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Tag: Sanwo-Olu

  • “Sanwo-Olu must hit the ground running”

    Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) accredited election monitor, Comrade Razaq Olokoba, has said that the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, was a clarion call for him to hit the ground running. He asserted that the good people of Lagos State are anxiously waiting to seeing him in action to execute his promised people’s oriented programmes.

    According to him, since Sanwo-Olu’s victory has assuaged the expectation of the people as reflected in the election, it is now mandatory on him to prove to them that they have not made a wrong choice and so would not be disappointed. Olokoba expressed confidence that Sanwo-Olu would perform wonders in office, saying, with the antecedence of progressives like him, who have been consistently respecting the yearnings of the people since 1999, he will not deviate from the path of progress, growth and development.

    “Of course, there is a big challenge when it comes to environmental development. The roads have suffered a bit of lack of attention in Lagos at the moment. And given the track record of Sanwo-Olu, I know he is going to hit the ground running. I can assure Lagosians that in six months, we are going to get to Eldorado. I know that security in Lagos is also calling for attention vis a vis the traffic logjam in the state. Environmental issues concerning dumping of refuse is also calling for attention. Drainage issue is also to be attended to. And the general morale of public officers in Lagos like the LASMA and others needs to be boosted.

    “I can recall that in the last three and a half years, some LASMA personnel have lost their lives. And the culprits, till today have not been brought to book. This kind of sad development can dampen the morale of public officers who are law maintaining officials unlike what was obtainable during the time of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola (SAN). And because of Sanwo-Olu that we know, I am sure he will turn things round and put the state back on track.

    “I know the dream of every Lagosian is to see the glory days of Asiwaju Tinubu and all those glorious days of Fashola. We know that Akinwumi Ambode is doing his best, but what we are saying is that, there are challenges at the moment which we know very well that Sanwo-Olu is capable of addressing. So, I welcome all Lagosians on board for a better Lagos,” he said.

  • Sanwo-Olu’ll hit ground running – Olokoba

    In this interview with Dare Odufowokan, Assistant Editor, Comrade Razaq Olokoba, an accredited observer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and a political commentator, appraised the election that gave the All Progressives Congress (APC), governorship flag bearer, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu victory in Lagos and declared that it is a clarion call and challenge for him to hit the ground running from May 29, this year on his assumption of office as the new governor of the state.

    How can you assess the Lagos governorship election that gave Babajide Sanwo-Olu victory?

    Expectation of the people was what has reflected in the election. From 1999 till date, tendency that has been in power has consistently respected the views of Lagosians. And that is why the tendency would always win elections in the state. I mean the tendency that is not doing a one man show. It is a tendency that marries the party’s manifesto with the yearnings of the people, the yearnings of the stakeholders and the yearnings of whoever has a role to play in the affairs of Lagos. It is an expectation that is not strange here unlike what happened in other states like Oyo, Ogun, Rivers, Kwara and Akwa Ibom. So, it was not out of place to see Sanwo-Olu winning that election for the All Progressives congress (APC).

    The truth is that the trauma of expectation that people went through all over the state, Sanwo-Olu’s emergence as the Governor-elect has assuaged it. The kind of victory he got was unique. The turnout was low, no doubt. But the margin was astronomical. If you take the total number of votes the opposition got and add it to the voided votes, then multiply it by two, it has not even met up with the margin. So, it is clear to say that Sanwo-Olu is popular and so, Lagosians can afford to go to sleep as regards the promises he has made and his programmes because there is no president, there is no governor that gets this type of honour and disappoints.  Such honour would inspire anybody to meet with the challenge of the people.

    Take for instance, there was a building collapse, and before you could say Jack Robinson, Sanwo-Olu was there commiserating with the people affected by the collapse building. So, that is an indication that he will be a governor that will have sympathy and human feeling for the people and care for the people. We are lucky in Lagos because looking at character of public office holders in other states, it is a bit different as they don’t feel concerned about the welfare of the people. So, that singular act of coming out and condoling with the people is scarce in this part of the world.

    Are you comfortable with the performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in that election?

    By and large, yes. I will therefore congratulate the people of Lagos, I will congratulate Nigerians that this last election has been clean. I am also happy for myself and happy for Nigeria for the success of the last poll in the country. I am an INEC accredited observer. I went round and I realised that the INEC has done a good job. If the people did not come out, the blame should not be heaped on the INEC. It is the responsibility of the political parties to run round with their manifestos and give orientation to the people for them to see the importance of election in any society. They should let the people know that election is the umbilical cord that links to the people’s welfare and day to day activities of governance.

    What I am saying in essence is that the election was credible and acceptable. And on that note, I congratulate Sanwo-Olu and I congratulate the people of Lagos. In addition, I just have to appreciate the maturity exhibited by the flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Jimi Agbaje by calling on time to congratulate Sanwo-Olu, the winner of the election. It is a welcome development and it is an act we want to encourage other politicians in the country to also emulate.

    Do you have any Agenda for the in-coming governor?

    Of course, yes. There is a big challenge when it comes to environmental development. The roads have suffered a bit of lack of attention in Lagos at the moment. And given the track record of Sanwo-Olu, I know he is going to hit the ground running. I can assure Lagosians that in six months, we are going to get to Eldorado. I know that security in Lagos is also calling for attention vis a vis the traffic logjam in the state. Environmental issues concerning dumbing of refuse is also calling for attention. Drainage issue is also to be attended to. And the general morale of public officers in Lagos like the LASMA and others needs to be boosted.

    I can recall that in the last three and a half years, some LASMA personnel have lost their lives. And the culprits, till today have not been brought to book. This kind of sad development can dampen the morale of public officers who are law maintaining officials unlike what was obtainable during the time of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola (SAN). And because of Sanwo-Olu that we know, I am sure he will turn things round and put the state back on track. I know the dream of every Lagosian is to see the glory days of Asiwaju Tinubu and all those glorious days of Fashola. We know that Akinwumi Ambode is doing his best, but what we are saying is that, there are challenges at the moment which we know very well that Sanwo-Olu is capable of addressing. So, i welcome all Lagosians on board for a better Lagos.

    What is then your advice to the people of the state on the in-coming governor?

    Well, I expect the people to continue to exhibit the kind of patriotism that they have been exhibiting since 1999. I expect the people to begin to give support and goodwill that they offered Asiwaju Tinubu and Fashola that made them succeed. And the goodwill they have for Ambode should be doubled for Sanwo-Olu. And I know that such goodwill for Sanwo-Olu would not be squandered. It would be properly invested and the people would not be disappointed. I can speak for him because I know him very well as a good man and a workaholic. He will beautify Lagos and turn Lagos round. The people of Lagos under Sanwo-Olu will prosper. They will have good story to tell in two year about this man that has just won an election to take up the leadership of government in Lagos State. And I can assure the people that that they will not be disappointed.

  • Ambode, Sanwo-Olu for Lagos CAN’s IDDS

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Governor-Elect Babajide Sanwo-Olu are expected at the 2019 Inter-Denominational Divine Service (IDDS) of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Lagos State chapter.

    It holds on Saturday, March 23 at The Shepherd Hill Baptist Church Obanikoro, Lagos.

    Lagos CAN chairman Apostle Alexander Bamgbola told reporters on Friday that the theme of the programme is “Walking in the perfect image of God”.

    He said: “Once in a year, the entire body of Christ, under the umbrella of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Lagos State, comes together, historically on the 2nd Saturday of the month of February to have a solemn assembly of prayers and thanksgiving, unto the Lord

    “It is important to emphasise that the five blocs of CAN cover all Christian denominations: Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, African Church, The Apostolic and Christ Apostolic Churches and all the Pentecostal churches, under the umbrella of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.

    “On this one day, Christians of every denomination come together in one spirit and one accord to pray, praise and worship Jehovah The Almighty God.”

    Bamgbola pointed out it would be a great time of unity and oneness in fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

    “Signs and wonders always accompany this singular event in an unusual way, because of the mighty presence of the Lord God Jehovah.

    “Furthermore, it is a time to give thanks to God specially, for the peace and prosperity of LAGOS State, our own Jerusalem.

    “This year we decided to postpone the date of the IDDS till after the elections, while the church remained fervently prayerful in the interim.

    “It is therefore a momentous occasion of thanksgiving and praises to God, for the peaceful elections in Lagos State and across the landscape of Nigeria.’’

    The guest preacher is His Eminence, the Catholic Arcbishop of Lagos, Rt. Rev Alfred Adewale Martins.

     

  • League of Lagos secretaries congratulates Sanwo-Olu

    The League of Secretaries to the 20 LGAs and LCDAs in Lagos State,has congratulated the state governor elect, Mr.  Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy Mr. Kadiri Hamzat and all members elect of the State  House of Assembly.

    The group also commended Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for his purposeful leadership that paved the way for the resounding successes recorded in the just concluded polls in the country.

    It similalrly acknowledged the contributions of  the Director General, Sanwo-Olu Campaign Organization, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, the State Chairman of the APC, Hon Tunde Balogun; the members of the Governor Advisory Council (GAC),  State Executive Council of the party and top government functionaries, royal fathers, whose efforts contributed in no small measure to the overall success of our party at the poll.

    The group therefore called on the supporters of the party  to continue to have faith in the leadership of Sanwo – Olu and the deputy governor elect, Hamzat, which  will bring forth a great and better Lagos as soon as they assumes office.

  • Adebule congratulates Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat, others

    Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule has congratulated the candidates of  All Progressives Congress Party (APC) in last Saturday’s Governorship and House of Assembly elections.

    She described Sanwo Olu’s victory as the expression of the people’s wish and appreciation of good governance in the state.

    The deputy governor noted that governance of Lagos state would require requisite experience, intelligence and technical know-how, all of which she said Sanwo-Olu and Obafemi Kadri Hamzat are blessed with.

    She assured Lagosians assuring that governance would be taken to the next level under the new administration.

    Read also: 18 die, 41 injured in Lagos Island building collapse

    She urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to continue to improve on their operations in future elections to earn more public confidence.

    Mrs Adebule thanked Lagosians for their confidence in the ruling APC and all their candidates.

    She solicited their support for the incoming administration.

    Mrs Adebule assured the governor-elect and his deputy that she would always be at the background to offer useful and professional advice that could help their administration to attain greater heights.

  • Igbo pledge to work with Sanwo-Olu

    The Igbo Movement in Lagos State has promised to work with Governor-elect Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ensure his success.

    The group hailed him for emerging victorious in last Saturday’s election.

    Its convener, Chris Onyekachi, said yesterday that Sanwo-Olu deserved the victory, having campaigned vigorously across the length and breadth of Lagos.

    He said from the onset, the Igbo Movement knew that Sanwo-Olu would win the election because of his pedigree and experience he had garnered over the years.

    Onyekachi said the group campaigned for the governor-elect because it believed in his ability to take Lagos to the next level and protect the interest of the Igbo.

    He said the movement believed that Sanwo-Olu would continue from where his predecessors had stopped.

    “It is on record that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu laid the foundation for a modern Lagos when he was governor for eight years. He increased the Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) from a paltry N600 million monthly to N6 billion monthly. The Babatunde Fashola administration followed the blueprint of Asiwaju Tinubu by moving Lagos to an enviable height. Also, the current governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has further improved on what was laid down.

    “We believe Sanwo-Olu will rely on Tinubu’s template to move Lagos to the next level in the area of infrastructure development. We pledge to work with the governor-elect in his bid to take Lagos to the next level. We will not disappoint him,” Onyekachi said.

    He said the body believed that Sanwo-Olu would improve on the peaceful co-existence among ethnic groups in Lagos.

  • OPC greets Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun

    The Oodua People’s Congress-Reformed (OPC-R) has congratulated the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors-elect in Lagos and Ogun States, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dapo Abiodun.

    A statement yesterday by its President, Comrade Dare Adesope, said the victories have justified the confidence the people of southwest repose in the ruling party.

    Adesope also attributed the party’s victory to the uncommon leadership of APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    According to him, Tinubu has done Lagos and southwest good by fathering meaningful and smart governors, including ex-governor Babatunde Fashola and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who have made giant strides in office.

    The statement reads: “I congratulate the governors-elect of Lagos and Ogun States, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dapo Abiodun, for their victory at the polls. Once they are sworn into office, they should work harder than their predecessors.

    “They should not stampede the efforts of their predecessors by condemning some of their good policies and programmes, rather, they should upgrade unfinished projects and initiate their own meaningful projects too.

    “Going by recent events in the states, the governors-elect should know that nobody is above the party, therefore, they should respect party members irrespective of age or status because everyone is important in his own right.”

     

  • Polls: Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, Makinde, AbdulRazaq win

    Governors-elect… Ugwuanyi, Yahaya, Ikpeazu, Abubakar, Umahi, Emmanuel

    BABAJIDE Sanwo-Olu, banker, politician and public administrator was yesterday declared winner of Saturday’s governorship election in Lagos State.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced also frontline businessman AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as winner in Kwara State.

    Inuwa Yahaya won in Gombe State. Dapo Abiodun carried the day in Ogun State. His victory was announced at 1am. The governors-elect ran on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The electoral umpire also announced Seyi Makinde and Okezie Ikpeazu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as winners of the governorship elections in Oyo and Enugu states.

    The results from many of the states were still being collated by the electoral umpire this morning.

    Sanwo-Olu, two-time commissioner in Lagos, polled 739,445 to beat his closest rival, Jimi Agbaje of the PDP, who polled 206, 141.

    The defeat is the third to be suffered by Agbaje in the  Centre of Excellence.

    His first was in 2007 as the Progressives Action Congress (PAC) candidate. He lost to Babatunde Fashola of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). He also lost to incumbent Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of the APC in 2015 as the PDP candidate.

    Agbaje called Sanwo-Olu to concede defeat at 7.07pm, shortly after the APC candidate was declared governor-elect. Here is a report of the events in the states where the elections had been concluded last night:

    KWARA

    AbdulRazaq was declared the winner of the election after polling  votes.

     

     

    Announcing the result, the state’s Chief Returning Officer, Prof Muhammad Sanusi Liman, declared that “having scored the majority votes out of all the participating parties, AbdulRazaq is hereby declared as the governor-elect of the state”.

    The APC won all the 24 seats in the House of Assembly.

    Yesterday’s declaration ended the age-long Saraki dynasty in the Northcentral state.

    The APC had earlier won the three senatorial seats in Kwara during the February 23 Presidential/National Assembly Elections. Senatae President Bukola Saraki lost his bid to retain the Central Senatorial slot for the PDP.

    President Muhammadu Buhar331,546 votes to defeat his closest rival, Abdulrazak Atunwa of the PDP, who garnered 114,754i also beat his PDP challenger, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

    Reacting to the victory, the state chairman of the APC, Bashir Bolarinwa, said it was a victory for all and a new dawn for the people.

    A leading politician, Wole Oke, noted: “It is the end of fourth term in the wilderness for the youth in Kwara State political arena and landscape. It is now an opportunity for the emergence of other hitherto suppressed political might and the development and growth of potential political giants the state.”

    GOMBE

    APC’s Inuwa Yahaya was declared governor-elect with 364, 129 votes. He defeated Usman Nafada of the PDP, who scored 222,868 votes.

    NIGER

    Incumbent Governor Abubakar Bello had last night won 24 of the 25 local government areas of the state. He looked good to defeat his PDP challenger Umar Nasko.

    KEBBI

    Governor Atiku Bagudu of the APC was declared governor-elect in Kebbi State.

    The results were announced at the Collation Centre for 2019 Governorship Election by the Collation Officer, Prof. Hamisu Bichi, in Birnin Kebbi.

    He said Bagudu of APC scored 673,717 votes. Senenator Isah Galaudu of the PDP polled 106,633 votes.

    “Atiku Bagudu of APC, having certified the requirement of the law and scored the highest votes is hereby returned elected and declared the winner of the March 9, Saturday governorship election in the state,” he said.

    Bichi said 1,789,975 voters were registered; 820,078 accredited and 814,084 voted. There were 793,388 valid votes and 20,696 votes rejected.

     

    OYO

    The PDP candidate was leading after the announcement of 32 of the 33 local government areas.

    But the APC cried foul, saying the PDP candidate jumped the gun by celebrating before he was declared governor-elect.

    As the final collation of results got underway, the APC fired a petition against Makinde to the state INEC headquarters.

    The party accused Makinde of what it described as a “breach of electoral laws”, demanding his arrest and prosecution.

    Makinde was accused of releasing a video in early yesterday in which the PDP candidate “pointedly proclaimed himself winner of the governorship election in Oyo State when INEC, the authorised umpire has not concluded same nor declared any such results”.

    The petition signed by the APC state secretary, Mr Mojeed Olaoya, alleged that Makinde by the action is clearly inciting the citizenry against an eventual credible outcome of the elections.

    RIVERS

    INEC yesterday announced the suspension of all processes in Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly elections, until further notice.

    The suspension was made in a statement issued in Abuja by INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education, Mr. Festus Okoye.

    Okoye said that the suspension was due to widespread violence and disruption that characterised the elections in the Southsouth state.

    He said that based on reports from INEC officials on the field, the commission had determined that there had been widespread disruption of elections conducted on Saturday in the state.

    The statement reads: “These initial reports suggest that violence occurred in a substantial number of polling units and collation centres; staff have been taken hostage and materials, including result sheets, have either been seized or destroyed by unauthorised persons.

    “In addition, safety of our staff appears to be in jeopardy all over the state and the commission is concerned about the credibility of the process.

    “Consequently, at a meeting held Sunday, March 10, the commission has decided to suspend all electoral processes in the state until further notice.

    “This is in line with Section 26 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) and Clause 47(e) of the Regulations and Guidelines of the Commission.

    “The commission has also established a Fact-Finding Committee to assess the situation and report back within 48 hours.’’

    The commission appealed to the people of Rivers, particularly voters, for their understanding, adding that it was probing the circumstances of these disruptions.

    Rivers with 23 local government areas has 4,442 polling units and 3,215,273 registered voters out of which 2,833,101 persons had collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

    Security agents yesterday cordoned off the INEC office, barring people, including reporters, from participating in the collation.

    The team of security personnel, comprising the Federal Special Anti- Robbery Squad (F-SARS) and the Police Mobile blocked the two sides of Aba Road, which leads to INEC office from Waterlines and GRA junctions.

    More than 10 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) were patrolling the area.

    A group of young women, under the eagis of “Port Harcourt Significant Girls”, who staged a peaceful protest at the GRA Junction, were dispersed as they moved towards the INEC office.

    The protesters, clad in black dresses, were asking that the votes of the people be allowed to count.

     

    OGUN

    Abiodun of the APC was heading for victory as he had won in 11 of the 15 local government areas’ results announced by the INEC. Three of the council areas were won by Adekunle Akinlade of the Allied People’s Movement (APM). The PDP won in one. The results from five local government areas were still being awaited.

    But the APM rejected the governorship, House of Assembly results in the Gateway State, alleging that the collation had been “hijacked and compromised”.

    According to the APM, the outcome of the collation did not reflect the wishes of the people as freely expressed during the polls.

    Announcing its rejection of the of the results as released by the Independent National Commission (INEC), the APM Campaign Organisation Director-General, Sarafa Tunji-Ishola, told reporters that the process was disrupted by hoodlums and results falsified to favour the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The former minister cited Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Odeda, Ifo, Obafemi/Owode and the nine local governments in Ogun East Senatorial District as areas where the exercise was allegedly disrupted and results doctored in favour of the APC.

    He said: “The exercise which started on a peaceful note was disrupted as the counting of votes were being completed by hoodlums and unidentified uniformed men who hijacked the process and went ahead to collate falsified results sheets in many local council areas including Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Odeda, Ifo, Obafemi/Owode and particularly all the local government areas in all parts of the Ogun East Senatorial District.

    “In local government areas like Sagamu, Odogbolu and Ogun Waterside that were won by the APM, the results were changed to deny our party its well-deserved victory.

    “In other local governments won by the APC, the figures were altered to increase the margin between the APC and the APM.

    “The disruptions were clearly designed to ensure that the APM does not meet the required constitutional requirement of 25 per cent of votes in the council areas of Ogun East Senatorial District and to suppress the electoral strength of the APM in Ogun Central Senatorial District where the party clearly enjoys superior strength.

    “In the night, some armed men purportedly working for a top Federal Government official from Ogun State went round many of the local government areas, hijacked result sheets and forced party agents to sign already-filled result sheets under duress.

    “These infractions are against the provisions of the constitution of Nigeria and the electoral act. The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) made a formal protest on these infractions to the Resident Electoral Commission of INEC in Ogun State as reports from our agents across the state revealed these atrocities.

    “We requested that INEC should investigate these infractions and suspend the announcement of the purported results of the elections pending the completion of such investigation. We were surprised that the INEC went ahead this morning to announce the disputed results from many of the local government areas.

    “I hereby, on behalf of the APM, formally reject the collation process that was hijacked and compromised because it did not reflect the wishes of the people of Ogun State as freely expressed in 09 March 2019 Governorship and House of Assembly elections.

    “The APM wishes to put INEC on notice that we shall explore every means within the provisions of the constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to challenge this miscarriage of justice. We shall also ensure that the wishes of the people of Ogun State as freely expressed at the polls are protected.”

    ENUGU

    Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuayi was declared elected to retain his seat for the PDP after polling 449,935 to beat Senator Ayogu Eze  of the APC, who reportedly boycotted the election. He came a distant second with 10,423.

    The Enugu State Collation Officer, Prof Joseph Ahaneku, the Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, declared Ugwuanyi as duly elected after winning in all 17 council areas.

    ABIA

    Incumbent Governor Okezie Ikpeazu was returned governor-elect after defeating his APC challenger Uche Ogah with 261, 127 votes to 99, 574.

    JIGAWA

    The incumbent Governor of Jigawa, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru has won the gubernatorial election conducted in the state on Saturday.

    The Returning Officer for the governorship election in Jigawa, Prof, Azubike Nwankwo, Provost, Nigeria Defence Academy Kaduna declared the result in Dutse on Sunday.

    Nwankwo said that Badaru, who contested on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), was returned elected with 810, 933 votes to beat his closest rival, Alhaji Aminu Ringim, who scored 288, 356 votes, followed by Alhaji Bashir Adamu of Social Democratic Party (SDP), who got 32,894 votes.

    He explained that the total number of registered voters are 2,109,477, accredited voters, 1,169,924, total votes cast, 1, 163, 206, while valid votes stood at 1, 139, 054, and rejected votes, 24, 152.

    The Returning Officer stated that the election was free and fair adding that due process was followed before the declaration of the result.

    Nwankwo had also announced that the APC won all the 30 seats for the state House of Assembly.

    EBONYI

    Governor David Umahi has retained his seat in Ebonyi State for the PDP after polling 393, 343 votes to beat APC’s Sonni Ogbuoji, who got 81,703.

    Declaring the result at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), State Headquarters in Abakaliki, the State Returning Officer, Prof Chukwuemeka Eze, said the governor garnered 393,343 across 13 local government arears in the state.

    The Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Chibueze Agbo, took the third place with 10,129 votes.

    The returning officer said: “I hereby certify that I Prof Chukwuemeka Eze was the Returning Officer of the governorship election held on 9th of Match, 2019 in Ebonyi State.

    “That David Umahi Nweze, of the PDP having satisfied the requirements of the law and having scored the highest number of votes is hereby returned and elected.”

    Umahi in in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzo,r declared his unalloyed loyalty to the patriotic citizens of Ebonyi State for re-electing him for a second term.

    He promised to consolidate on the aggressive infrastructural, human development and aggressive industrialisation of the state, the tripod on which his administration stands.

    The Governor also reiterated his readiness to hand over power to Abakaliki bloc in 2023 after completing his second term so that power will continue to rotate round the three senatorial zones of the state in the spirit of equity and justice.

    Borno

     

    As at the time of going to press, the APC governorship candidate, Babagana Zullum, had won 24 of the 27 local government areas in Borno State.

    The collation of result of the governorship election is conducted at the Kashim Ibrahim College of Education, Maiduguri.

    The exercise, presided over by the state’s INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Alhassan Gali, was conducted smoothly in the presence of party agents, election observers, security agents and journalists.

    Zulum scored the highest votes cast in 24  of the 27 local government areas as indicated in the results so far submitted for collation by the variuos returning officers of the councils.

    The councils were Nganzai; Mobbar, Dikwa, Abadam, Guzamala, Gubio, Magumeri and Konduga.

    Others were Mafa, Kaga, Kukawa, Marte and Monguno.

    The election results so far collated indicated that Zulum was taking the lead against his closets opponent, Muhammad Imam, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The results as announced by the Returning Officer in charge of Nganzai, Dr Ibrahim  Mustapha, showed that the APC candidate scored 20, 196 as against the 907 votes scored by the PDP’s candidate.

    In Mobbar, Dr Kamsale Umar, the Collation Officer, declared that Zulum polled 35,828 votes while Imam scored 622 votes.

    For Dikwa; the Collation Officer, Dr. Muhammad Hassan, disclosed that the APC candidate scored 22,138 against the 1,542 votes scored by the PDP candidate.

    Dr Shamaki Usman, the Collation Officer in charge of Abadam, said that the APC candidate polled 9,968 while the PDP candidate got 50 votes.

    The Collation Officer in charge of Guzamala, Muhammad Auwal, announced that Zulum polled 28,030 votes against the 277 votes scored by PDP’s Imam.

    Also, Kachalla Mohammed, the Collation Officer in charge of Gubio, declared that the APC candidate polled 33,203 votes while the PDP flag bearer got 419 votes.

    Dr Adamu Yahaya, the Collation Officer in charge of Magumeri, announced that Zulum polled 22,261 against the 123 votes scored by Imam.

    In Kukawa, the Collation Officer, Dr Umar Adamu, declared that the APC candidates gannered 29, 040 against the 344 votes polled by the PDP.

    Salihu Ibrahin, the Collation Officer for Marte, announced thst the APC candidate got 19, 329 against the 173 votes scored by Imam, while Abdulkareem Ibrahim, the collation Officer in charge of Monguno, declared that APC polled 41,999 votes and 173 votes.

    Similarly, the Collation Officer for Konduga, Kaka Bunu, declared that Zulum scored 31, 484 votes against 2, 497 votes polled by the PDP candidate while in Kaga, the APC candidate scored 16, 647 and PDP polled 1, 166, as declared by the Collation Officer, Mr Ali Mustapha.

     

    Yobe

     

    The APC was in early lead of the governorship election with a high margin in nine local government areas so far collated out of the 17 councils of the state.

    The results were submitted at the state collation center under the leadership of Prof. Abubakar Gundiri by the local government collation officers.

    Alhaji MaiMala Buni of the APC gubernatorial candidate scored 21,765 votes in Gulani Local Government against Ambassador Iliya Damagum of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who polled 4,576 votes.

    In Fika Local Government, APC polled 36,519 against PDP’s 9,552 while in Bade Local Government APC leads with 32,213 against PDP’s 8,854.

    APC polled 20,657 votes in Bursari Local Government against PDP’s 2,813 while in Damaturu Local Government APC scored 26,087 against PDP’s 3,760 and in Nangere Local Government APC had 25,698 while PDP scored 4,765 votes.

    In Karasuwa Local Government APC polled 24,262 against PDP’s 2,762 votes while in Gujba Local Government APC received 17,714 votes and PDP had 1,119 votes.

    The APC also scored 11,338 votes in Tarmuwa Local Government while PDP polled 3,925 votes.

    Meanwhile results from the remaining eight local government areas were being awaited

     

    BAUCHI

     

    Bauchi State Governor Mohammed Abubakar was set to retain his seat for the APC as he was leading his opponent Sen. Bala Mohammed of the PDP with a wide margin.

    According to the results, the incumbent governor was leading in 12 out of the 17 local government areas released so far by the INEC.

    The PDP candidate won in the remaining five council areas.

    However, the State Returning Officer Prof Mohammed Kyari rejected the results from Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area, over alleged disruption of the voting process by people suspected to be political thugs.

     

    CROSS RIVER

     

    Cross River Governor and the PDP candidate Prof Ben Ayade, was in a comfortable lead after the collation of results of 14 out of 18 local government areas of the state.

    In the results submitted by the various returning officers at the state collation centre at the INEC in Calabar, Ayade was leading his APC challenger.

    The senator representing the Central Senatorial District, John Owan-Enoh and Niger Delta Affairs Minister Usani Usani, were laying claim to the governorship ticket of APC in the state.

    The collation was adjourned till today.

     

    ADAMAWA

     

    With results pending from just one local government area and the PDP leading with over 30,000 votes, the party looked set to clinch the governorship election in Adamawa State.

    Results collated from 20 local government areas before  the process was suspended, PDP candidate Umaru Fintiri had garnered 361,539 votes. He was being trailed by incumbent Governor Mohammed Bindow who polled 328, 433.

     

    DELTA

     

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta polled 433, 7021 votes to lead the governorship election in the state in the results so far announced.

    In the result garnered from 14 local government areas, his closest rival, Chief Great Ogboru of the APC was trailing by 101,579 votes.

  • Lagosians have spoken, says Sanwo-Olu

    LAGOS governor-elect Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu yesterday accepted the mandate given to him to steer the ship of the state for the next four years beginning from May 29.

    Sanwo-Olu, who was All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s governorship election,    polled 739,445 votes to defeat his closest rival Jimi Agbaje of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Agbaje garnered 206, 141 votes.

    In his electoral victory speech, the governor-elect said the people have spoken resoundingly with the ballot, promising not to let them down.

    Assuring that his eyes and mind are set on the future, Sanwo-Olu said: “Today, you did not just vote for Babajide Sanwo-Olu. You voted for that greater Lagos. I promise that together we shall achieve this. I do not make promises lightly. This is a promise that shall not be broken.

    “A greater Lagos shall be ours. We shall construct it with the work of our minds, the grit of our hands and by the will and grace of Almighty God.”

    He was reacting to the final results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He appreciated all those who contributed to his victory.

    They include: President Muhammadu Buhari, APC chieftain Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole and his spouse, Ibijoke, who he described as a pillar of support.

    Sanwo-Olu said: “This means that indeed you the people have spoken and clearly too. By these words, I accept the mandate you have given and understand that it bestows a most profound honour and sober responsibility on me.

    “I thank and commend all those who supported and contributed to this campaign. You have laboured and toiled countless hours and done so without complaint or hesitation.

    “You exerted yourselves not just for me but because you believe in the rightness and wisdom of the vision we share for our state.  You are too numerous and too many to name at this time. In the next few days, I will make sure I thank each of you personally for your contributions to this collective and progressive effort.

    “Most of all, I want to commend and honour the voters. While this victory may bear my name because it must bear a name, this victory belongs to you, dear Lagosians.

    “At this point, I would like to thank the leadership of my party both at the National and State levels. I also thank party members in Lagos, who believed in my candidacy and that of my Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.

    “To our lawmakers, both at the state and federal levels, thank you immensely. To the National Chairman of our great party APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomole, thank you for your support. To our committed, energetic and visionary national leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I say a big thank you too.

    “To the leader of our party and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, I thank you for the quality of leadership you provide.  You paved the path to victory and we have followed you. We shall remain faithful to our progressive vision for a better Nigeria.

    “To my dear wife, Ibijoke, I cannot thank you enough for being my pillar of support. To my Deputy, Dr. Hamzat, you are an excellent partner  whose experience and intellect will serve this state. To   his dear wife, Mrs. Remi Hamzat; we will stay united in the service of our people.

    “This election  signaled  more than a vote for me or any other candidate. It was a vote, a referendum, on how a state and its people would define themselves. Would we be courageous and confident enough to seek our greater place in the world?

    “Or would we turn so scared that we spend the greater number of hours fighting each other instead of joining ourselves in productive cooperation that will uplift the lives of each of us?

    “We were confident that you would choose courage over fear and select cooperation over confrontation. You made this enlightened choice in resounding and clear numbers.

    “Let us be completely frank and honest so that we may quickly clear the air of those things that might pollute and soil our politics if we allow them to linger.

    “There were things said during this campaign that should not have been said. And tactics employed that were shortsighted and potentially disruptive to the social accord and harmony of purpose we have enjoyed in Lagos.

    “Those who tried to use ethnicity to bring discord in hopes that such tactics might bring them victory have been sorely disappointed. The election is over. I ask them to cease and desist from this unwise conduct.

    “Our people are generous in spirit, compassionate at heart and as fair-minded as any people can be. Despite the challenges that we may face, our people exist in a space that is above hatred.

    “To be the leader of a people such as these is an honour of the highest level and a sacred obligation. A leader befitting this state and its people is one who unites and leads them to greater progress; not one who seeks to pit them against each other.

    “To all those who competed in the election and even those who tried to sow discord, let me say that this day began as an exercise in democracy as the people voted. As the day has matured it has also evolved into a moment for reconciliation because the people have clearly made their decision.

    “Whatever you said and did during this election is forgotten. I keep no ledgers of personal grievances and hold no grudges. You contested vigorously and did so as you saw fit. I respect anyone who enters the arena of public endeavour and  submits themselves to the decision of the people.

    “Politics is tough and competitive. For the many who might compete for an office, only one can win. You all gave much toward the election. Now it is time that we put aside insignificant differences  that loomed during the election so that we can give even more and do even better for the good of Lagos.

    “I am humbled that the people elected me as the governor to lead them the next four years. I vow to you, dear Lagosians, that my eye and my mind are too focused on the future, too fixed on where we must go to give a second thought to where you might have come from.

    “Without doubt, Lagos is more than a space that we occupy. Lagos is a way of life that speaks of liberality of spirit and a commitment to excellence in all facets of human endeavour.

    “If this describes your outlook on society and your relationship to your neighbour and fellowman, then you are a pure and true Lagosian. Nothing more needs to be said. No further questions need to be asked in that regard. You elected me because I have a vision in mind and a mission at heart that I must fulfil.

    “Lagos is home to over 20 million people. Each day, thousands migrate into our state in search of opportunity and a better life. The geographic space we occupy is limited.

    “Land is scarce. On this small space of land we call our state, we must provide livelihoods for all who are here today and all who shall come tomorrow. It requires a special people to meet this challenge.

    “Lagos is so densely populated, that we are all each other’s neighbour and each other’s brother. With this spirit guiding us, our challenges do not daunt us. They inspire us toward greatness in three key ways.

    “First, my administration shall advance and build on the tradition of constructing the modern infrastructure needed to improve living conditions and encourage greater business and investment by lowering the costs and increasing productivity.

    “Second, we will strive to enhance social services to make sure the basic needs of the modest and poor are met and that no Lagosian shall be deprived of humane care and human dignity.

    “Three, we will develop specific and concrete plans to establish the types of businesses and investment in Lagos that will provide sustainable growth and job opportunities for the 21st century.

    “We must provide jobs and economic opportunity for this vast and industrious population. By doing so, we shall function as a catalyst for growth in Nigeria, in West Africa and the entire continent. Lagos will stand as the economic capital of the black race.

    “In Lagos, we are limited by space but not by our capacity. Our creativity and drive are ample and tireless. My aim is no less than to construct a way of life and governance for Lagosians that will provide adequate employment and economic chance now and into the foreseeable future. We do this so that we may put our best asset – our human drive and ingenuity — to its most effective us for the good of all.

    “We are already a great state. Our task is not simply to make sure we do not regress, but to push ourselves onward to an even greater Lagos.”

     

  • Sanwo-Olu’ll work for greater Lagos, says Tinubu

    All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the governorship election in Lagos State.

    He congratulated the governor-elect, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, saying that he deserved the victory.

    After giving his acceptance speech at the state party secretariat on Acme Road, Alausa, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu and the deputy governor-elect, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, had stormed the Bourdilion, Ikoyi residence of the leader.

    The governor-elect was accompanied by party elders, chieftains and associates. He thanked Lagosians for giving him the mandate.

    Party followers were singing and dancing at the secretariat, following the declaration of the results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Savouring the joy of victory, Tinubu told reporters that Lagosians voted for APC candidates in appreciation of the diligent services rendered to the state by successive progressive administrations.

    He noted that Lagosians ignored the campaign slogan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Jimi Agbaje, who was advocating freedom.

    The former Lagos governor said the campaign approach was unwarranted and illogical because the Centre of Excellence has not been in bondage.

    He said: “It is not about freedom fight, but about a thinker and doer and what APC can do in Lagos to develop further and make further progress.”

    Party chair Tunde Balogun congratulated members and Lagosians for reposing confidence in the party, assuring them that Sanwo-Olu will not disappoint them.

    Balogun said yesterday was a memorable day, hailing Lagosians for making a wise choice.

    He said: “Today, history is being made in Lagos as Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu becomes the governor-elect and his running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the deputy governor-elect of Lagos State.

    “He will be sworn in on May 29 as the 15th governor of Lagos State. I pray all of us will be alive to witness the event.”

    At the party secretariat were Southwest Women Leader Chief Kemi Nelsom, senators Musiliu Obanikoro, Tony Adefuye and Ganiyu Solomon, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, Chief Lanre Rasak, House of Representatives members James Faleke, Rotimi Agunsoye and Jimi  Benson; Chief Lanre Rasak, party secretary Dr. Wale Ahmed, Yemi Alli, Chief Funso Ologunde, Ashipa Kaoli Olusanya, Women Leader Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, Joe Igbokwe, Abiodun Salami, Sunday Dare, Damola Kasumu, and Legal Adviser Demola Sodiq.