Lagos has the highest VAT contribution to Abuja. Lagos has been progressively functioning since the days of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. When the Federal Government left Lagos State for Abuja, Lagos was becoming comatose. Other states were overtaking Lagos. Lagos was lagging behind. When Asiwaju came in, he was able to revolutionalise the state. Asiwaju was able to initiate new things. Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode built on the achievements by the grace of God. Asiwaju is a hunter for talents. There are other leaders in the GAC. Look at the people Lagos State has ‘exported’ to Abuja. One is gratified that they are worthy representatives-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), Babatunde Fashola and Fowler. Very exceptionally exemplary. It is ironical that many things are being done in the Southsouth and Southeast, which is not being appreciated.

    I want to appeal to the good people of Lagos not to truncate the wheel of progress. We have not seen anything yet. We can’t begin to experiment again. We have a road map. We have a charter. Nobody can rule Lagos and stat making unnecessary mistakes. There is a standard. Even, in the House of Assembly, there is a standard. You must be a competent person to be able to make a mark. It is just one of the manifestations of Lagos as a state. Let’s be objective. Compare Lagos to other states. I want to appeal to our people to continue to give us the support to always make Lagos great.

  • Christmas: Osinowo felicitates with Lagosians

    The senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos East, Bayo Osinowo, has urged Christians to pray for the country to overcome its security, political and socio-economic challenges. He said this in a Christmas goodwill message made available to newsmen by his media team at the weekend.

    Osinowo, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, urged Christians to remember the indigents, the sick and the homeless across the state in prayers.

    The APC chieftain reassured Lagosians of the state government’s commitment to making life better for the people of the state during and after the yuletide season. He pleaded for peaceful celebrations during the Christmas period. “During his earthly sojourn, Jesus Christ repeatedly reminded his disciples and followers of peace that comes in the midst of trials and tribulations on earth,” he said.

    “Faithful adherence to the virtues of Jesus Christ, including love, unity, sacrifice and peaceful coexistence, which constitute the fundamental ingredients for development of any nation and will lead to the growth and stability of Lagos State in particular and Nigeria as a whole. Christians should use this period as one for sober reflection on the acute challenges facing us all to see how they could apply the virtues of Jesus Christ in fashioning out workable solutions,” he pleaded.

    The lawmaker, who has been giving out cash and food items to indigent people across the senatorial district in the spirit of the season, said “the spirit of sharing is an African tradition that generates happiness and ensures social stability in the absence of a formal social security mechanism that caters for the less-privileged in our society. It is therefore important that we use this season to give to those in need, like Christ did.”

     

  • Edgal alleges politicians are importing thugs for 2019 elections

    Lagos Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal yesterday raised the alarm on the importation of thugs by unscrupulous politicians ahead of next year’s elections.

    He spoke at a lunch by the University of Jos (UNIJOS) Alumni, at Airport Hotel, Ikeja.

    According to him, intelligence report showed that most of the thugs were from Niger Republic.

    He urged the public to inform the police whenever they noticed strange faces in their neighbourhoods. According to him, crime has reduced in Lagos following the introduction of community policing.

    The police chief said: “Intelligence report available to us indicates that some unscrupulous politicians are importing strange people into the state, to use them as hoodlums.

    “We cannot wish away these reports, so we must call on the public to help us verify. This is why we are urging them to be vigilant and report strange faces in their midst.

    “At the last inter-agency security meeting I organised, the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) said they seized over 1,000 Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) from aliens. So, it is not like we do not have them. These foreigners are in our midst and we must join hands to locate them and flush them out.”

    Edgal said the intelligence showed that Alimosho, Apapa, Alaba Rago, Idi-Araba, Badagry, Epe and Ikorodu axis could be harboring the thugs.

    “This is like a wake-up call to people on the need for more vigilance during this election period. If they notice influx of persons, they must alert security agencies immediately so that action can be taken,” he said.

    The command, Edgal said, averted a clash between herders and farmers in Badagry few months ago because the residents volunteered information.

    He said a senior security officer’s wife brought in herdsmen from the north to graze her cattle, and the herders allowed the animals to stray into farmlands and destroy crops.

    “This led to a quarrel. The herders injured an indigene and the locals in turn held one of the herders hostage. Fortunately, we had community partnership with the people and information was urgently passed across.

    “I deployed policemen on the scene and thereafter, requested that all parties be brought before me for a meeting. I met them and we addressed the issue. So, it is as a result of community policing that we have not been faced with the challenge of killings caused by herders/farmers clashes.”

  • Sanwo-Olu won’t disappoint Lagosians, says Razak

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Chief Lanre Razak, has said the party’s governorship candidate, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, is a public sector expert in manpower development and policy formulation with great capacity to consolidate on the people-oriented policies and programmes of the state government.

    He said Sanwo-Olu would not disappoint the residents, if elected governor next year.

    Razak, a former Commissioner for Public Transportation, stated this in his congratulatory message to Sanwo-Olu on his victory at the recent governorship primary of the APC.

    He said the decision to field him against the incumbent Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was collectively taken by the party’s leadership and not the making of APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

    Expressing his confidence in the ability of the flag bearer to deliver democracy dividends in accordance with the ideals and manifesto of the party to Lagosians, Razak said Sanwo-Olu’s track record as a former banker and his rich experience in the public sector for many years, would come in handy to give the residents purposeful administration.

    He described Sanwo-Olu as a politician with the requisite capacity, experience and integrity to render selfless service for the greater welfare of the people.

    Razak said: “I am encouraged by the fact that our candidate has promised to accord priority attention to education, health, sanitation, proper tax levels, infrastructure, economic development, job creation, improved public services and to implement policies and programmes that will raise the quality of lives of the people.

    “There is no doubt that he has what it takes to succeed in governance since he has been a major player in the development architecture of the state since the administration of former Governor Bola Tinubu and the confidence of the members of the APC in him was aptly demonstrated during the recent governorship primary where he defeated his opponent.

    “I believe he has the capacity to unify the party, take the state to greatness and won’t take Lagosians for granted.”

    Reacting to insinuation that the candidate was imposed on members of the party, Razak insisted that the APC “under the dynamic leadership of Asiwaju Tinubu, the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) met and critically examined all the issues involved and agreed that the best man for the job of Lagos governor at this time is Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, given his sterling credentials and impeccable track record of service”.

    He added: “I want to appeal to the electorate in Lagos to accept our candidate and vote massively for him and other APC candidates during the elections next year because he is a loyal party man, honest and hardworking person ready to serve his fatherland and meet the aspirations of the generality of Lagosians. He is capable of taking the state to the next level of socio-economic development.

    “The people should view his emergence as the triumph of party supremacy and see the recent disagreement among APC members in the state as democracy in action. I urge members of our great party to put the past behind them and unite in order to defeat the opposition parties at the federal and state levels during the general elections in 2019.”

    Razak, who is also the Balogun General of Epe and a member of the GAC, hailed Asiwaju Tinubu for his leadership qualities, patriotism and immense contribution to the development of not only Lagos State but other parts of the country.

    He said: “We want to thank our great leader, Asiwaju Tinubu, for his vision, foresight and commitment to good governance. Those of us who are close to him can vouch the fact that the overall interest of Lagos State and the country has been his guiding principle in taking certain vital decisions that some people may not know why.”

    Razak also hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for his achievements, including the war against corruption, tackling security challenges, improving the economy and providing infrastructural facilities.

    He urged the electorate to re-elect him next year to consolidate the progress his administration has made so far.

     

  • ‘6,609,115 Lagosians eligible to vote in 2019’

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State has said 6, 609, 115 residents are eligible to vote in the 2019 general election.

    Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Mr. Sam Olumekun disclosed this yesterday at a workshop on Lagos State Election Security Strategic Plan for 2019 elections.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised by the Nigeria Policing Programme (NPP), in collaboration with INEC in Lagos State.

    Prince Adelani Asade, the administrative secretary of the commission, delivered Olumekun’s speech.

    Lagos State has 245 registration areas (wards), 8,462 polling units and 3669 voting points across the 20 local governments.

    Olumekun said security is key to holding a successful election.

    According to him, “6, 609, 115 eligible Nigerians registered to vote during the 2019 general election in the state.

    “I am grateful to NPP for organising this important and timely workshop on election security, considering the role of good security structure in conducting a peaceful and successful general election in 2019.

    “It is crucial to say that with 91 parties and about 74 million voters geared to take informed decision and action at the general election in 2019, the security of election officials, materials and the electorate is of utmost importance to the commission.

    “Indeed, security is key to the conduct of credible elections. INEC in Lagos is proud of partnering NPP at this most auspicious time in the electoral cycle,” Olumekun said.

    The INEC commissioner hailed the NPP and hoped that the workshop would give the commission the opportunity to review, reflect, brainstorm and re-engineer its security structure and strategy.

    He said the commission’s proactive attitude on security informed regular meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election security where matters concerning security before, during and after elections were discussed.

    Olumekun said INEC would improve on the conduct of elections in 2019.

    NPP representative Mr Emeka Ukaotu said INEC would need to develop its election security management plan.

  • 6,609,115 Lagosians eligible to vote in 2019, says INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State  said  6, 609, 115  residents were eligible to vote in the 2019 General Elections in the state.

    Mr. Sam Olumekun, the Resident Electoral Commissioner  disclosed this  at a  workshop on Lagos State Election Security Strategic Plan for 2019 Elections.

    The workshop was organised by Nigeria Policing Programme (NPP) in collaboration with INEC in Lagos State.

    Prince Adelani Asade, the Administrative Secretary of the commission delivered Olumekun’s speech at the workshop.

    Lagos state has  245 Registration Areas (Wards), 8,462 polling units, and 3669 voting points across the 20 Local Governments of the state and  Olumekun agreed  that  security is key to holding a successful election.

    “6, 609, 115 eligible Nigerians registered to vote during the 2019 general elections in the state.

    ” I am profoundly grateful to NPP for organising this very important and timely workshop on elections security considering the role of good security structure in the conducting a peaceful and successful general elections in 2019.

    ” It is crucial to say that with 91 political parties and about 74 million voters geared to take informed decision and action at the general elections in 2019, the security of election officials, materials, and the electorate is of utmost importance to the commission.

    “Indeed, security is key to the conduct of credible elections. INEC in Lagos is truly proud of partnering with NPP at this most auspicious time in the electoral cycle, ” Olumekun said.

    The INEC commissioner  commended the NPP and hoped that the workshop would give the commission the opportunity to review, reflect, brainstorm, and re-engineer its security structure and strategy.

    He added that the commission’s proactiveness on security, had informed regular meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election security where matters concerning security before, during and after elections were discussed.

    Olumekun said INEC would improve on the conduct of elections in 2019.

    In his goodwill message, the representative of NPP, Mr Emeka Ukaotu said that INEC would need to develop its election security management plan.

    According to him, some factors  needed to be considered  by INEC in developing the plan. These  include relevant intelligence and information about locations and assessment of vulnerability.

    He urged  INEC to  also consider previous history of electoral offences or allegations associated with the geographical area.

    Ukaotu said the commission should also consider the potential for offences to be committed as a result of lack of policing, ill-prepared local authority, complacency and political culture.

  • We’re used to dirty naira notes, say Lagosians

    Some residents of Lagos State yesterday said they have come to terms with the dirty and multilated naira notes in circulation, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    They told NAN that clean naira notes were hard to come by nowadays.

    Miss Ekene Okugba said she had not seen new naira notes in over two years.

    “I’m used to seeing and receiving dirty notes, so I have got used to it. I can’t remember the last time I received clean naira notes from anywhere.

    “Even Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) dispense dirty notes, so we have all got used to it not because we like it, but because we don’t have a choice.

    A trader, Miss Damilola Ajayi, said she was used to accepting mutilated notes from customers.

    “Most customers always come with dirty notes but what can I do than to accept it from them. I can’t drive them away because of some dirty notes.

    “Even when you go to the bank to get money, you will be given dirty notes. I can’t remember the last time I saw neat notes; that is really a scarce commodity.

    “The most important thing is that it can be accepted whenever l spend it, so I’m fine with it,” she said.

    Mr Timi Alawode, a public servant, urged the authorities to address the situation which, he described as worrisome.

    “People in this country always settle for less and that’s why we can tolerate some certain kind of things which should not be.

    “The Central Bank of Nigeria should address the situation by sanctioning erring banks that give out dirty notes to the public.