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Tag: promises

  • Olujimi promises to attract investors

    A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Senator Biodun Olujimi, has promised to attract investors, if she wins the July 14 poll.

    Olujimi said her administration will crete a conducive environment for local and foreign investors thrive.

    The senator spoke through the Director-General of her campaign organization, Chief Bunmi Olugbade, at a party function in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

    Olujimi said investment by the private sector will create more jobs and boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

    She said investors can seize the opportunities in agriculture, mining, education, commerce, industrialization, tourism and cottage industries.

    The aspirant said Ekiti has a comparative advantage in agriculture, especially in the production of rice, cassava and cocoa.

    Mrs. Olujimi promised to invest in the production of local rice to produced packaging and sale of local rice on a large commercial scale.

    She said investment in agriculture, mining and other sectors will create jobs for the teeming youths.

    The Senate Minority Whip noted that she has the requisite experience to occupy the governor’s seat urging the delegates and the electorate to entrust her with their votes.

    Olujimi said her experience as a former commissioner, House of Representatives member, deputy governor and a principal officer in the Senate had prepared her for the  job.

    She appealed to delegates to choose her as the PDP flag bearerduring the May 8 primary to turn around the fortunes of the state.

    She described the PDP as a better platform to make Ekiti greater and bring more dividends of democracy to the people.

  • Adewale promises to create 14,000 jobs

    A governorship aspirant on the platform of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Otunba Segun Adewale,  said his vision is to turn around the economic fortunes of the state for good and stamp out poverty.

    Adewale, an entrepreneur, philanthropist and a grassroots politician has expressed confidence that his government when voted into power will not fail the people.

    He has assured that all salary earners and pensioners will first be taken care of, by settling all the money owed to them by the Fayose’s government, stressing that Ekiti as presently constituted is a salary powered economy.

    Adewale said Fayose is not doing the workers any favour by paying their salaries. He argued that it’s their right and not a privilege and that prompt payment of salaries and pensions will enable a free flow of cash in the economy. He said: “The purchasing power of the people will increase, the local economy will boom and government will not find it difficult to apply fair taxes where necessary.”

    The aspirant said he will create not less than 14,000 new business owners through entrepreneurship training yearly. He believes that the 14,000 business owners will also employ at least five people each which will have a multiplier effect on job creation and take the youths out of the streets.

    Adewale has spoken passionately about the lessons that every state should learn from China, by focusing more on creating village-level enterprises, quality health services and educational facilities. He says that he is passionate about small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) because, for him, that is the bedrock of any economy.

    He has also promised to set up vocational skill acquisition centres in each of the three senatorial districts where any person of 20 years and above, irrespective of their educational status, can receive training in a specific career field. Adewale who is sure of picking up the ADP ticket said he is going to think outside the box, because his government would not employ everyone, but can equip everyone to succeed in their own unique way.

    Explaining further, he said it will not be business as usual, “because to take the people out of poverty and unemployment, there has to be a radical approach applied; thus all the trainees will be fully supported from day one.”

    Adewale said the over N14b the Fayose-led government wasted on a 1.5 km bridge should have been invested directly into the lives of Ekiti people especially the youth.

    The ADP aspirant said he will make Ekiti a leading state by converting the skills of the people into a resource that is capable of making it one of most economically viable in the country.

    He said international organisations such as the United Nations, the Ford Foundation and the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) are ready to support the entrepreneurship drive of the state and that his government will tap into every available opportunity to make Ekiti a model state.

  • Oni will fulfil promises, says aide

    Oni will fulfil promises, says aide

    The Director-General of Segun Oni Campaign Organisation (SOCO) in Ekiti State, Dr. Ifeoluwa Arowosoge, has assured the people that the former governor will deliver his campaign promises to Ekiti residents, if given the opportunity to serve again.

    A statement yesterday by the campaign’s media aide, Mr. Steve Alabi, said Oni spoke when he hosted some All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders and members from the 16 councils.

    Oni, who was Ekiti State governor between 2007 and 2010, is seeking re-election on the platform of the APC.

    Arowosoge said Oni had been receiving calls from interest groups like teachers, civil servants, local government workers, retirees, as well as youth and women, to take another shot at the governorship, given his performance between 2007 and 2010.

    He recalled that Oni championed the cause for peaceful co-existence and provided social services and education during his first tenure.

    The former governor’s aide urged the electorate to always ensure that politicians fulfil their promises.

  • Ikpeazu: I‘m fulfilling my campaign promises

    Ikpeazu: I‘m fulfilling my campaign promises

    Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the achievements and constraints of Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in his bid to implement his campaign promises. 

    Expectations were high in Abia State almost three years ago when Okezie Ikpeazu, a former university don, succeeded former Governor Theodore Orji. The state was just trying to find its feet, owing to its slow pace of development. The infrastructure battle has not been won and residents demanded a new lease of life.

    The governor inherited many challenges, which he wanted to tackle immediately. He was determined to make a difference. His priority was the provision of essential social amenities to guarantee improved welfare and boost trading activities. Also, he had a commitment towards safeguarding security. But, the cloud of uncertainty did not fizzle out in time. The poll that brought him to power was inconclusive. Abia is not known for any politics of affection. Gladiators are always at war before, during and after elections. The governor’s attention was somehow distracted by protracted litigations, which later ended in his favour in court.

    During his inauguration, Ikpeazu urged Abians to be hopeful. He also advised them to make sacrifice for the state as the country was facing hard times. Noting that raising and spending of money is the task of governance, called for a paradigm shift in income generation. Ikpeazu said while optimization of government spending should be accompanied by significant internally revenue generation growth.

    The governor also said probity will be the watchword. “This government intends to be firm in plugging all revenue leakages alongside developing new channels. I call on all sons and daughters of Abia to key into this by ensuring that they fulfill their statutory obligation to pay all their taxes timely.

    “We will restructure our Inland Revenue Service to become a strategic contributory parastatal in the actualization of our vision for Abia. We will bring private sector competence and mindset to this agency, thus paving the way for significantly increased IGR levels. With this, our vision for better life for our people can be realised,” he stressed.

    The governor now has a good tale to tell, judging by his performance in the six critical sectors: agriculture, trade and commerce, oil and gas, education, health care delivery, and infrastructure development. “We have lived up to expectation by delivering on our campaign promises. Our record and achievements speak for us in all the areas. Despite the financial constraints, we have made a big difference,’ Ikpeazu told eminent Nigerians who visited some of the project sites.

    Many of them testified that the state has become a huge construction site. Road construction is the vogue in the Southeast state. But, other sectors are not neglected. Reviewing the activities of the administration, Works Commissioner Hon. Eziuche Ubani said the people were satisfied with the giant strides. If performance will be a yardstick for re-election, he said Ikpeazu has no cause to worry. “We are not worried about the next election. This governor has been working,” added the former House of Representatives member.

    The distribution of the road projects reflects the senatorial spread. The commissioner said Abia South has 35, Abia Central has 39 while Abia North has 13. Some of them are virgin roads. Many of them are handled by reputable foreign contractors; some are also handled by indigenous ones. But, Ubani the governor has always insisted on good standard. “No contract failure is tolerated. Proper agreements are signed with contractors,” he added.

    The Commissioner for Information, John Okiyi, explained that 10 kilometres of roads are constructed in each local government to open up rural areas and assist farmers to have access to the market. He said the roads inherited by the administration are not allowed to become abandoned projects.

    Under the first phase of the road projects, N6 billion was earmarked. Many of the projects are ready for commissioning. The goal is to promote trade and open up the communities. They include Idima-Abam, Ndi Oji/Ndi Okereke Bridge/Abam-Arochukwu, Ohafia Ring Road, Abariba-Nkporo, Abariba Ring Road, Eluama in Isuikwata, Nkpa, and Owerrinta-Egbelu Mbutu. Others are Umuala, Adaelu, Umuode, Umuechilegbu, Umule, Kamalu, Ovom, Owerri Road (off Okigwe), Ochefu, Weeks Street, Aba, and the six-lane Port Harcourt Road. Excited at the completion of the road in his ward at Isialangwu South Council, the Leader of the Council Parliament, Chief Chidi Nwotie, praised the governor for his rural development project. He said: “The road has opened a lot of opportunities for the people of the area. The governor does not need to give the people rice, salt or anything again before they vote for him in next election.”

    The Ndioji-Ndiokereke Bridge stands out among the projects. It links the rest of the state with Arochukwu and Abam, the home of rubber and cocoa plantations, and the agricultural hub of the state. House of Representatives member Hon. Nko Nkole, who represents the constituency, said the people were grateful for the project. The people of Arochukwu-Ofion Constituency will not forget this rare gesture,” added.

    Many of the infrastructural facilities are concentrated in Aba, the commercial hub. The construction of the road that lead to the Areare market has led to a free flow of traffic for the first time in 21 years.  The city is also benefiting from the urban renewal and street lightening projects of the administration. Ubani explained that it was deliberate, stressing that “if Aba is working, the state is working.” He said the governor was trying to restore the glory of the commercial capital. “We concentrate on Aba. Aba has suffered the dearth of infrastructure. Everybody in the state is connected to Aba. It is the economic hub. Many people from all over the state live there. Anything you do in Aba is done for the entire state. Aba should be given special attention because it is the economic nerve centre,” he added.

    Also, efforts have been made to construct roads leading to other states. Abia is surrounded by seven states, which have built roads to the border towns. Thus, the governor decided to the roads that lead to these borders to enhance inter-state transportation.

    In Abia, agriculture is a core priority. This is in line with the diversification policy of the government. Farming is no longer perceived as the occupation of the uneducated. In fact, youth participation in agriculture has boosted employment. Agriculture Commissioner Uzor Azubike explained that, under the Fadama Project, N300 million has been released as grants to farmers. “We have also encouraged rice farming in the state and we are having rice mills for packaging, marketing, refining and polishing,” he added. The poultry village is being developed at Umuoza. To avert herdsmen/farmers rift, he said plans are underway to introduce native goat anching, adding that N1 million will be given to interested farmers as loan. “We are matching traditional and modern farming practices,” he added.

    Education is also been defended. Stakeholders have hailed the governor for school rehabilitation project and the supply of adequate education infrastructure. “372 primary and secondary schools are being renovated,” said Okiyi, who added: “Students and teachers deserve a conducive environment.”

    In Umuahia, the state capital, the Investment Building has been completed. It is an architecture for ensuring ease of doing business. Ubani said: “What is needed to set up a business-land matters, tax, rates, right of way-are there in one building. All the professionals are there to attend to businessmen and investors.”

  • ‘Wike is fulfilling his campaign promises’

    ‘Wike is fulfilling his campaign promises’

    The Rivers State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Felix Obuah, has called on the people to remain resolute in their support for the Governor Nyesom Wike-led administration, even as he continues to provide quality and credible leadership.

    A press statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Chairman on Media and Publicity, Mr. Jerry Needam, said Obuah made the remark at a reception for the All Progressives Congress (APC) members who defected to the PDP recently.

    The Chairman was said to have told the gathering that the good work of the governor is a testimony that he is indeed a ‘promise keeper’.

    Obuah, the statement said, recalled that Wike had during his campaigns ahead of the 2015 governorship election assured that his administration would bring development to all the nooks and crannies of the state. It added that the governor has not only kept those promises but has also performed beyond expectations.

    The statement said over 2000 members of both the APC and the Labour Party (LP) were received during the reception.

    Quoting Obuah it added: “Governor Wike has given to every Riversman and woman, a sense of pride.  Our state has been rebranded and we can now proudly showcase our identity as Rivers people, to the admiration of others.”

    The chairman urged the people to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration exercise and obtain their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) as according to him, it remains the only instrument needed to re-enact what they did in 2015 and return Wike to power again come 2019.

  • Ahmed promises 90 per cent budget implementation

    Ahmed promises 90 per cent budget implementation

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has promised that his administration remains resolute in achieving over 80 per cent budget implementation on capital projects.

    Ahmed, who spoke while inspecting ongoing projects in Ilorin yesterday, reaffirmed the government’s determination to bridge infrastructure deficit in the state.

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, said: “The administration achieved 70 per cent budget implementation last year and we are determined to achieve between 80 and 90 per cent this year.”

    He explained that infrastructure is key in facilitating socio-economic development, and promised that the government would not relevant in providing critical infrastructure for the development of Kwara State.

    The governor has commiserated with the Emir of Ilorin, the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), families and friends, on the death of Justice Saka Yusuf.

    The deceased was the state’s former chief judge.

    A statement by Oba described Justice Yusuf’s death as the exit of a fearless but God-fearing legendary legal luminary.

    The statement reads: “The late Justice Saka contributed his quota to the state and humanity within the opportunities available to him as a Chief Judge of the state and former National President of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU). No doubt, the exit of this legal icon will be missed by his family in particular and the state in general.”

    Ahmed prayed God to grant the deceased rest and the families, friends and the entire Emirate the fortitude to bear the loss.

  • Buhari has delivered on his promises –Abdullahi

    Buhari has delivered on his promises –Abdullahi

    Bolaji Abdullahi, former Minister of Sports and now national publicity secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), says it is wrong for anybody to say the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration has failed to fulfill the party’s electoral promises. In this interview with Dare Odufowokan, Assistant Editor, he cautioned prominent Nigerians against adding their voices to inciting statements ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    A PROMINENT voice from the north, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, has accused the APC of planning to rig the 2019 presidential election. What is your take on this?

    Allegations like these are very weighty and people should not just make them just like that. Our eminent persons must be wary of adding their voices to such statements. If I may ask, where are the evidences to back this claim? Can the person making this allegation provide detailed evidences or proof? He should be able to prove the statement before making it publicly.

    People should also learn to ask for detailed evidences when they hear or read statements like this. Most of these people making wild allegations probably have personal issues with Mr. President. I want to advise that they sort out such issues with him and leave the APC out of it. The APC will not need to rig election in 2019. The people voted for our party in 2015 massively. We are still relying on the same people to do it again in 2019.

    Specifically, he said the north will not vote for Buhari in 2019

    I am moved to ask if the person saying this is the spokesperson of the north. Or better still, I want to know which constituency of the north he is speaking for? Buhari is a northerner too. Is it the whole north that appointed him to speak for them? I think he should leave the issue of who the north will support for the people to decide. Elections are decided by the votes of the people, not personal opinions.

    The north voted for the APC in 2015 even when some statements like this were being made. The people decided otherwise based on their knowledge of the man Buhari and the party APC. So, I would rather say we allow the people to make their choice on who to vote for and who not to vote for. Again, I say this statement is a very personal opinion of just one individual. It does not in any way represent the opinion of the north as a people or geo-political zone.

    But would you also disagree with him on his claim that Buhari has failed to fulfil his campaign promises?

    Of course I disagree with him. The APC as a party campaigned with a manifesto and promised specific things. What did Buhari promise? Buhari promised the people to fight Boko Haram with seriousness. He promised to revive the economy and fight corruption. I want to ask you if he has not been tackling all these things. It is not enough for people with personal scores to settle with Mr. President to cast aspersion on the entire government.

    I take it that these are his personal opinions and nothing more than just that. Nigerians are the people to decide if the campaign promises are being fulfilled or not. They should be left to decide on that. The APC as a party is still very much loved by the good people of Nigeria who see the effort of the party at making life better for Nigerians. So, it is the people that can say whether the party is fulfilling its promises or not.

    Is it true that APC is incapable of moving Nigeria forward as some have observed?

    I still believe the APC can solve Nigeria’s problems. I must admit that there have been challenges. There are areas where things have not gone as expected. But largely, I believe the APC has the solution to Nigeria’s problems. The basis for saying this is not just because of the individuals in the party, but also because of my understanding of the philosophy of the party as expressed in its manifesto.

    APC is a party that was formed on the basis of solving identified problems confronting Nigeria and Nigerians. The philosophy of the party expresses consideration for the issues that are pertinent to Nigerians, whether it is the issue of poverty, social welfare, education or health. It is based on this that I believe the APC is the right party for Nigerians at this stage of our development.

    Again, I am cognisant of the fact that there have been challenges since we took over and a lot of things should be addressed consistently. I believe we are not where we should be at the moment, but APC is still the party that has the solution to Nigeria’s problems. With the support of Nigerians who have been very supportive of this administration since we took over, I am sure we will get there.

    Some people also said the crises in the APC will militate against its chances in the 2019 elections

    What people tend to describe as crises in APC are what I will call disagreements or misunderstandings which happen everywhere you find two or more people coming together to cohabit. I believe the party will in no time surmount all these cracks within its rank. These misunderstandings that you call crises will soon be a thing of the past and the APC will remain a formidable party.

    I repeat, what we have are just disagreements or misunderstandings. I think what has happened is that over the years there have been disagreements on a couple of things, which is bound to happen. A political party exists to manage tendencies and interests. I think, the prospects of realignment in terms of closing those gaps that we have at the moment is very strong.

    Today, things are no longer as they used to be because efforts have been made to address the misunderstandings. We are still talking among ourselves, and I believe we will overcome whatever misunderstanding or disagreement we might still find.

    President Buhari has also been accused of campaigning contrary to the provision of the electoral act

    Has the president started campaigning? I am not aware of that. As I said, we need evidences of these things so as to know how best to react to them. It is not enough to just make allegations. We need proofs.

    Dr. Junaid said the president campaigned in his new year message

    I didn’t notice that. Do you mean that President Buhari asked Nigerians to please vote for him in his new year message? I didn’t see that anywhere in that message. But if he did, I will like to be informed of where it is in the message. Even when there were reports about the appointment of a Campaign Director-General, the APC as a party said we were not aware of it.

    Buhari has not mounted the podium anywhere to seek for votes. The APC has not embarked on any form of campaign for him or anybody else. So, how is the electoral act being breached by the party or the president? Members of the APC are not complaining about the president jumping the gun. Junaid is not a member of the APC. That is why I said maybe he should sort out issues with Mr. President personally.

     

     

     

     

  • Ahmed promises good policies

    Ahmed promises good policies

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has promised to be more aggressive and people-centred in the pursuit of his policy of inclusiveness and shared prosperity in the New Year.

    In a New Year message by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, the governor thanked the people for their faith and commitment to peace, growth and development. He promised to rededicate himself to collective prosperity.

    The statement reads: “I’m determined and irreversibly committed to completing ongoing projects and providing equitable dividends of democracy, infrastructural development across the state.”

  • I’ve delievered on my campaign promises, says Benson

    I’ve delievered on my campaign promises, says Benson

    The lawmaker representing Ikorodu Constituency in the House of Representatives, Babajimi Benson, said he has delivered on all his campaign promises within two and half years in office.

    Benson told a large crowd of coordinators, supporters and other people from the constituency that he has implemented all the programmes he listed in his manifesto, which he presented to the people of the constituency during his campaign for their votes.

    The occasion was at the presentation of “iCare Apo Anu”, (a bag containing different kind of food) to 500 aged women and other persons to commemorate the one year anniversary of the iCare Foodbank  and the World Food Day.

    The iCare Foodbank is an initiative of Babajimi Benson’s iCare Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on the improvement of the quality of lives of every resident within Ikorodu Fedrral Constituency.

    Benson said not less than 3,800 residents have so far benefitted from the “Apo Anu” programme through the foundation within the last one year at an average of 300 beneficiaries each month. He added: “The idea was to fill the stomach first and thereafter, teach the beneficiaries how to fish.”

    The lawmaker, who served on the Constitution Review Committee of the House of Representatives, also claimed to have ensured amendments of different sections of the constitution as requested and in a way that would be beneficial to the people.

    He said there are 65,000 and 2,000 Foodbanks   spread across the United States of America (USA) and the United Kingdom respectively, which are being funded by their governments to help the needy.

    Benson said that the idea of establishing iCare Foodbank, which was part of the programmes listed in his manifesto, was an initiative mooted by his wife, Olajumoke, and tailored along the line of the Foodbanks in USA and the UK, to help the needy within the constituency.

    He said that he has no hand in nominating beneficiaries, explaining that the selection process of the  beneficiaries is long and that it is  being done mostly by the churches, mosques with little input from leaders within the constituency.

    He added: “When you look at the beneficiaries, you will agree with me that they merited it and really need it. It will uplift them. It will strengthen and give them hope.”

    The Director-General of iCare Foundation, Mr Deen Sanwoola, disclosed that the foundation has been consistent in doling out the iCare food bag to beneficiaries every month within the last one year.

    Sanwoola said the programme is not that of the federal or state governments,  but that it is being funded by Benson and his wife from their personal savings with support from some philanthropic minded individuals and organisations.

    The Director-General explained that the content of each food bag can feed a family of four for two weeks. He listed the contents to include:  gari, spaghetti, indomie, beans, rice, groundnut oil, palm oil, salt, sugar, milk, tea among others.

  • Ayinla: Buhari is fulfilling campaign promises

    Ayinla: Buhari is fulfilling campaign promises

    Honourable Bolaji Yusuf Ayinla represents Mushin Federal Constituency II in the House of Representatives on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In this interview with Emmanuel Oladesu, he speaks on President Muhammadu  Buhari’s health, his party’s performance in the last two years and other issues. Excerpts:

    It’s been over two years since APC came to power. How will you describe the journey so far?

    The mission of APC is to reshape Nigeria to a better country than it used to be especially under PDP’s 16 years rule. But, that plan experienced a setback due to the ill-health of President Muhammadu Buhari.  I pray that God in his infinite mercy give him a speedy recovery so that he can come and perform the task Nigerians elected him to do.  Nobody prays to be sick and when you are indisposed, there is a limit to what you can do.  That is the first problem that the APC government encountered since coming to power. The second problem we are experiencing which has posed a serious challenge to this country is various attacks in parts of the country ranging from cultism, herdsmen attacks, kidnapping and Boko Haram menace.  I believe the APC government would have performed better, if the head of the ship, President Buhari is in good health.  His illness has caused a lot of setback to this administration.  But I believe in spite of that, this government is trying its best to deliver its electioneering promise to Nigerians.  The Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo is in charge of the government and he is doing a very brilliant job, but there is little he can do because the person who wanted to execute what they are supposed to do together is not in the country. So, I believe the Acting President has done a lot since the president left and all we can do is to support him and pray for the speedy recovery of the president.  If things had gone the way the government planned, I believe that the greatest problem confronting Nigeria today which is electricity could have been solved.  There is nothing we want to do without power supply. If there is adequate power supply today, many industries will spring up leading to creation of jobs. Many artisans who have quit their profession because of lack of power supply and are now riding commercial motorcycles (okada) will go back to it.  We have many companies in Nigeria today whose owners have migrated to Ghana because of lack of power supply. But, we believe that very soon, all these will be a thing of the past. But despite these challenges, the government is doing its best to move the country forward. There are lots of strategic plans and think-tank committees in various angles focused on working for the betterment of the country. Before the end of 2019, I am confident that this government will deliver at least over 85 to 90 percent of our promises to Nigerians.

    What is your position on the constitution amendment by the National Assembly, especially on devolution of power and autonomy for local governments?

    Though I wasn’t around when the votes on these issues were carried out, but I am part and parcel of those that voted for it. Nigeria needs a lot of reorganisation, new planning and a much improved security system. All these are things that are needed in the constitution amendment. The current constitution we are using has been in existence for a long time. In overseas, they do what we call checks and balances. The development of the country needs to be looked into on a regular basis in order for us to have the society of our dream so that the country can move from the level in which it is to where we desire.  We need to sit down and look if there is need for amendment in the constitution. All these should be done amicably by people who disagree to agree. Like the saying goes, it is better to jaw-jaw than war-war.  We don’t need wars but peace.  In doing this, we also ensure that all the states and regions are carried along. Nobody should feel cheated.

    What is your assessment of the 8th House of Representatives under Speaker Yakubu Dogara?

    Excellent, I must say. Rt Hon.  Yakubu Dogara is a brilliant speaker who leads by example. We are proud of his leadership and I must say that all the honourable members under his leadership including myself have done a lot in our various fields through effective legislation.  The Speaker is a very punctual lawmaker who arrives plenary on time and in doing this he has set a good example for other lawmakers too. I am  used to arriving early for plenary. If the day’s sitting is for 11am, I will already be there by 8am.  The records of attendance are there in the National Assembly for everyone to verify. I’m always in the House between 8am to 8:30am for the day-to-day activities in terms of  motion moving, checks and balances and making contributions on the floor of the House.

    What are some of your contributions in the House?

    I have supported a lot of motions moved by other lawmakers.  I am preparing a motion which I don’t want to disclose for now.

    What are the benefits your people have derived since they elected you to represent them in Mushin II?

    The issue of poverty alleviation is very crucial to me.  I have done a lot in the area of poverty alleviation and empowerment for my people. Even during my time in the Lagos State House of Assembly, I have always taken the issue of empowerment of my constituents seriously. I don’t like the idea of people begging.  For how long will someone continue to beg? My philosophy is teach a man how to fish and not just give him a fish because when he finishes eating the fish you gave him, he will come back again.  I have done a lot in terms of assisting the less privileged, payment of school fees, purchasing of exams forms for students and empowering artisans.  I have documented all these things in a magazine and I am ready to give it to anyone who is interested in knowing what I have done in the last two years. Time will not permit me to say everything here.

    How will you describe Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s performance so far?

    Ambode has performed so creditably well.  I am not surprised that recently Governor Rauf Aregbesola described him as Nigeria’s Governor- General.  He is our poster boy in APC and my duty as a lawmaker representing Lagos state is to help the governor succeed.  In the last two years, Governor Ambode has turned Lagos to a mini- London with giant strides in road infrastructure, security, healthcare, Light up Lagos project and so on.  Lagosians should expect much more democracy dividends from Ambode in the coming days.  All I want to enjoin them is to cooperate with him by paying their levies, taxes and complying with all the laid down rules of the state. Itesiwaju Eko lo je wa logun. The progress of Lagos is our priority.