Tag: Sanwo-Olu

  • S/Court: APC urges opposition to cease fire on partisan politics, support Sanwo-Olu

    S/Court: APC urges opposition to cease fire on partisan politics, support Sanwo-Olu

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has urged opposition parties to end partisan politics and support Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, following the Supreme Court affirmation of his election on Friday.

    The Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, gave this advice on Friday evening in his congratulatory statement on Sanwo-Olu and and his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat’s victory at the apex court.

    Ojelabi said: “Those in opposition are advised to team up with the APC government in Lagos State so that collectively, they will serve the people better.

    “The era of partisan politics has ended and all hands should be on deck now towards contributing our quotas aimed at making Lagos the Centre of Excellence through good, meaningful and excellent programmes for the people.”

    Congratulating the APC family and the people of Lagos at large, Ojelabi said that the victory was long awaited and well-deserved.

    The chairman thanked the party members and loyalists for their constant support for the APC and the government of Sanwo-Olu over the years.

    Ojelabi added that the victory had further reinforced that the votes cast by electorate on March 18, for the joint tickets of Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat “were and are not a waste but for the progress and development of the state”.

    He assured Lagos residents that the Sanwo-Olu-led administration would continue to deliver on its electioneering promises to usher in more dividends of democracy.

    He described the unanimous judgment by justices of the Supreme Court as a further testimony of the court’s belief in employing credible judicial pronouncements and judgments to strengthen and entrench democracy.

    He added: “The APC in Lagos celebrates the victory of Governor Sanwo-Olu as the duly democratically elected governor of Lagos State.

    “I congratulate our Governor, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, for this final victory at the Supreme Court today.

    “We in the APC in Lagos State accept the final judgment and appreciate the due diligence and the process of rule of law,” Ojelabi said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that LP’s Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and PDP’s Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor) had approached the apex court to challenge Sanwo-Olu’s victory in the election.

    The LP candidate urged the Supreme Court to hold that the March 18 election was marred by irregularities and non-compliance with the Electoral Act.

    Read Also: Supreme Court victory: Lagosians should expect quicker, faster, governance – Sanwo-Olu 

    He also added that the Lagos state deputy governor was not qualified to contest the election.

    Similarly, Adediran filed 34 grounds of appeal, asking the apex court to upturn the verdict of the Lagos State governorship election tribunal and the court of appeal.

    Meanwhile, the apex court in a unanimous decision on Friday, upheld Sanwo-Olu as duly elected governor of Lagos State.

    The court dismissed the appeals of LP’s Rhodes-Vivour and PDP’s Adediran for lacking in merit and a gross abuse of court process.

    The Supreme Court dismissed the two separate appeals that challenged Sanwo-Olu’s return as winner of the governorship election held in the state on March 18.

    (NAN)

  • Supreme Court victory: Lagosians should expect quicker, faster, governance – Sanwo-Olu 

    Supreme Court victory: Lagosians should expect quicker, faster, governance – Sanwo-Olu 

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, January 12, assured Lagosian of better, faster and quicker delivery of governance, following his victory at the Supreme Court.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke to journalists at the State House, Abuja, after a meeting of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) with President Bola Tinubu.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu also assured the people of Lagos that his administration will carry all citizens along in its efforts to build the state further to and improve its economic relevance, adding that his interest is in the people of the state, whose hope and aspirations have been invested in his government.

    “I think first, it is really to thank God that we’ve been able to get to the end of all of these courts process and it gives us the full profile to affirm victory at polls, but pretty much, it’s really just to thank all of our citizens in Lagos for their support, irrespective of what party affiliation you are, and to call everyone all Lagosians to join us once again, on our greater Lagos journey. 

    “It’s a journey where we have said no one will be left behind. We are transforming the state, the city we’re building structures and processes, institutions that will outlive us, and we’re putting in place a governance structure that would improve the economic relevance of Lagos in the country. And so for us, it’s not just about the victory. It’s about the people that are putting all of their hope and aspiration into our governmental.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Supreme Court dismisses PDP’s Adediran’s case against Sanwo-Olu

    “So, really is to ask everybody to join us, irrespective of whatever party it is, and to see that indeed the train in Lagos is moving. Yes, we have a real physical train, but the train of governance is moving. And what we have assured is that we will do it quicker, faster and bolder. 

    “We’ve promised to pretty much use every energy that we have to ensure that the economic commercial nerve center of the country remains, you know, that reckoning not just by word of mouth but by  action, by the benefit that the citizens see in all human capital index in education, health infrastructure, you know, in ensuring that foreign direct investment, I mean, tourism, insecurity, everything that makes Lagos resilient, city that it can stand with other cities of the size globally, is what we’re about.

    “So it’s not an APC victory. It’s not a Babajide Sanwo-Olu victory, it’s a Lagos call in action for all of us to work for the citizens to meet  a lot of Lagosians, and to make meaningful development for our people. At the end of the day, people want to see good roads, people want to see security everywhere in the state. People want to see hospitals and schools being built. You know, that’s what people want and that’s what we’ve preached and that’s what we’re going to do”, he said.

    Asked what he will do to get a hold of Lagos again after Labour Party gave him a run for his money, Sanwo-Olu said, “Well, we have Lagos, you know, politics, or election period is always a different kettle of fish and part of the things that pushes decisions making, right? The moment it’s all over, you see the convergence. 

    “There are people in other parties that right from the very next day, they’ve extended their hands of fellowship to me to say that we’re all together in this, let’s do it together and let’s work together because at the end of the day, why are you in government? 

    “It’s because you have the energy to say to people, you want to make life better for your citizens. So they shouldn’t be any other objective over other than that, right. And so it’s a normally position which your people have given to you go serve us,  go make life better for us. And so you should do it with everything you have. And so that’s that’s what we’re doing and that’s what we need to do”, he said.

  • BREAKING: Supreme Court dismisses Rhodes-Vivour’s case against Sanwo-Olu

    BREAKING: Supreme Court dismisses Rhodes-Vivour’s case against Sanwo-Olu

    The Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal filed by the candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour seeking to void the election of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    In a judgment on Friday, January 12, the apex court held that the appeal was unmeritorious.

    Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, in the lead judgment, held that the acquisition of the citizenship of the United States by Deputy Governor, Femi Hamzat did not rob him of his Nigerian citizenship, being a citizen by birth.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Four governors arrive Supreme Court ahead of judgments in eight states

    Justice Garba held a Nigerian citizen by birth, who acquires citizenship of another country cannot be qualified from contesting for an elective position, except where the person renounces the Nigerian citizens in a manner provided by Section 29 of the Constitution.

    He further held that Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat were qualified to contest the election.

    The court affirmed the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which earlier upheld the election of Sanwo-Olu.

    Details shortly…

  • Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, ex-IGP Smith, others bid Baba Adinni of Lagos farewell

    Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, ex-IGP Smith, others bid Baba Adinni of Lagos farewell

    • Lagos Central Mosque Chairman Abou dies at 101

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday led eminent Nigerians to pay tributes to the late Baba Adinni of Lagos and Chairman of the Executive Council of Lagos Central Mosque, Sheikh AbdulAfis Abou.

    Sheikh Abou died a few minutes past 9 p.m on Tuesday night at his Surulere residence.

    He was 101 years old.

    After the Janazah (burial rites) led by the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, at the Lagos Central Mosque in Idumota around 2 p.m, the remains of Sheikh Abou were interred at the Abari Cemetery, also on Lagos Island.

    Mourners besieged the Lagos Central Mosque and Abari Cemetery to catch the last glimpse of the prominent Islamic leader.

    The staff of office of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, was conveyed to the venues.

    President Tinubu expressed sadness at the passing of Sheikh Abou.

    He condoled with the bereaved family, the Muslim community in Lagos, as well as the Lagos State government on the late Baba Adinni’s death.

    In a statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the President said: “Baba dedicated his life to the service of the people. He lived a full life guided by the highest and noblest moral codes. He was a fine example for all of us. He will be sorely missed.

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    “We should take solace in Baba’s legacy and uphold his values of honesty, dignity, and sacrifice.”

    President Tinubu prayed Almighty Allah to grant Baba the highest station in Al-Jannah Fir’daus.

    In his tribute, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said: “Sheikh Abou lived an exemplary life dedicated to peace and harmony in the state. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, associates, and the entire Muslim community in Lagos.  I pray that Allah grants him peace and grants his family strength during this difficult time.”

    Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who was at the Lagos Central Mosque for the Janazah, described the late Baba Adinni of Lagos as an inspiration to everyone who had contact with him and a blessing to the Lagos State.

    “Old age is not something that you can perform any trick around. It is only the blessing of Allah. Baba crossed a hundred; he was healthy and had a very sound mind. He was an Hafiz (memoriser of the whole Holy Qur’an).

    “We pray that God will raise somebody else to fill that role because the people will miss him. Baba was the Baba Adinni of the state, which means that a lot of things passed through him, even the Chief Imam of Lagos went through him,” he said.

    The senator representing Lagos West, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, commiserated with the family of Sheikh Abou, President Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu, Oba Akiolu, the Chief Imam of Lagos, the Council of Imams and Alfas and the Muslim community of Lagos State.

    Adebule described the late Sheikh Abou as a thoroughbred scholar whose impact transcended the shores of Nigeria.

    She said: “I will personally miss him and, indeed, all Nigerians would miss his depth of knowledge and elderly wisdom in addressing critical matters of national concern.

    “Nigeria has lost a great national treasure and icon who was an embodiment of knowledge and wisdom. Baba’s humility is of high proportion as he related seamlessly with everyone, irrespective of age, tribe or religious affiliations.”

    Also, a former Federal Commissioner for Works and ex-National President of Ansar-Ud-Deen, Alhaji Lateef Olufemi Okunnu, said Nigeria may not have the like of Sheikh Abou again.

    He described the late Islamic leader as a trustworthy and highly religious person.

    A former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Alhaji Musiliu Smith, described the late Abou as an ideal person.

    He said the deceased was his Arabic teacher from his secondary school days up till his last day.

    The Executive Vice Chairman of Lagos Central Mosque and Bashorun of Lagos, Alhaji Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy, stressed that there were so many things to learn and emulate from Baba Adinni’s lifestyle, most especially his peace-loving style.

    “He always wants matters to be resolved, no matter how big the issue was. He would calm everyone down and urge them to be patient.

    “Up till his last moment, his memory was intact as he never forgot anything. He was healthy till his death. In his last moments, he prayed for the country and everyone and preached unity to the family and the Ummah,” he said.

    Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaiman Abou-Nolla, said the late Sheikh Abou’s lifestyle portrayed the teachings in the Holy Qur’an.

    He described the deceased as an embodiment of piety.

    Dignitaries at the burial included the National Missioner and the Chief Imam, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADSN), Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad; Chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Prince Tajudeen Olusi; former Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan; Mudir of Daru Dawah, Sheikh Ridwan Zuglool; former Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Ibrahim Balogun; and member of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Alhaji Mutiu Are.

    Others included whitecap chiefs, Chairman of Surulere Local Government Area, Sulaimon Yusuf; his Lagos Island counterpart, Adetoyese Olusi; Prof. Adele Jinadu; Alhaji Fatai Doherty; Alhaji Folorunsho Olaleye; Dr. Jubril Oyekan; and President of Jamatul Islamiyah Society of Nigeria, Alhaji Hashim Oyekan.

    Also at the event were Treasurer of Lagos Central Mosque, Alhaji Ademola Mustapha; the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Islam, Alhaji Abdullahi Jebe; Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro; Dr. AbdulRahman Awwal; Sheikh AbdulHakeem Muhammad Awwal; Sheikh Moshood Ramadan; and Sheikh Imran Eleha.

    The other dignitaries at the event were former Lagos District Amir of The Companion, Alhaji Abdul Ganiy Abdul Majeed; Alhaji AbdulHakeem Kosoko; and former Lagos Commissioner for Home Affairs Oyinlomo Danmole, among others.

  • JUST IN: Army arrests soldier who criticised Sanwo-Olu in viral video

    JUST IN: Army arrests soldier who criticised Sanwo-Olu in viral video

    The Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, has said that a soldier who criticised Governor Babajide San-Olu of Lagos state in a viral video has been arrested.

    He emphasized that the conduct of the soldier caught driving against traffic does not represent the entire Nigerian Army.

    He further disclosed that many viral videos showing soldiers criticizing the Lagos state governor were fake, clarifying that only one authentic video was investigated, and the unidentified soldier involved had been apprehended.

    Read Also: Fubara hails Army for tackling insecurity 

    The COAS also said that the Army has taken steps to instruct soldiers on how to behave in the different localities they are deployed.

    Sanwo-Olu had on January 2, ordered the arrest of a soldier and some commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders) for driving against the traffic on the Lagos-Badagry expressway.

    The governor gave the order while returning from the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo where he had gone to inaugurate a project sponsored by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

    Sanwo-Olu was later criticized by a soldier in a video for ordering the arrest of his colleague and three other motorcycle riders for riding against the flow of traffic on the Lagos-Badagry expressway.

    The unidentified soldier criticized Sanwo-Olu for labeling a soldier “useless” in front of “bastard civilians.”

    The soldier appeared to be defending his colleague in a widely shared video on Thursday, January 4.

  • Let’s Do It Again: Sanwo-Olu, Makinde, Sule,  others to send forth  Eagles to AFCON

    Let’s Do It Again: Sanwo-Olu, Makinde, Sule,  others to send forth  Eagles to AFCON

    • *National team off to Abidjan tomorrow

    Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu will be the chief host of a special dinner organized by the Lagos State Government for the Super Eagles tonight, hours before the three-time champions are set to depart for Cote d’Ivoire to participate in the 34th  Africa Cup of Nations finals starting this weekend.

    Sports Development Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh will be co-host of the glamour event, to which Governors Douye Diri (Bayelsa State), Seyi Makinde (Oyo State), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa State) and Godwin Obaseki (Edo State) have been invited.

    President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau is the host, with top officials of the Lagos State Government, a couple of parliamentarians, NFF Executive Committee members, representatives of NFF’s corporate partners and sponsors, few members of NFF Management, Chairman and Board of the Lagos State Football Association, respected football investor Hon. Kunle Soname, former Nigeria captain Dr. Olusegun Odegbami, leading artistes, top celebrities and influencers also to attend.

    Vintage guests are the 25 players selected for Nigeria’s onslaught for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title, as well as their officials, who will all arrive in Lagos aboard a chartered aircraft.

    Read Also: Aregbesola sued for creating factions in APC

    NFF President Musa Gusau on Monday expressed the appreciation of the Football Federation to Governor Sanwo-Olu and his administration for their magnanimity.

     “The NFF and the Nigeria Football fraternity are grateful to Governor Sanwo-Olu and his administration for agreeing to host the team to the Send Forth ceremony. It is an occasion to tell the players how much Nigerians will be supporting them at the Africa Cup of Nations Championship. The Honourable Minister of Sports Development will deliver a message from Mr. President. We believe that the event, anchored on the Let’s Do It Again theme, will galvanise the team to go for a fourth continental title in Cote d’Ivoire.”

    The Nigeria contingent to the 34th  Africa Cup of Nations will depart Lagos tomorrow  for the 80-minute flight to Abidjan, where the team will compete in Group A against host nation Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau. The delegation will be led by Chairman of NFF Technical and Development Committee, Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa

  • We will enforce laws strictly, says Sanwo-Olu

    We will enforce laws strictly, says Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to enforcing laws and regulations.

    He admonished the people to respect rules because “they have been crafted to safeguard our lives and property.” 

    Sanwo-Olu spoke yesterday during the New Year thanksgiving held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island. The annual thanksgiving was organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs in conjunction with the first family, with the theme ‘The righteous shall praise your name.” 

    He told the people: “Nigeria will not fail, but we must live in an ordered society by obeying rules and paying taxes so that we can implement the budget. We are responsible and will utilise finances prudently.” 

    Read Also: Police target N59b from registration of 11.8m vehicles

    The governor said: “This year will be an important one for us in terms of enforcement of the various laws and regulations that have been meticulously crafted to safeguard our lives and property. Without adherence to the rule of law, no society can guarantee progress and prosperity. 

    “I, therefore, implore everyone of us, as Lagosians, to play our part in respecting and obeying the laws of the land. From paying our taxes, to obeying traffic rules, to disposing of our waste responsibly, to speaking up when we see other people breaking the law. These are all responsibilities that we carry as good people of Lagos State. “

    “On our part, as government, we will continue to strive to make it easier for you to be law-abiding. Our transport reforms are aimed at improving the commuting experience for Lagosians, just as our emergency hotlines are there to make it easy for you to ‘say something if you see something’. 

    The thanksgiving was attended by Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, his wife Oluremi, former governor Akinwunmi Ambode and his wife, Bolanle, traditional rulers, religious and political leaders, among others. 

  • Sanwo-Olu to Lagosians: respect rule of law for safety of your lives, properties

    Sanwo-Olu to Lagosians: respect rule of law for safety of your lives, properties

    Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to enforcing laws and regulations. 

    He admonished the people to respect rules because ‘they have been crafted to safeguard our lives and property’. 

    Sanwo-Olu spoke on Sunday, January 7, during the New Year thanksgiving held at the Tafawa Balewa Square. 

    The annual thanksgiving was organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs in conjunction with the first family, with the theme ‘The Righteous shall praise your name’s. 

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    He told the people, ‘Nigeria will not fail’, but ‘we must live in an ordered society by obeying rules and pay taxes so we can implement the budget. We are responsible and will utilise finances prudently’, Sanwo-Olu said. 

    The governor said: “This year will be an important one for us in terms of enforcement of the various laws and regulations that have been meticulously crafted to safeguard our lives and property. Without adherence to the rule of law, no society can guarantee progress and prosperity. 

    “I, therefore, implore every one of us, as Lagosians, to play our part in respecting and obeying the laws of the land. From paying our taxes, to obeying traffic rules, to disposing of our waste responsibly, to speaking up when we see other people breaking the law. These are all responsibilities that we carry as good people of Lagos State. 

    “On our part, as government, we will continue to strive to make it easier for you to be law-abiding. Our transport reforms are all aimed at improving the commuting experience for Lagosians, just as our emergency hotlines are there to make it easy for you to ‘say something if you see something’. 

    “We also have in place various reforms aimed at making it easier for you to pay your taxes, and generally making Lagos a more enabling place for business and investment. Together, we can all play our part in achieving a truly Greater Lagos.”

    Governor Sanwo-Olu also promised to complete all ongoing projects because to make the people enjoy more dividends of democracy.

    He added: “The government is resolutely committed to fostering the robust growth of our state and ensuring the well-being of its citizens. We are dedicated to the successful implementation of pivotal projects. 

    “Last year witnessed the historic commencement of commercial operations for the first phase of the Blue Line of our Lagos Rail Mass Transit.

    “Work is already in progress to ensure that the second phase, the extension of the rail line from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko, is completed in the life of this administration. Within the next few months, we will witness the formal launch and commencement of operations of the much-anticipated Red Line, from Oyingbo to Agbado.

    “Furthermore, we are working very hard to finalise the project financing that will enable the construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge, which will be one of the longest bridges in Africa, when completed. 

    “In every sector, we have major projects ongoing, that will define the legacy of our administration, and positively transform the economy and the landscape of Lagos State…”

    The governor, in thanking God for the New Year, said: “We have every reason to give all the glory and thanks to the Almighty God because He has been faithful in the affairs of our dear state.

    He has granted us great achievements and testimonies; he has given us peace and security; and mightily blessed the work of our hands. There is indeed so much to be grateful for. As we raise our voices in praise, adoration and supplication, let us also remember to continue to commit Lagos State and Nigeria to God, for his guidance, and his mercies…”

    The thanksgiving we attended by Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, his wife Oluremi, former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and his wife Bolanle, traditional rulers, religious and political leaders, among others. 

    Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Layode, in his welcome address, urged the people to be ‘law abiding, do due diligence in carrying out our civic responsibilities and also continue to be our brothers’ keeper, while partnering with the government in making the state livable for all. 

    “It is my prayer that this year will be way better and more fulfilling than last year. Please continue to commit Nigeria and Lagos State to God in prayers.”

  • Soldier criticises Sanwo-Olu, defends soldiers’ right to drive against traffic

    Soldier criticises Sanwo-Olu, defends soldiers’ right to drive against traffic

    The Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has come under fire from a soldier for ordering the arrest of his colleague and three other motorcycle riders for riding against the flow of traffic on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

    The unidentified soldier criticized Sanwo-Olu for labeling a soldier “useless” in front of “bastard civilians.”

    The soldier appeared to be defending his colleague in a widely shared video on Thursday, January 4.

    Recall that Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, January 2, ordered the arrest of a soldier and three other motorcyclists for driving against traffic on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

    Sanwo-Olu was seen telling his men to put a biker who identified as a military into the car in a widely shared video, threatening to lock him up.

    The soldier responded to the arrest by saying the state governor had no authority to detain a soldier, particularly in front of his barracks, as he felt his colleague had done nothing to warrant one.

    He asserted that senior officers, not any state governor, are in charge of the army.

    He said: “Did I just hear your governor calling a soldier, lance corporal useless? A lance corporal…This man broke his arm, they fired at the man. There is iron in his hands.

    “You are calling a soldier useless in front of those idiots, those bastard civilians. DSS was pushing a soldier. In any situation where you find yourself as a soldier, the Army only gives you five seconds to compose yourself, so after that, you must know how to reply to any attack or anything that comes your way.

    “Because he is a governor, I know he (arrested soldier) was shocked that the governor was arresting him. I know I am not perfect and I am not saying I am but in any situation I find myself, especially beside your barracks, nobody can arrest you. I repeat, nobody can arrest you because you have to stand your grand and nobody will slap you there.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu orders arrest of soldier, Okada rider for driving against traffic

    “No DSS or police can slap you because you refuse to go. Why will you arrest me when there are IP and military police?

    “Okay, will it be because I took one way beside my barracks? What if I just took the bike out to buy something? Do I have to take the long route because I want to buy something? Who does that? In which Amy?”

    He went on to explain that the governor’s decision was made because Lagos was calm, something that would never have occurred in his home region of the Northeast.

    He said: “So, now, your governor has the guts to arrest and even call a soldier useless. To be sincere, Lagos has been experiencing too much peace. Let’s tell the truth, Lagos has been experiencing too much peace. Let us assume this happened in the North East where I am, is it here the governor’s convoy that is taking one way will arrest a soldier for taking one way?

    “The governor constituted a nuisance. You are there pursuing civilians, what if they get involved in an accident along the line? The governor was there acting like a tout, a governor! When you are supposed to respect yourself. If the soldier said he is not going anywhere, nobody has the power to slap him. If the governor tries it, he knows he is already a bygone. The governor dare not slap a soldier.

    “If I am directed by the MP, any of my senior, or any other officer to go to the guard room, I will go. But if the governor says so, I will never go. He doesn’t have the power. Who does he want to lock up?”

  • APC chieftain hails Sanwo-Olu’s strides, fetes 1,000 kids on New Year Day

    APC chieftain hails Sanwo-Olu’s strides, fetes 1,000 kids on New Year Day

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikeja, Prince Muyideen Illo, has commended the giant strides of Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu in his four and a half years in office. 

    Illo gave the commendation at the New Year Day fanfare programme he organised for children in Ikeja.

    The fanfare was sponsored by the Prince Adeyinka Illo Foundation. 

    The programme was organized for children in Ikeja local government area of the state. 

    Addressing the gathering of more than 1000 children and their parents, Illo expressed that the celebration was intended to connect with those facing economic challenges, offering them joy during the Yuletide season.

    He added that the gesture would also serve as a palliative in support of government efforts at bringing succor to the needy and vulnerable in the local government. 

    Illo commended Sanwo-Olu, listing some of his administration’s giant strides to include light rail and construction of over 300 roads to ease traffic congestion and transportation of human and goods, job creation and rebuilding of dilapidated social infrastructure among others.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu orders arrest of soldier, Okada rider for driving against traffic

    He said: “We in Ikeja are particularly happy with his administration as we witnessed unprecedented growth under His Excellency, especially in road constructions and job provisions for our hitherto  jobless youths.”

    The APC chieftain also enjoined Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting that some pains are inescapable in the attempt to fix any rot.

    He said: “Already, this administration is working on broken down refineries in the aftermath of fuel subsidy removal so that once the refineries are fully back, it will begin to reduce reliance of imported petroleum products consuming dollar.  

    “Again, many road projects have been awarded across the country, while the Federal Government has rolled out many palliative measures to cushion the effect of this reform measure; this is the way to go.”