" MY PLANS FOR LAGOS" - AMBODE

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Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, yesterday unfolded his agenda, saying that he would build on the foundation laid by Governor Babatunde Fashola, SAN, and his predecessor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
He promised to preside over a government of continuity, which will promote accountability, quality leadership, good governance and equal opportunities for all Nigerians, if elected as the next governor.
Ambode said: “Lagos is my state and you are my people. I shall work to serve you. I shall never do less. Here and now, I dedicate myself to this task. I shall not flinch nor lose focus.”
The former Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance declared his intention to run for the number one seat at a carnival-like rally at the Onikan Stadium, Onikan, Lagos.
“It was witnessed by notable traditional rulers from the five divisions of Lagos State, Muslim and Christian clerics, friends and associates, and party supporters from 20 local governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
At the rally were party chieftains, including Pa Abiodun Sunmola; Pa Alabi Macfoy; the Chairman of ‘Conference 57, Hon. Akeem Sulaimon Pris; House of Representatives members-Alhaji Yakubu Balogun, Dr. Sanuel Adejare, Hon. Toyin Suarau, Hon. Morouf Akinderu-Fatai, and Hon. James Faleke; former Agriculture Commissioner Asipa Kaoli Olusanya; Hon. Paul Kalejaye; former members of House of Assembly Hon. Obafemi Durosimi and Babatunde Ogala; Hon. Bolaji Ariyoh; Chief adeola Oyedele; Primate Dare Akindele and Mr. Rotimi Martins.
Others include Mrs. Teju Phillips; Hon. Segun Adetola; Dr. Fola Fosudo, and a retired Permanent Secretary, Dr. Femi Onanuga.
The representatives of the Muslim Community was led by Imam Olubodun Gbajabiamila, who stood for the Chief Imam of Lagos, Imam Garuba Akinola. Other dignitaries include the three wives the Eleko of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu-Olori Fadeke, Olori Titilola and Olori Olanike.
Wide endorsement
Gbajabiamila, who rendered the opening prayer, reflected on the challenges of governance, saying that Ambode is competent to succeed Fashola. He said: “Ambode has been assessed by the Oba of Lagos, Oba Akiolu; the Chief Imam of Lagos, Alhaji Akinola Garuba and the political leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. We pray that he will excel in the office.”
No fewer than 60 traditional rulers and chiefs were at the venue. They included Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja of Noforija Epe; the Alagege of Orile-Agege, Oba Ambaliu Agbedeyi; the Onitire of Itire, Oba Lateef Dauda; the Onitedo of Itedo, Oba tajudeen Elemoro; the Olu of Ojokoro, Oba Oluwalambe Taiwo; Oba Ayinde Balogun of Isheri; the Onibeju of Ibeju, Oba Rafiu Saliu; the Olorogun Ado of Lagos, Chief Waheed Yesufu; Chief Lateef Ajose; Chief Muideen Shobalu; Chief Tunde Temionu, and former Chairman of Kosofe Council, Hon. Tunde Braimoh, who was the master of ceremonies.
From sunrise, the stadium was aglow with festivities, with ace musicians, Wasiu Pasuma and Olamide, and popular comedians, Mr. Babatunde Omidina (Baba Suwe), Mr. Lamidi Opebe and Mr. Ojo Arowosafe (Fadeyi Oloro), thrilling the crowd.
“Banners of different shapes welcomed the party faithful to the venue. Itinerant drummers ushered in party leaders and other eminent persons to the high table. The event, which lasted for five hours, was peaceful.
Enter the host
Around 10.40 am, the aspirant stormed the stadium with a large crowd that followed him from his residence. Decked in a white agbada with a blue cap to match, he waved the broom to the jubilating crowd, dancing and singing.
He was led to the podium by Pa Summola and presented to the people by Hon. Oris, who reiterated the support of the 57 council chairmen for his ambition.
Oris said: “Tinubu started the journey to modernity in Lagos. He was succeeded by Fashola, the actualiser. Today, we present Akinwumi Ambode. Lagos requires a financial wizard to continue from where Fashola will stop next year. He will do better.”
Excited at the huge crowd of supporters, Ambode exuded confidence, saying that it attested to his popularity and acceptance by Lagosians, following his state-wide consultations.
He said: “In recognition of this support, I, Akinwumi Ambode, in your presence and in the presence of God, formally put myself forward to run for the position of the governor of Lagos State. I make this declaration with the highest sense of responsibility. I am putting nyself forward because I belive I have the qualities required to continue the giant strides which our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has achieved in Lagos in recent years.
In his speech titled Continuing the Progress, Securing the Future, the Epe born politician said having witnessed 15 years of growth and development under Asiwaju Tinubu and Fashola, Lagos State deserved a governor that would build on their achievements.
He said: “I stand before you today in the spirit of the continuity of excellence that Lagos is known for. My vision and mission is to create a clean, secure and prosperous Lagos State driven by a vibrant economy and supported by quality service, equity and justice.
“I am resolved to offer you genuine leadership that will be accountable with all the principles of good governance, a government of inclusion that will not leave any race or gender behind. No matter your age, sex, tribe of any other status, as long as you reside in Lagos, we will make Lagos liveable for you.”
Ambode promised to implement the APC blueprint on wealth and job creation, in consonance with its agenda for change and prosperity for Nigerians. He said stakeholders, including the aged, widows, artisans, students, children, the physically challenged and professionals, will be carried along by his administration.
He added: “For corporate Lagos, Lagos is open for business, even for greater business. We have the political will to move Lagos to the next level. We are going to face our challenges by ourselves. Nobody is going to do that for us. With our collective will, we will overcome them.”
Gazing at the party primaries and general elections, he said: “I call on Muslims, Christians and people of other religious persuasions to come out en mass and ensure we vote in a candidate that has the interest of Lagos and Lagosians at heart. A candidate that is passionate about Lagos. A candidate that truly understands the needs of the ordinary people. I am the candidate.”
Ambode also said that his administration will not discriminate against any tribe or ethnic group.
He said: “Lagos is the most cosmopolitan state in Nigeria and there is no room for discrimination. Whether you are Igbo, Efik, Ijaw, Hausa, Fulani, a foreigner, whoever you are, so far you live and work in Lagos, our government will work for you and you will be adequately represented.”
Urging Nigerians to also support the push for power shift at the centre, the politician advised Lagosians to mobilise their families and relations in and outside the state to vote the APC in next year’s election.
Firing salvos at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he added: “We are tired of transformation without motion. In their kind of transformation, the more they brag about, the less we see things transformed. And God will help us.”
Ambode paid tribute to patriots who have served Lagos meritoriously. He said Lagosians will not forget the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Gen. Mobolaji Johnson, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Asiwaju Tinubu and Fashola. He urged them to also vote for a new governor who will lead the state to greater prosperity in next year’s election.
Ambode added: “I stand before you today as the bridge between the elderly and the youth. I hold before you a beacon that summons us all to building together a more prosperous Lagos. I have the competence, experience and determination to lead Lagos State to greater economic heights and prosperity. I ask for your support and your votes that will send me to Alausa to continue my tradition of selfless service to this great state.”
Testimonials
Ogala, Olusanya and Temionu, who spoke, shortly before the declaration, attested to Ambode’s competence, urging delegates to vote for him at the primaries.
Ogala said: “I was privileged to work with him as a legislator when I was a member of the House Committee on Finance. I found him to be very committed. A perfect gentleman. He has a good pedigree. He is educated. He went into the civil servie and became a permanent secretary.
“In tose days, when the local governments were starved of funds by the Federal Government, the councils survived the onslaught because of the financial wizardry of Ambode under the leadership of our able leader, Tinubu. For Lagos to continue to grow, we need Ambode.”
Olusanya said Ambode will get the highest number of votes at the primaries and the general election from the six local governments in Ikorodu Division. He described him as a “techno-politician”, who has garnered experience in grassroots politics as a civil servant in the local government and civil service.
The former commissioner added: “Ambode kicked off his career in Lagos as a waste disposal agent. He moved to the local government as a treasurer. He moved to the civil service and through creative financial engineering, the state survived when the Federal Government moved against the local governments.
“ On behalf of the six Ikorodu local governments, I tell you that Ambode will have the votes of delegates. He will get 85 per cent of the votes from Ikorodu.”