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Tag: second term

  • ‘Why Ambode should go for second term’

    Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Home Affairs Chairman Layiwola Olawale spoke with Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN on why Lagosians are asking Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to seek re-election.

    What is responsible for the popular demand for re-election of Governor Akinwumi Ambode for second term?

    We are all living witnesses to what Governor Ambode is doing in Lagos State. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the architect of new Lagos, laid a solid foundation for the development of the state. Former Governor Babatunde Fashola actualised the plan and Ambode is consolidating on the good work of his predecessors. He has performed creditably. To secure Lagos, the Ambode administration procured helicopters for air surveillance; acquired patrol vehicles including state of art information technology for security agencies. All these facilities have helped the security agencies in checkmating the criminal activities of kidnappers and Bado boys in Ikororodu.

    Under Ambode, the Internally Generated Revenue of Lagos State has increased to N30 billion per month. The state government pays students’ West African Examination Council (WAEC) fees; the government has embarked on structural development of schools through rehabilitation and renovation; new schools are also springing up. The Lagos State University (LASU) is the best tertiary institution in the country today in terms of infrastructure and staffing, courtesy of Governor Ambode. The facilities in public health institutions have been upgraded such that foreign health officials now have confidence in Lagos State Health programme.

    Through Ambode ingenuity, traffic menace has been reduced in Lagos, particularly in Alapere, Abule-Egba, Epe, Badagry and Ikorodu through the expansion of roads and construction of fly- over in strategic areas of the state. Epe is now accessible, following massive road construction embarked upon by the state government.

    Ambode has taken development to the grassroots through the rehabilitation of roads across local government areas. He went a step further by constructing roads and bridges leading to Ogun State borders, some of which were commissioned last weekend.

    The list of his achievements under three years in office is endless. The reward for hard work is more work. One good term deserves another. That is why there is spontaneous demand for his second term. I am in total support for his re-election so that he can accomplish his mission.

    How have you impacted on your constituents?

    As a legislator, I represent the interest of my constituents through robust legislative debate in the House. I sponsor bills and motions that will promote good governance and improve the well-being of the people of the state.

    Beside the constitutional responsibility, I have facilitated employment opportunities to members of my constituency in government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) like the Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA), Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), Teaching Service Commission and the judiciary. I organise free tutorials for secondary school students during holidays. Every year, I procure 200 West African Examination Council (WAEC) forms for those who want to sit for GCE; provide free school uniform;  organise career talks for students to guide them in their future undertakings and donated a trophy for football competition among the ten wards in Mushin constituency.

    I am passionate about providing employment for our people. I have been on the employment drive since 2002. Between 2002 and 2007, I was the Special Assistant to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu  on Transportation. When Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) was created, I was able to assist many of our people in getting job with the agency. It was one of the reasons they voted for me massively in 2015. Besides that, I sometimes go out of my way to get jobs for them outside my influence.

    Why has peace continued to elude Mushin, your constituency?

    The menace of thuggery and insecurity in Mushin can be attributed to societal factors; the youth unemployment is a major factor. An idle hand is a devil’s workshop. Mushin has been associated with political violence since the First Republic during the Western Region crisis that culminated in arson- “operation wet e”. It was a protest against injustice meted out to the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his supporters by the Federal Government led by the late Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Mushin was part of the old Western Region then. The people of Mushin vehemently rejected the result of the 1965 Western Region election that was rigged for the late Chief S. L. Akintola’s Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP). Mushin became the epicentre of the struggle.

    Mushin is not the only flash point in Lagos; there are other areas too. We have been trying to reverse the trend of criminalities in Mushin by engaging the youths. We are doing this through vocation training so that they can acquire skills and become self employed and even become employers of labour. There are those who came to Lagos in search of green pasture; they live in Mushin but when they could not find gainful employment, they take to robbery, burglary and other criminal activities in order to survive. These are the characters giving Mushin a bad name.

    We will continue to engage the youth. We have put many things in place for our people like recreation centres, adult education programme so that the vast majority of the populace would be able to read and write which will help them in their chosen vocations. Mushin has produced good people in all spheres of life. By constructively engaging the youths, I’m sure they will change for better.

    Some are suggesting that the black spot in Mushin should be acquired by government. What is your view?

    No. I won’t subscribe to that idea. The lands belong to the people; they have been holding the land for centuries. It will be unfair to dispossess them of their property because of the criminal activities of few ones living among them. The bad ones should be fished out and charged to court. We have responsible people living in Akala and Idi-Oro, For example, the Chairman Of Ojuwoye/Odi- Olowo lives in Akala street.

    What should your constituents be expecting from you before the end of the Eighth Assembly?

    They should expect good things. I will continue with the good job that I am doing. I will complete the on-going borehole projects. I have always been accessible to them. I live with them. All empowerment programmes initiated by me will continue. I can never abandon my people.

    Will you seek re-election in 2019?

    I believe in my constituents and the political leaders. I was able to achieve all I have been able to achieve because of their support. If they ask me to continue, I will abide with their decision.

  • Women endorse Ambode for second term

    A group, Lagos Women for Akinwumi Ambode (LAWAA) has endorsed Governor Akinwumi Ambode for a second term.

    Speaking at a rally held in Police College, Ikeja,  Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr Idiat Adebule assured the women that they would continue to get the best from Ambode’s administration.

    “Be rest assured that the administration would not stop to ensure  women are giving their pride of place in the state.  We would continue to provide enabling environment for women to continue to thrive and take their place in the society,” she said.

    Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Sustainable Development Goals and former Lagos State Deputy Governor Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, hailed Ambode for enabling women to participate in his government.

    She called for more participation for women in governance, noting that women are compassionate and would not allow people suffer.

    “We promise that we would not let you down. Continue to do your good work and we will make you proud,” she said.

    LAWAA Committee Chairman and Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, said Ambode has done well for Lagosians, urging all to vote for him to enable him continue the good work he has started.

    She said: “We thank him for the great job he has done in the state especially for women, widows and children, and for the work he has done on roads, hospitals and schools; we want him to continue. He has imparted our lives; he prioritised women and we know he will make us shine.”

    All Progressives Congress (APC) Zonal Women Leader (Southwest) and Executive Director, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Chief Kemi Nelson said Ambode has made the state’s economy risen to be number five in Africa.

    Ikorodu Local Government Area Vice-Chairman Folasade Olabanji-Oba, urged women to get their Permanent Voters Card (PVC).

  • Ex-head of service endorses Buhari, Masari for second term

    Former Katsina Sate Head of  Service and Chairman, Task Force on Petroleum, Alhaji lawal Aliyu Daura has declared both President Muhammadu Buhari and his state governor, Aminu Bello Masari as deserving of a second term in office, thanks to their performances especially in the area of infrastructure, human capital development and the resuscitation of the economy

    Alhaji Daura who made the declaration during an exclusive interview with The   Nation yesterday in the state capital, Katsina, maintained that the current stability in both economic and political sphere enjoyed by Nigerians is attributable to the high performance in office recorded by the Buhari administration

    He said ’’Buhari is frankly committed to the fight against insecurity, ant-corruption, and stabilization of the economy, introduction of Treasury Single Account, TSA, and the intergraded pay roll system’’

    ‘’Presently am not a card carrying member of any party, so that no one can accuse me of being partisan, but objectively speaking ,I think he deserve a second term in office’’

    The retired civil servant further alluded to the high level of reception accorded the president especially during his recent tour of the North East and the North Central states  as clearly indicating the measure of acceptance Nigerians are willing to accord the President

    On Masari, he maintained that the governor has made his mark on the areas of infrastructural and human capital developments. He added that the policies of the present government in the state as well as the systematic implementation of their budgetary provisions are veritable indicators that they are running a people oriented government that deserves continuity

    On petroleum supply in the state the task force chairman assured that with the committee’s determination to ensure compliance with extant laws and regulation on petroleum products, the state has witnessed the last of petroleum scarcity

    He said ’’we are in constant surveillance and on the look -out for any untoward practices, we also collaborate with DPR, PMAN, NNPC and the major marketers, there is no massive smuggling across the borders except through villages with jerry cans’’

  • Butchers back Ambode for second term

    Members of Lagos state Butchers Association have expressed  their full support for the state governor,  Mr Akinwunmi  Ambode for a second term in office

    Addressing journalists at their 3, Ogunmokun  Street Mushin Olosha, State secretariat of the association, chairman, Alhaji Alabi Bamidele Kazeem commended Ambode for his achievements in Lagos State with only three years as governor

    He said “Everybody can see the  tremendous work he has  done. We feel proud and delighted to the part of the efforts  to give him a second  term in office”

    Bamidele also commended Ambode  for appointing Honorable  Isiaka Toyin Suara as Commissioner for Agriculture  and Cooperative saying “The commissioner has brought a lot of honor and dignity to the work of butchers: he is dynamic, he has transformed Agege Abattoir which used to be known for its filthiness”

    He added that because of the foresight Suara has, the place has become an enviable Abattoir where meat could be processed even for exportation, as it is safer and has better environment for butchers to operate.

    The butchers association chairman also commended the Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives Dr. Sikirudeen Onasanya for the hand of fellowship he gave to his members and  also for moving their work to a higher level throughout the State.

    Speaking on dividends of democracy which Ambode administration in Lagos State gave to his members, Bamidele listed: workshops, seminars, empowerment for butchers and procuring cows  for their members, apart from the general facelift he was giving  to Lagos to ensure success of the Mega city project.

    Bamidele said the over 50,000 strong members of Lagos State Butchers Association  in the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas were solidly behind  Ambode for the continuity of the good work during  his second term: therefore they will soon embarked on solidarity rallies in all the councils in the state.

  • Senators endorse Ambode

    The three lawmakers representing Lagos East, West and Central senatorial districts yesterday passed a vote of confidence in and endorsed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for a second term.

    They said the giant strides of his administration were being felt across the state.

    The senators- Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East), Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central) and Solomon Olamilekan (Lagos West), who visited the governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja, said they were proud of his achievements and the renewed vigour he had brought to bear since he assumed office.

    Reading a letter of endorsement on behalf of his colleagues, Senator Ashafa said Governor Ambode had beyond reasonable doubt proved his mettle to lead the state to greater heights, citing massive infrastructural development, strategic solution to gridlock as well as key interventions in sectors in the state in the last 33 months.

    “Since May 29, 2015, when you took the mantle of leadership and administration, you have made it clear that you are out to deliver on all your campaign promises. Looking back today, we are senators representing the three senatorial districts of Lagos State are very proud of your achievements and the renewed vigour which you have brought to the public service of Lagos State.

    “We particularly are proud of the infrastructural development you have brought to the entire state in general and to our districts in particular. Your smart solution in tackling the traffic and security challenges that initially faced your administration have become a template for other states to copy.

    “Also, your strategic partnerships with Kebbi and Kano states have thrown more light to the capacity of Lagos State and the creative manager of man and resources which you are. We must also mention that throughout the period when our country battled with economic recession, Your Excellency made sure that Lagos State remained well-above the curve and also ensured that workers in Lagos State did not miss their salary for one day throughout that period and indeed throughout this administration. For this, we thank Your Excellency for always placing the interest of Lagosians first.

    “In conclusion, the foregoing and many more reasons formed the bedrock of the decision of the senators representing the Central, East and West districts of Lagos State together with the political leadership of our various districts resulted in our visit today to convey our vote of confidence and endorsement for another well-deserved term for your administration,” Ashafa said.

    On her part, Senator Tinubu hailed Governor Ambode for turning every part of the state into a huge construction site and working to improve the lives of the common man.

    Addressing the governor, Tinubu said: “You (Governor Ambode) have done very credibly and even on our way here just seeing the masses have somewhere to go to is a testimony of how you really want to improve the lives of the common man.

    “And not only that, we see that there is no where you go to that you will not find development. Anyone that will say oh they haven’t come to me, all I would say is that they should be patient; it’s going to go round. I want to congratulate you and pray that your next term in office will be better than this because they say that the glory of the latter house will be greater than the former and so we pray that you will continue to take this state from glory to glory.”

    Senator Olamilekan said the vote of confidence in the governor was as a result of the good work he had done so far, adding that it was also to urge him to continue to do more for the state.

    “What we are doing here today, we believe we are speaking the minds of Lagosians that you have been overwhelmingly endorsed for second term in office. What we can always say as Oliver Twist is to demand more. I believe that by the time the second term commence, a lot that is yet to be done will be attended to. Once more, we want to thank you for the good job you have done so far,” he said.

    Governor Ambode said he was humbled by the collective endorsement of the senators, adding that he would continue to give his best for the development of the state.

    “I am seriously humbled by the collective presence of the three distinguished senators from Lagos State in the State House this evening. I must also say that this is a sign that there is huge political stability in this state and to also let the people know, I am humbled by the desire of the senators to say that I should continue with all the things I have already done for Lagosians.

    “I want to say I am very proud of the three of them; they have done Lagos State very proud; they have been very active and I must also say that there is harmony and brotherhood in the political class in Lagos and we are proud of our senators,” he said.

  • Ikeja APC backs Ambode for second term

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Hon. Julies Oloro, has called on the leadership of other political parties to endorse Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for a second term.

    He thanked party leaders in Ikeja Local Government Area for supporting continuity.

    Oloro addressed a crowd of party faithful at Ojodu APC secretariat, who urged the governor to seek a fresh term.

    The Chairman of Ojodu Local Council Development A rea said Ambode deserved a second term,adding that he has lived up to expectation in the last three years.

    He said Lagosians, irrespective of party affiliations, should vote for continuity in 2019.

    Oloro highlighted Ambode’s achievements in sports, tourism, health and infrastructural development, adding that he deserved a pass mark.

    He said: “The Ambode administration has shown clear commitment to putting Lagos on the world map where it truly belongs and this is definitely the hallmark of a visionary leader who wants nothing but the best for his people”.

    He said the state would rank among the top smart cities in the world as envisioned by Ambode, if the tempo of achievements is sustained beyond 2019.

    The Women Leader of the APC in Ojodu, Hon. Stella Kokumo, said if achievements are the criteria for re-election, Ambode will rule for eight years.

    She said: “If achievements are anything to go by, the people of Ojodu LCDA will gladly vote for Ambode to lead us in Lagos for another four years.”

  • Ifako-Ijaiye endorses Ambode for second term

    All Progressives Congress leaders in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State have endorsed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for a second term.

    The Chairman of the council,  Apostle Oloruntoba Oke, said the endorsement was based on Ambode’s grassroots policies and his all-nclusive programmes.

    Oke said the chairmen of the 20 local councils and  and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs)  are rooting for the governor’s re-election bid.

    He said: “This is premised on the simple fact that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has demonstrably distinguished himself as bastion of hope and beacon  of light for light for good governance, in less than three years in the saddle.”

    He said a vote for APC the governor is a vote for continuity, transparency, integrity, accountability and good governance.

    Oke urged party chieftains to collect their voters’ cards and mobilise for Ambode’s victory at the poll.

    He  called on Lagosians to re-elect Ambode, asssuring that he will not let them down.

    Oke added: “With a population close to 20 million, we should be able to show our appreciation to this amiable governor by giving him five million votes to ensure the continuation of his good works.”

    He said the people of the council will give 250,000 votes to the governor, adding that he has set up a mobilisation team, “Ambode Continuity Babes,” to swing into action.

    Oke said: I challenge you to summon a new spirit of loyalty, patriotism and responsibility where each of UA have resolved to pitch in and work harder to pursue the greater interest of the party.”

     

  • Monarchs endorse lawmaker for second term

    Traditional rulers in Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo local government area of Ondo State have endorsed the lawmaker representing Ile-Oluji-Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Constituency in the National Assembly, Mayowa Akinfolarin, for a second term.

    They urged their subjects to vote for him in next year’s poll.

    The royal fathers said he deserved a second term because of his performance.

    The monarchs spoke through Oba Julius Olufaderin Adetimehin, the Jimoko of Ile-Oluji, at a three-day training and skill acquisition programme facilitated by the lawmaker.

    They said their decision was hinged on the outstanding record of the legislator in the last three years.

    According to them,the lawmaker who recently dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) had sponsored over 12 bills in the National Assembly, adding that he also facilitated laudable projects to the constituency.

    Oba Olufaderin said:” We are proud of him. He is a good ambassador of our constituency. He is a shining example and somebody that should be emulated.

    “Our advice to the people coming behind him is to follow his steps, because he is leaving a landmark that will not be easily surpassed. We love him. He is doing great. He will go for second term.”

    The beneficiariesthanked the lawmaker for organising the programme.

    Akinfolarin said the best way to reciprocate the gesture of the people, who have reposed their confidence in him through their votes, is to reach out to them.

    He said the programme was designed to lift the communities and  ,stressing that he was doing what was expected of him.

    Other leaders at the event included Prince George Adenikinju Odigbo, the Local Government Caretaker Chairman, and Oba Rufus Akinrinmade, the Orunja of Odigbo Kingdom. Religious and opinion leaders also witnessed the occasion.

  • Lagos councils endorse Ambode for second term

    Leaders and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 20 Local Government Areas (LGA) and Local Council Development Authorities (LCDA) in Lagos State have endorsed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for a second term in office. During elaborate events held separately across the state last Thursday tagged, ‘Ambode Lekan si’, the APC stalwarts declared their support for Ambode’s second term.

    Leaders of the APC in the six councils of Ikorodu division, in separate rallies held same day, expressed their unflinching support for the re-election bid of the governor, vowing to mobilise the people of the division to vote en masse for him in 2019. Thousands of party faithful trooped out to participate at the rallies attended by prominent party leaders from within and outside the division.

    Speaking at one of the rallies, the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA), Hon. Bolanle Agunbiade, assured the governor of the support of the people of the division. According to him, “the people of Ikorodu, seeing the good works of Governor Ambode since he took over the leadership of the state, are appreciative and ready to help him do more for Ikorodu and its people by ensuring he is re-elected.”

    Similarly, Kosofe L.G.A, led by its executive chairman, Afolabi Babatunde Sofola, at an event held at the council secretariat in Ogudu, promised to deliver the votes of the people of the area for Ambode in 2019. Sofola said his administration’s endorsement of the governor is based on “the legacy of performance, excellent delivery of people-oriented governance and unwavering continuity of exceptional leadership laid by our political hero and father of modern Lagos, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

    The council boss added that “any other contestant for the office of governor in Lagos State for 2019 is a counterfeit,” stating categorically that “nobody in the state would say they have not felt Ambode’s impact one way or the other.” To underline his conviction, Sofola said all the 57 local government bosses in the state were “simultaneously endorsing the governor that same day, same hour.”

    In a related development, APC chieftains in Alimosho promised to deliver more than 60 per cent of the nearly 700, 000 registered voters in the constituency to ensure that the governor returns for a second term. The leaders made this promise at a press briefing for the endorsement and declaration of support for Ambode’s second term which took place at Mosan Okunola, Alimosho, yesterday. Alimosho is the largest constituency in Lagos with six local councils.

    The group, Alimosho Federal Constituency Coalition of Support Group, said that it would mobilise people of Alimosho behiind Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode for second term following his sterling performance. Addressing the party supporters and other leaders who packed full the hall, Chief Olusegun Badejo, who read the group’s speech, said that Ambode’s infrastructural renewal strides and people-oriented initiatives informed the support.

    The Deputy Whip of the Lagos Assembly who represents Alimosho constituency 2, Hon. Omotayo Oduntan Oyeledun, also said, “The Alimosho people will forever be grateful to his Excellency for the landmark achievements across Lagos and particularly Alimosho among which are the construction of Abule Egba flyover bridge, the Aboru/Moran road and bridge, the Ikola/Ajasa/Amikanle and Ray power road network and the completion of the various roads and projects inherited from the previous administration.

  • Councils endorse Ambode for second term

    No fewer than eight local government and local council development areas yesterday endorsed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for a second.

    Hundreds of party enthusiasts stormed secretariats of Oshodi-Isolo, Odi-Olowo, Somolu, Ifako-Ijaiye, Iru-Victoria, Apapa-Iganmu, Bariga, Onigbongbo for the endorsement.

    Apostle Oloruntoba Oke of Ifako-Ijaiye said the endorsement was as a result of Ambode’s grassroots policies and all-inclusive programmes of the government.

    Oke said all the chairmen of the 20 Local Government and 37 LCDAs are rooting for return of Ambode because “Ambode has distinguished himself as bastion of hope and beacon of light for light for good governance, in less than three years in the saddle.”

    Alhaja Funmilayo Mohammed of Apapa-Iganmu said Ambode has reduced crime in her council to the barest minimum due to his people-oriented policies.

    Besides this, she said, Apapa-Iganmu benefitted immensely from the governor’s employment opportunities.

    Her Iru-Victoria Island counterpart, Princess Rasheedat Abiodun Adu said a vote for Ambode is a vote for good governance.

    Princess Adu said the governor has endeared himself in the minds of Lagosians through massive developmental projects executed in the last three years.

    Idris Bolaji Muse-Ariyoh of Oshodi-Isolo said: “Many people had called me to express their love for the governor to continue beyond 2019, that is why I asked everyone to come to the open to signify their willingness.”

    Muse-Ariyoh thanked Ambode for the ongoing construction of Oshodi Transport Interchange and expansion of Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road among other projects.

    His Somolu counterpart, Abdulhamed Salawu aka Dullar said Ambode is a source of blessing to Lagos State.

    Ambode, he said, came in when the country was facing severe economic hardship but ensure Lagosians don’t feel the impact.

    In Bariga, Kolade Alabi said: “It is commonsensical to give our unalloyed support to Governor Ambode because he has done well in constructing roads and bridges, schools and hospitals, water treatment plants, sewage and storm water drainages.

    “Lagos today is a city of honour, a land of opportunity; Ambode is turning Lagos to smart city.”