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  • Demola Seriki remembered by wife, children, associates

    Demola Seriki remembered by wife, children, associates

    • Islamic clerics, politicians eulogise ex-minister at one-year remembrance

    Exactly one year after his demise in faraway Madrid, Spain, Chief Ademola Rasaq Seriki (CON), former Nigerian Minister of State for Defence and Ambassador to Spain was remembered with a fidau prayer event yesterday.

    The prayer event was organised by his wife, Wosilat Okoya-Seriki and her children, Abisola Dejonwo, Faridah Demola-Seriki and Alimah Araoye. Wosilat was by his side in the Spanish capital when he breathed his last.

    The Special Muslim Prayer for the late Amb. Seriki held at the Island Club’s Peacock Hall, Onikan, Lagos was led by the Imams of Lagos Central Mosque, while the guest lecturer was Dr. Saheed Timehin, Associate Professor, Lagos State University (LASU).

    Seriki, died in active service while serving concurrently as Nigerian Ambassador to Spain and Permanent Representative to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) on December 15, 2022.

    Born on November 30, 1959 in Lagos, he was not only a politician, teacher, businessman and public administrator, whose ambassadorial duty he assumed in January 2021, but a loyal party man to the core. This endeared him to all and sundry as he, in his own right, possessed high level of intelligence, consistency and hardworking spirit that saw him rise through the ranks to the top in his political career.

    Sadly, however, he died on December 15, 2022 at the age of 63 while representing President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration as Ambassador in Spain.

    In his lecture, Dr. Timehin encouraged people gathered to be full of good deeds because, according to him, the only thing that will be left with everyone with their Lord in the grave and hereafter is good deed.

    Eulogising the departed, he said: “It was because of good and fulfilled life that Ambassador Ademola Rasaq Seriki lived that all of us are gathered here today to pray for him. May Allah continue to repose his soul in Al-Jannah Al-Firdaus.”

    Speaking on her late husband, Wosilat Okoya-Seriki described life in the last 365 days without him as not easy.

    “The last 365 days have been tough and extremely lonely without him. We shared so many lovely memories together. I thank the Almighty Allah for everything thus far,” she said.

    “His last moments were with his family, although we felt a deep pain, we remained strong, especially as he had accepted it as Allah’s will.

    “He was my best friend, and we had a deep bond and friendship.

    “I miss everything about him. Life has not been the same since his passing

    “He was a very good life partner to me and a wonderful father,” Wosilat said, adding that if there were to be another world, she would marry him again.

    “May Allah SWT forgive his shortcomings and grant him the highest place in Jannah, amin,” she prayed.

    Encomiums and goodwill messages poured at yesterday’s fidau prayers for the late ambassador was rather sympthomatic of the fact that Seriki lived a well spent life and had been loved in his life time and his memory has become one not to be wished away in hurry one year after his death. He continues to be remembered as the genuine family man that he was, even now in death.

    Seriki came to this world, he saw and, evidence abounds that, he conquered considering the fact of footprints he left behind in the sands of time and his beautiful memories as well as his numerous outstanding accomplishments, which continue to linger.

    Paying tribute to the departed, an associate of the late diplomat, Mutiu Aare, said he was a good man who encouraged all his friends to do good especially during the month of Ramadan. He prayed that Allah should continue to repose his soul in Al-Jannah.

    Read Also: Tinubu receives ambassadors, directs emphasis on new investments, trade expansion

    Another of his political associates, Senator Abdul Bariu Gbenga Asafa said: “Rasaq Ademola Seriki was my younger one but we were friends. Of all that were close to him, I was one particular person. I believe it is because of this I was asked to be here today. However, no matter how good a man is, he would always have his shortcoming.

    “But Seriki was somebody that when you met him once, you would fall in love with him to continue to see him again and again. He was a good family man. He loved his children and did not joke with their matter.

    “Like the lecturer said, that we should encourage ourselves to do good towards one another, I remember how many people he helped when Demola Seriki was Minister of State for Defence. Death gives no notice, therefore, we should do good because I believe that the good done by Seriki is part of reason this prayer gathering befits him today and prayers will go and meet him in the grave. May Allah repose his soul in Al-Jannah,” Asafa, who spoke in Yoruba, said.

     Dignitaries from all walks of life including former Senator Lagos West, Gbenga Asafa, Mutiu Aare, Tunde Salau, Wosilat Okoya-Seriki, Shade Okoya, brother of the widow, Tajudeen Okoya and representatives of the Oba of Lagos joined the families to grace the event.

  • Defectors will fail, says Seriki

    Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Chief Akanni Seriki has said that defectors from the party to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will fail in their plot to abort the second term ambition of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He accused the defectors of political kleptomania, saying that many of them got better positions after the 2015 elections more than the founding fathers of the ruling party.

    Seriki told reporters in Lagos that the party could have averted its current travails, if the president has backed the call for party supremacy and discipline championed by experienced party elders.

    He however, said the defections notwithstanding, President Buhari will retain his position beyond 2019, based on his performance and support base across the six geo-political zones.

    Seriki said: “The PDP defectors came to the APC to take over the party and the government and it is impossible for them. They nearly succeeded. They became Senate President and House of Representatives Speaker, only to galvanise their PDP colleagues. Their target is the presideny.

    “Asiwaju Tinubu had foresight. He saw the disaster coming. That was why he was canvassing support for party supremacy and discipline. While Asiwaju was calling for party supremacy and discipline, Buhari said he was for nobody and for everybody. If the president had put his feet down on the election of National Assembly principal officers, this trouble would have been averted. Despite all these, Buhari will win. The party only has to work for victory.”

    Seriki urged the pr4esident to look at the genuine grievances of committed chieftains who are loyal and steadfast.

    He said many committed party chieftains may not have been given a sense of belonging by the BUhari administration, adding that many PDP chieftains were retained in government, despite the change of government in 2015.

    The politician said there should be an institutionalized way of rewarding party loyalty and commitment, warning that, if this is not done, loyal members can be discouraged from staying focused.

    In his view, the president should consult critical party leaders regularly on party affairs to prevent the impression that he has sidelined them.

  • No crack in Lagos East APC, says Seriki

    No crack in Lagos East APC, says Seriki

    Lagos East All progressives Congress (APC) leader Alhaji Akanni Seriki-Bamu has said there is no crack in the senatorial chapter, urging members to be committed to the welfarist cause of the party.

    He urged party chieftains, followers and supporters to support Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and reiterate their loyalty to the leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who he described as a colossus and a oak tree offering protective shade to the progressive family.

    Seriki told reporters in Lagos that the insinuation of division in Lagos APC is a figment of imagination, assuring that the party is united behind Ambode, who has been endorsed for a second term.

    He however, lamented that some disgruntled elements may have embarked on a campaign of blackmail and calumny by peddling falsehood and inciting some leaders against one another for personal gain.

    To check their nefarious activities, Seriki said when spurious allegations are raised, leaders should try to verify the claims of the accusers before acting on the concocted lies.

    The party chieftain applauded the governor for living up to expectation, stressing that Lagosians have not voted for him in vain.

    Seriki added: “Ambode is a special gift of the Epe Division to Lagos State. Look at the work he is doing across the state. Look at the roads he has constructed, the bridges, the intervention in the transport sector. He is a very caring governor and a role model to his colleagues.”

    He urged the governor to intensify his efforts in delivering dividends of democracy in accordance to popular expectation.

    Seriki advised Ambode to also remember those party members and followers who laboured at the vineyard of politics to ensure his emergence as candidate at the primary.

    He added: “They deserve attention to give them a sense of reward and belonging and to prevent a feeling of “use and dump” syndrome.”

     

  • Lagos poll: APC should unite, says Seriki

    Lagos poll: APC should unite, says Seriki

    Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Alhaji Akanni Seriki has urged members to unite as they warm up for the local government elections.

    He said: “We have no other party than the APC. When the situation is like this, we should forget our personal interests and endorse our collective aspiration.”

    Seriki, a party leader from Epe Division, added: “I am calling for peace and unity so that we can survive under our party. There will be adjustments later. Not all of us can be chairmen and councilors at the same time.”

    He noted the complaints that have trailed the selection of party flag bearers for the local government elections, saying that the large number of contenders posed a serious challenge.

    Seriki called for loyalty, saying that the party is big to accommodate the interests of its members. However, he warned against “a certain and dangerous tendency” of conceding leadership to new comers, who, he said, were throwing stones at the progressive bloc when they were members of the conservative platform.

    He said: “I have been a consistent politician. But, some people who have traversed all the political parties in the world have now returned and trying to dominate us in the APC. I object to this in Epe Division.”

    Seriki described himself as an acknowledged leader of the APC in the division, stressing that his contributions and achievements are verifiable.

    He stressed: “As a leader of Epe APC, I have produced a Speaker of House of Assembly, commissioners and a governor. Anyone who will achieve more than me will have to install a president. I have my good name. I am opposed to falsehood and blackmail in politics. They are not god virtues. I have been able to groom credible leaders for Epe. Other leaders coming up should emulate me.”

    Seriki hailed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for living up to expectation, adding that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu deserved credit for his foresight.

    He added: “Governor Ambode is doing well. His projects are well spread across the three districts, in terms of roads, bridges, security, education. In two years, he has justified the confidence reposed in him. The impact of his works is felt all over the state.

    “”I thank Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for grooming a leader from Epe. Ambode has not let us down. We should be praying for the governor. We should also pray for Tinubu. We should always rally round them.”

  • Osoba, Seriki, Obanikoro, others eulogise Gbadamosi at burial

    Osoba, Seriki, Obanikoro, others eulogise Gbadamosi at burial

    The cream of the society yesterday trooped to the ancient town of Ikorodu, Lagos State, for the burial of foremost industrialist and business icon, Chief Rashid Gbadamosi.

    The burial ceremony took place at his Kunbi Haven residence, situated on Sule Oyesola Gbadamosi Crescent, Kokoro-Abu, Ikorodu.

    As early as 8 a.m., sympathisers started arriving at his home. They all described him as a true son of Ikorodu and Lagos State.

    At exactly 2.00p.m., the Grand Chief Imam of Ikorodu Division, Sheik Seifudeen Ayinla Ademoritan Olowooribi,  leading other Imams, led the congregation in the last prayer for the deceased.

    His body was lowered into a vault that was prepared for him many years ago, at exactly 2.15p.m.

    The state government was represented at the ceremony by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Olukunle Ojo, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Prince Rotimi Ogunleye, Commissioner for Arts, Tourism and Culture Mrs.  Adebimpe Akinsola and Special Adviser on Overseas Affairs and Investment (Lagos Global) Prof. Ademola Abass.

    Other dignitaries included former ministers Prince Ademola Seriki and Musiliu Obanikoro; former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba and wife, Derinsola; a former Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Fatai Adeyinka; Justice of the Court of Appeal Justice Habeeb Abiru ; Director, Eko Hospital, Olorogun Sunny Kuku; Oriwu Sun Publisher Alhaji Monsur Olowosago; Majority Leader, Lagos House of Assembly S.O.B. Agunbiade; Managing Director, AIICO Pension Manager Mr. Equarekhile Longer and others.

    Oba of Lagos Rilwanu Akiolu, Ayangburen of Ikorodu Oba Adewale Shotobi were represented by bearers of staff of their respective royal insignia.

    In his graveside oration ladden with Qur’anic recitations, Sheik Olowooribi, who was full of encomiums for the deceased, praised almighty Allah for granting Gbadamosi’s wishes.

    He admonished sympathisers to think of death and how it would come and ensure that they were always in good stead.

    Sheik Olowooribi, who noted that the vault had been prepared long before his death, said: “While some were buried in unknown places or missing, the almighty Allah granted his wish. It is where he wished to be buried that he was buried. Allah is great.”

    He said the deceased was good to all who came across him during his lifetime and prayed almighty Allah to forgive his sins.

    The deceased’s daughter, Mrs. Kunbi Osinoiki, in a chat with reporters, noted that Gbadamosi built bridges across national facets.

    Aside from being an industrialist, she said her father was passionate about drama and dramatists and assisted some of them to prominence.

    It was her wish that her father would be remembered by Nigerians for his contributions to the national economic growth as a former Minister for National Development and Economic Planning and Chairman,  Petroleum Pricing and Regulating Agency(PPRA) and former Chairman, Nigerian Industrial and Development Bank (NIDB).

    Although Gbadamosi was not politically active, she noted that her father served the country in whatever capacity he was appointed because he was passionate about Nigeria.

    Ogunleye, who spoke on behalf of Lagos State delegation, noted Gbadamosi’s contribution to the development of the state as a premier Commissioner at age 27.

    Ogunleye said the late Gbadamosi did so much for Lagos State and Nigeria and that his shoes would be difficult to fill.

    Chief Osoba, who said he was close to the deceased for over 60years, described his death as too sudden.

    He urged the young ones to emulate him, particularly for his selfless service to the country.

    Yeni kuti, whose late father, Fela Anikulapo, was a close friend of the deceased, said his death was too sudden and shocking.

    “It was so sad an end to such a vibrant uncle and an industrialist that provided jobs to many. He was our rock. When Fela died, he was there for us. When my sister died, he was there for us and all through. We would miss him,” she lamented.

    Justice Adeyinka, who repeatedly called the deceased by his alias, “ R.A. Jojolo”, said the vacuum created by his death would take a long time to fill.

    Seriki described him as “a good man, highly principled, a man of strong philosophy and a man full of ordinary.”

    Obanikoro  said the late Gbadamosi was an “ extraordinary man blessed with extraordinary records of achievements. A mentor, trailblazer and an excellent Lagosian”.

    President Oriwu Club, Ikorodu, Alhaji Shafari Aremu Sule, said the deceased served three tenures as president of the club because of his goodness and the fact that he was morally upright.

  • Tinubu’s role should be documented, says Seriki

    Tinubu’s role should be documented, says Seriki

    ll Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Chief Akanni Seriki has extolled the virtues of the national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, saying that his contribution to the enthronement of the progressive government at the centre should be documented.

    He said the documentary on the heroic roles of the astute politician will inspire future generations to embrace politics of principle, service and ideology.

    Seriki, a Lagos APC elder, expressed worry over the activities of detractors trying to damage the image of the leader in the social media through their limitless campaigns of calumny, fabrication, falsehood and treachery.

    He also chided people he described as “political associates-turned foes within” for attempting to break the ladder they climbed to political stardom. Urging them to retrace their steps, he said it is dangerous for the ingrate to bite the fingers that fed them.

    Seriki observed that Tinubu’s name has already be written in the letters of gold because he played a major role in charting the course of progress for the country.

    He said: “There are revelations these days about how the last government of the PDP mismanaged the economy and distributed money meant for arms to lackeys for partisan errands. If the PDP government had survived in the last election, the country would have collapsed. But, Tinubu rallied like-minded progressives to push for power shift. He started the work on 2003. He persisted. he kept hope alive. He has dwarfed his detractors.

    “That is why I believe that Asiwaju will not fall by the grace of God. That is why I also caution against betrayal by the people he raised. That is why I want them to remember the past when they were nobody. Tinubu’s records are impeccable. His roles as the arrowhead, motivator and leader of the progressive movement should be documented to serve as an inspiration for future generations.”

    Seriki lauded Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode for building on the legacies of Asiwaju Tinubu and Mr. Babatunde Fashola, urging him to intensify his people-oriented programmes.

    He said: “We have to appreciate that we have a governor in Lagos who is a silent worker. He is focusing on the grassroots. He is completing the road projects kicked off by his predecessors. Ambode has moved to the riverine areas to give them hope through rural projects. We are happy that Ambode has decided to open up Epe Division through road construction and rehabilitation.”

    The party elder also lauded the free meal programme for pupils and the revival of housing schemes and employment of new teachers.

    Seriki added: “Lagosians are behind Ambode. He has proved that Lagos has hope and bright future. he is a silent worker and not a noise maker. In four year’s time, there will be assessment and the judgment will be favourable. APC has made a good choice for Lagos State.”

  • ‘Seriki Chief can’t stop Adetunji as new Olubadan’

    ‘Seriki Chief can’t stop Adetunji as new Olubadan’

    Following the clamour by the leader of Seriki Line, Chief Adebayo Oyediji to be the next Olubadan, the Olubadan-in-Council has held a meeting at the palace of Oba Odulana on Thursday insisting that Cheif Saliu Adetunji will be the next Olubadan designate.

    The meeting was attended by Balogun of Ibadland, Chief Saliu Adetunji; the Otun Olubadan, Senator Lekan Balogun; Otun Balogun, Chief Owolabi Olakulehin; Ashipa Olubadan, Chief Eddy Oyewole; Osi Balogun, Chief Olufemi Olaifa and Ashipa Balogun, Chief Abimbola Ajibola.

    The Ashipa Balogun, Chief Ajibola, who addressed journalist shortly after the meeting said it is undisputed that Adetunji is the authentic Olubadan-in-waiting.

    He went further to say that:” Any other one is a counterfeit. In this institution, we have lines. There are only two lines recognised so far, both by law and otherwise. They are the Otun Olubadan Line and the Balogun Line. There is no third line.

    “Nobody is competent to say he can be Olubadan. He cannot appoint himself. He cannot put himself there. We are not aware of any judgment that he is claiming because there is no Seriki or whatever. The 1959 Declaration Law says: Seriki, if there are two vacancies in one line, should come there. No other judgment can overrule the law; that is the law. They have no Seriki now.

    He noted that the only recognise Seriki then was Late Adisa Akinloye, adding that since he died long time ago, there is no execution and there is no awareness.

    Chief Ajibola wondered that:”How can they say they want to be Olubadan? Who is going to sign for them? In the succession system, we have two lines – the Otun Line and Balogun Line. All the members of the council will not sign for whoever they (Seriki Line) propose. Who is going to sign for them?.

    “The governor will not even listen to them. Whoever we present to be Olubadan as kingmakers, the governor is going to follow. Are they going to sign for themselves? They are not part of our meeting. We have never had any meeting with them. They have not been promoted.

    “What they should do, they should do it right away in time. They did not ask Olubadan before he was late to promote them. So, who is going to claim? So, there is nobody competent so far to lay claim (from the Seriki Line).

    “Well, we have filled the vacancies. There is no existing vacancy. Where are they going to come in? At the moment, the only person competent to come in would have been Seriki and there is none. This chief, Oyediji, claiming he wants to be Olubadan is only the Osi Seriki. He has not been promoted.

    “He should apply to Olubadan to promote him first, before he starts arguing. He has no locus. He won’t present anything to the governor. The governor knows the right thing. He won’t listen.

    Meanwhile, former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Olusola Saanu; former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin; gospel music artiste, Evan Bola Are; founder of Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Agbara, Prophet Michael Olowere; founder of Christ Life Church Bishop Wale Oke; Iyalode of Ibadanland, Alhaja Aminat Abiodun; and Aboke of Ibadanland, Chief Ifasola Ifamapowa, were among dignitaries that have visited the palace of Olubadan on the demise of Oba Odulana.

  • Why I’m contesting for Senate, by Seriki

    Why I’m contesting for Senate, by Seriki

    Former Minister of State for Defence Chief Demola Seriki is contesting for the Senate in the Lagos West District on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC). He spoke with Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU and Correspondent MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE on his agenda for his constituency, the succession battle in Lagos State, the agitation for special status for Lagos and the chances of the party at the polls.

    What is your assessment of the political situation in Lagos?

    We are in a political transition and the political weather is picking up right now.

    Why are you aspiring to go to the Senate?

    I have been a member of the APC for more than four years. I was a member of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) from 1999 to 2000. I joined the People Democratic Party (PDP) in 2000 and left the party in December 2011. However, why am I interested in the Senate? This is the third time I am running for the Senate. I contested with Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in 1992. I was then the National Republican Convention (NRC) flag bearer. I ran for the Senate in 2007. Now, this is the third time. Going to the Senate is a life time ambition. Actually, Lagos State is huge in terms of population and in terms of infrastructure. It is also huge in terms of being cosmopolitan. We have more than a 100,000 people coming to Lagos every week and only one person will leave to go and stay in another state or country. When you compare the figure 99,999 to one, the figure is so enormous. As a result, Lagos State requires special treatment and support. Therefore, all the stakeholders must be carried along. This requires an eloquent programme; it requires an outstanding senator. No matter how brilliant a governor might be, without the Federal Government support, he will not achieve much. Babatunde Fashola (BRF) has done well; he rode on the platform of Asiwaju. We call BRF the actualizer. As a result, we need someone who will improve on it. We need someone who will come and become a legacy. At the same time, we need to canvass for a special status for Lagos. We should have a Ministry of Lagos Affairs at the federal level. Look at the small bridge linking Onikan to Victoria Island; it is becoming very weak. It was built over 50 years ago. When it was built population was not this much. There is the need to get an alternative bridge that will be wider and decongest traffic. Why can’t we build a suspension bridge? It will be higher and wider. That will help to control the traffic. Since Asiwaju Tinubu in 1992, no Senator from Lagos has been a member of budget committee. We need somebody who can properly articulate the position of Lagos. That is why I want to run for the Senate.

    You have been associated with Lagos Central for a long time. Why the sudden shift to Lagos West?

    If you go through my life story, I started primary school in Agege. When my father decided to take me to Agege, he built the house there in 1954. You can image if you have a House on Abeokuta Motor Road. There was nobody who had built on the Abeokuta Motor Road at that time before 1960. Anything built on that road before 1960 cannot be a house. I was not born when my father built that house level building. He raised the house after the civil war. We used to go there; it was like our country home because there was no land in Lagos Island. I am a Lagosian; I can claim any town or village in this state. I cannot say because I have been playing politics here or there, I cannot do it the other places. We people of Nigeria must change this understanding. Again, we are not like Ogun State, where an Egba man cannot run in Ijebu and an Ijebu man or woman cannot run in Egba land.  Lagos is cosmopolitan. Look at Ganiyu Solomon, he went to Ikorodu to go and contest election. You cannot fault him because his mother is from there. That is Lagos for you. I am from Agege, I am from Ojokoro, and our family compound is the biggest in Badagry. In fact, I have a choice between Lagos and Badagry. Asiwaju knows very well that I am also from Badagry. Even Lagos East, Isheri, I am connected there. The other time my cousin died Senator Gbenga Ashafa and one of our party men, Alhaji Mutiu Are, were with me in Isheri. We are the real Isheri. If you Google Lagos history, all of us are Awori. The original settlers and the first place of settlement was Isheri, Ago Ijaiye that is our compound. I can run from anywhere I choose to run. I started my politics from Lagos Island because that was where I was residing; it is my official address anywhere I go in the world.

    If you look at states that are very cosmopolitan in the USA, you discover that they flow easily in the political terrain. Lagos is like New York State. That is why you see Robert Kennedy coming from Massachusetts to run in New York as a senator in the 1960s. When he left as the Attorney-General, after his brother’s demise, he was a senator in New York State. In fact he was a sitting senator when he ran for the Presidency in 1967 and he was shot in 1968. Hilary Clinton is another good example.

    You are not the only one in the race. The Deputy Governor is warming up; people are also saying that the governor is interested. What is assurance that you will beat them at the primaries?

    I have consulted Governor Fashola as the number one citizen of our state. We have lots of respect for each other. He is my Aburo, but he is our father in Lagos State today. We have two major fathers in Lagos State, the royal father and the government father. Fashola is the government father; Oba Rilwan Akiolu is the royal father of Lagos. May he live long! I have contacted him. I have consulted Governor Fashola too. I even consulted the deputy governor, but she told me she is in the race too. So be it, the more the merrier. I am quite positive.

    God forbid, if I don’t emerge I’ll still remain a loyal party man. I have the preparedness for the office. I know how Abuja functions very well and I have a network. I know very well God has given me the eloquent courage and I believe with that I have a better chance. I don’t see anybody close to me in terms of networking in Abuja. Those going to Senate today, going by my last count, we have former governors and former ministers. People at that level go there, you only have one deputy governor and he served only one term. It is a level for those who are really nationalistic in their thinking. We need personalities like that from Lagos. Just like the ones we had in New York. People like Robert Kennedy, Hilary Clinton. The United States government bailed out New York City mass transit 30 per cent. Hilary Clinton made it 70 per cent and that is her strongest legacy. That is what I want to achieve for my state. I want to bring urban mass transit here. I want a rail line that will be powered by energy. We must make use of our waterways. We have to generate income from every container that comes into our state. The multinationals are not doing enough for Lagos State. We must get them to do more. This will be done through social responsibility act. From their income, they must have certain percentage for development. It is not something that we have to be appealing; it has to come through act of parliament. When this becomes a law, it is easier to implement. I have been a Minister and this was not by accident. So, I know what it takes to execute budgetary allocation. Many of our infrastructures have been abandoned. Since Lagos ceased to be capital of Nigeria, it has suffered. These are the challenges on ground; we need a Senator who is prepared. We need someone who has the knowledge of the workability of Abuja. And that is where I want to belong.

    Have you consulted your party leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu?

    There is no way I would have taken this decision without consulting him. It’s impossible. I consulted him both here and outside. I was a local government chairman; I started my political career from ward level. Between 1978 and 1979, before I went abroad, I was assistant ward secretary. I was elected to the House of Representatives in 1998. I tried to run for Senate in the AD, myself Biola Johnson, Terry Coker, I was so sure that I will win. But, Asiwaju came back from Ibadan and said gentle men Tokunbo must return to the Senate. But, later two of them became commissioners under me. Biola Johnson and Terry Coker were commissioners. I later became Minister and that is destiny for you. I was a local government chairman on the PDP platform. I was secretary of disciplinary committee of the PDP. I was Vice Chairman Lagos Central. I am sure you are aware of how I managed the congress in our party. When we were having our congress I did everything to rectify where we envisaged problem. So, Asiwaju believes in me; that I will not compromise merit and facts. All things were done in accordance to my conscience.

    What is your advice to the party leadership and aspirants ahead of the primaries?

    This is the first time we will have plethora of candidates collecting forms. Asiwaju has now stepped down a lot of things on the control of party, unlike when it was Action Congress of Nigeria. Now, the party has expanded and lots of interests are involved. We have the likes of Akinwunmi Ambode, Obafemi Hamzat, Leke Pitan, Adeyemi Ikuforiji and Ganiyu Solomon is in the race. The party should toe the line of democracy. People outside perceive us as always imposing, let everybody go and try his best. Whoever can make every effort to outdo the other candidates will emerge. The day Ambode declared was a great day and I was able to witness a lot of things.  The speaker Ikuforiji declared yesterday, it was a great day too. The more the merrier. People should not engage in politics or campaign of abuse or acrimony. That is my own plea to our members. I have managed parties at the local and state levels, so you cannot tell me how parties function. I will not disparage anybody in the race. Ajiboso and others in the race are formidable candidates. I don’t have to disparage. Again, the position of the law is available to me. Of course, it is immoral for a serving Permanent Secretary to be running for public office. I think in a normal society, the first thing is to resign. Where you have a Permanent Secretary throwing money around, where did he get the money from? I think the governor should look into that and call her to order. I don’t think it is proper for the civil service.

    Should the party conduct primaries for the presidential election or go for a consensus candidate?

    I have to be very careful in giving opinion in some areas. All I know is that we have to appear above board. Anything short of that, we are playing into the lion den.

  • Seriki, Jhybo, others excite at Kennies Music Easter Fiesta

    Seriki, Jhybo, others excite at Kennies Music Easter Fiesta

    In spite of the downpour on Sunday, April 20, fun lovers from across Nigeria converged on the Suntan Beach in Badagry, Lagos for the 16th Kennies Music Easter Fiesta.

    Though it started some hours behind schedule, popular comedian, Omo Jesu, was able to douse the tension already generated by the delay with his rib-cracking jokes.

    At the well-attended show, a number of Nigerian music acts thrilled the crowd to a medley of songs. From popular rapper, Seriki, who serenaded the crowd with his hit track, Agbalumo, to Kennies Music’s artiste, Minji who mesmerized with “Sweet”, it was a day that many will remember for a long time.

    Also, Joel, who is regarded as Tuface’s look- alike, electrified the venue as he rendered such songs as “You are in love” and “Bakololo”.

    Many couldn’t wait to watch Skarly Mental. But as soon as the dreaded act mounted the stage with his curvy dancers, it was obvious that he wanted to put up a wow performance. He performed a new song that won him applause from the audience, who went away with the impression that he is now a responsible man. Known for his deep mind-blowing Yoruba lyrics, Jhybo was also at the event to thrill his fans.Other acts, who dazzled the crowd, were Ayomide, Sylde, TQ and Sefiya, among others.

    In a chat with The Nation, one of the fun-seekers, who identified himself as Tayo Oyetade, said: “This is the best show I have attended this year and I so much appreciate Kennies Music for bringing this to Badagry for the residents to have a fun-filled Easter show without spending so much on transport.”

    During the show, the organisers announced that an artiste would be signed to Kennies Music record label.

    It was a moment of fun and music, which majority of the participants will treasure for a long time.

  • Seriki flays Okupe for comments on Tinubu

    Former Minister of State for Defence Chief Demola Seriki has chided the Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to the President, Dr. Doyin Okupe, over his comments on the defunct Tinubu Administration in Lagos State. He said: “Our leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is an asset and not a political liability, contrary to Okupe’s statement. Nigerians know those who are political liabilities”.

    Seriki described Okupe as a garrulous spokesman and job monger, adding that he has become an expert in falacy and wrong judgment.

    The former minister, who spoke with our correspondent in Lagos, said that Okupe was suffering from mouth diarrhoea for describing Tinubu and former military Head of State Gen. Muhammadu Buhari as liabilities.

    He added: “The man jhas a mouth diarrhoea. Buhari is a great leader. He has his flaws. But he is a great leader. Why did Obasanjo drop Okupe as his spokesman? Now that he has been dusted up by President Goodluck Jonathan, he thinks he can malign the personality of great me.

    “asiwaju cannot join issue with him. When he alluded to what Asiwaju has done in Lagos State, I was disturbed. Tinubu is thye architect of the progress of Lagos State. Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) is the actualiser. Tinubu was the pacesetter and great achiever. Okupe is not versatile.

    “Buhari rejected the IMF loan in 1984. That put Nigeria in good stead. Leaders like that cannot be rubbished by Okupe. He is a job monger. Posterity will not judge him right. He is a member of Any Government In Power (AGIP).