Just In: Akpabio Emerge Senate President with 63 Votes While Abbas Emerge Speaker with Landslide victory
The tussle for the leadership of the national assembly of the 10th Senate and the Speakership of the Federal House of Representatives has been put to rest with the election of Godswill Akpabio, senator representing Akwa Ibom North-West as the senate president.
He polled 63 Votes to defeated Abdulaziz Yari, senator representing Zamfara Central who polled 46 votes, to win the election on Tuesday.
Also in the Green Chamber House of Representatives, Honourable T J Abbas emerge as Speaker in a one sided landslide victory against Hon Idris Wase and Hon Jaji Aminu
Just In: Obasa Makes History, Reelected Speaker 3rd Time
Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa has been re-elected by his colleagues to lead the Lagos State House of Assembly as Speaker for the third consecutive time.
The lawmakers also elected Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as the Deputy Speaker.
Obasa was unanimously re-elected after a proclamation of the 10th Assembly of the Lagos State House of Assembly by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was present with Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and top government officials at the chamber of the House.
Obasa, the most ranking member of the House, was nominated by Hon. Temitope Adewale, who was seconded by Sylvester Ogunkelu.
Hon. Noheem Adams, the Deputy Majority Leader in the ninth Assembly, was elected as the new Majority Leader while Hon. Adedamola Kasunmu was elected the Deputy Majority Leader.
Hon. Mojeed Fatai of Ibeju Lekki 1 was elected as the Chief Whip while Hon. David Setonji was elected the Deputy Chief Whip.
The Commissioner of Police for Ondo State, CP Taiwo Jesubiyi on Friday presented cheques amounting to the sum of
Thirteen million, Three hundred and sixteen thousand, Two hundred and seventy-seven naira, Twenty -Two Kobo (#13,316,277.22k) to 27 beneficiaries.
This financial gift is one of the welfare packages of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba psc (+), NPM, fdc, CFR for the family of late Officers who paid the supreme price while serving their fatherland.
The CP, while presenting the cheques to the beneficiaries who were next of kins of the late Police officers, urged them to use the money for their upkeep and welfare of their respective families
He added that the cheques received from the office of the Inspector General of Police was meant to ameliorate the pains of the deceased immediate family.
Mrs Odugbo Blessing Precious on behalf of other recipients, appreciated the effort of the IGP in ensuring the families of late Police Officers do not suffer after the demise of their loved ones who have served the Country and also prayed for the progress of the Nigeria Police Force.
Breaking: Lagos 9th Assembly Ends, Lawmakers-elect Declare Obasa To Speak Again
The ninth session of the Lagos State House of Assembly officially ended on Friday with the returning lawmakers and lawmakers-elect all declaring support for Dr. Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the 10th Assembly.
The lawmakers-elect, who were physically present at the sitting, spoke with journalists immediately after the valedictory session of the House presided over by Speaker Obasa.
Speaking on behalf of the returning lawmakers, the immediate past Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, said Speaker Obasa had no rival.
“I give it to the Rt. Hon. Speaker Obasa for being able to coordinate 40 members of different backgrounds, different thinking and religions and even different tribes because we had Hon. Jude Idimogu,” she said.
On what qualifies the Speaker for a return, Hon. Meranda said: “Obasa is the best man for the job. The experience, capacity and leadership skills are there and I don’t see anybody matching up to him.
“He will be returning as a sixth timer and I don’t think any of us is on the same pedestal with him. I wish him all the best in the 10th Assembly because he is going to lead us again. He is a fantastic man.”
Also addressing journalists, Hon. Mojeed Fatai, immediate past chairman of the Committee on Public Accounts (local), said the leadership of the ninth Assembly ensured a cordial relationship among members.
“Mudashiru Obasa is going to speak again in the 10th Assembly. He is a man we have all resolved to lead us. When we started four years ago, all of us were elected from the APC and it was because of his effort and the way he handled the House.
“Today, we have 38 members from the APC coming in the 10th Assembly. The success is because of Obasa’s leadership capability. He is the best for the House and we want him to continue,” he said.
On his part, Hon. Temitope Adewale (Ifako Ijaiye Constituency 1), described Obasa as a leader who had made tremendous impact on the members.
“Under Obasa, the executive and legislative arms of government have enjoyed a fantastic relationship and that is why you have developmental growth across the State today. You can also see the bills passed into law.
“With Mr. Speaker coming back and with our governor back, they will give to Lagosians the desired development that they yearn for particularly considering the fact that we now have a President who is from here,” Adewale said.
Speaking on behalf of the 20 first-term lawmakers-elect, Oladipo Olayinka Ajomale, who will represent Oshodi Isolo 2 at the 10th Assembly, said he and his colleagues have resolved to support Obasa as Speaker of the 10th Assembly.
“I can assure you that the 20 of us who are new are fully in support of Speaker Obasa for the 10th Assembly because we have learnt and understudied and we know that this is a man who has proven himself over and over again to be the best man for the job.
“Logically thinking about it, he is the most experienced in the House. So it doesn’t make sense for anyone to come and do trial by error. I stand with him fully and all of us who are new also support the Speaker to speak for us at the 10th Assembly,” he said.
Earlier, the Speaker had commended the ninth Assembly lawmakers for their support which led to the passing of 46 bills, over 120 resolutions and a couple of regulations.
He also presented certificates of meritorious service to the members.
Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly
ONE of the most powerful televangelist in Nigeria’s contemporary theological history, would be testing Edo turbulent political turf for the 2024 Governorship contest. Strictly speaking, Dr Azemhe Friday Azena is a special figure in modern Nigeria’s regenerative struggle, and is on the same clarity of thoughts status level as his mentor, Apostle Johnson Suleiman, and Mr Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), in the just concluded general elections.
His intending adventure into the Nigerian murky political waters – filled with sharks; cultists, bloodthirsty pillagers in a conquered nation – where vote buying; ballot stuffing and snatching, maiming and killing are standard norms, would take more than mere gospeling to reinvent and revamp a vanquished state and people. Even though the stakes are high for his platform, the Labour Party (LP), it would be an uphill task to dismantle that culture of political torture, propagate enhanced freedom of speech, as well as destroy the existing feudal systems, firmly rooted in ritual and magic!
The most alluring and balmy aspect in the coming days would be Edo citizen’s access to a new kind of politics. As a page-turner that Dr Azemhe is, with excessive energy, his exposition would be a lesson, as well as an opportunity to get inside the mind of an honest man.
Born on December 25th 1979, in Afokpella in Okpella into the family of Mr and Mrs Beatrice Williams Azena of Okpekpe clan, all in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, Dr Azemhe Friday Azena is a profile in forensic brilliance.
Dr Azemhe had his Primary Education in Eveva Primary School in Okpella from 1985 to 1991. He wrote the Senior School Certificate Examination ( SSCE, NECO) in Local Government Secondary School, Agassa, Okene in Kogi State, in the year 2000 and got his certificate in 2002.
From 2003 to 2005, he had his OND in Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic Auchi. From 2006 to 2008, he had his HND in Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic Auchi, Edo State. He served the nation in 2009/2010 at Imo State, during his National Youth Service Corps ( NYSC). In 2007, he had his Diploma in Theology at Omega Bible Institute.
Between 2014 to 2018, he had his associate degree and Bachelor Degree in Religious Studies. He further obtained Master’s Degree and Doctorate Degree in Christian Philosophy at Bethel University College of Biblical Studies. On September 13th, 2020, Dr Azemhe Azena was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree by The Institute of Chartered Economist of Nigeria. Presently, Dr Azemhe Azena is a Law Student at the prestigious Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria.
Dr Azemhe Azena is blessed with a lovely wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Uwazota Precious Azemhe Azena (nee) Igiebor. She was born into the Royal family of Honourable and Mrs Fred Igiebor Olaye -Ogbenalaka of the Bini Kingdom, Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. They are blessed with Four Lovely Children.
Dr Azemhe Azena popularly called “The Very True Son of the Oracle”, joined Omega Fire Ministries as a Pastor in 2007, and has been Pastoring for over fifteen years. He is the Southern Region 2 Head Pastor with over one hundred and twenty (120) local Churches under his capacity, and also he is the Coordinator of the European Churches, such as Italy, Spain, Turkey, Cyprus, as well as some African countries like Gabon, Cameron, Mali etc, under the able leadership of God’s choice servants: Apostle (Prof.) and Rev. Dr. Lizzy Johnson Suleman. Dr Azemhe Azena, is a dynamic international preacher and revivalist; he has travelled to over sixty five (65) countries in the world, like the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy etc.,preaching and teaching the gospel of Christ.
He is a regular host of various Television Programs, both on our local Television and cable stations like: Crime Watch on Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS); Turning Point on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA); Turning Point on Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS); Turning Point on Celebration TV (Cable TV); Crime Alert; What is My Benefit?, and You Don’t Mean It (You Nor Mean Am).
He has written series of powerful books namely; Victory Over Foundational Battles; Victory Over Struggles; Wounded From The Womb; Not My Star; Not My Destiny; I Refuse To Serve The Younger; My Case Is An Emergency; Grace Is Better Than Labour; Holy Ghost Fumigation; Tragedy of Laziness; Poverty Disappear; My Thirty Strong Reasons to Pray; Showers of Blessings; Prayer Manual; Life is Like a Market; The Power of Night Dreams and many more. These books have proven to be powerful guides in ending foundational battles and freedom from struggles, as well as opening the youths and everyone that come across the books to the realities of life.
Dr Azemhe Azena is not only a role model to many because he is a Pastor, but also because of his broad prospects and achievements in the business/entrepreneurial world. Amongst which are: Champions Multi-Project Company, which is an umbrella cooperation of Champions Event Centres, with branches nation wide; Champions Rentals with branches in Edo State; Champions Lands And Housing with branches nation wide; Evangel Ultimate Premium Schools with branches in both Benin and Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria, and Shonagie First Company, which is into Real Estate.
This colossus of a man is also the President and Founder of the William Azemhe Azena Turning Point Foundation, which is characterized with offering of grass root support to youths, teens and the citizens in general, to curbing out general societal menace, that cut across all facets of life, with the primary aim of creating an itch free civic societal growth for a better community. The William Azemhe Azena Turning Point Foundation is further subdivided into four arms to achieve this purpose; Educational Charity Health Care; Charity Societal Development and Human Development Charity.
The William Azemhe Azena Turning Point Foundation over the years has been able to help hundreds of persons to renounce crime, cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery, prostitution etc. WAATPF has over thirty students on scholarship per session that cuts across the nation irrespective of tribes, gender and religious belief. The WAATPF also have over one hundred (100) youths, young men and women that have been trained and still in training on various field of interest as artisans. WAATPF has over twenty five (25) aged once, as well as widows cut across the nation on monthly salary scheme.
Within the short period of operation, WAATPF has also invigorated the citizens and developed communities when WAATPF gave out over one hundred and six (106) cars to various persons across the cities and the restoration of light project in Ogiriga New site, Okpella, to mention but a few. Dr Azemhe Azena has received numerous awards from notable bodies like Merfrey Foundation, National Union of Journalists, Cherry Land Royal, Shaka Polytechnic, Sapphire Shield Safety Awareness Initiative, NRI, Edo Broadcasting Service, Independent Television, Nigeria Boxing Board of Control South-South, Stars Award International, FOGMON, Nigerian Students, to mention but a few.
Dr Azemhe Azena is such an efficacious goal getter whose life’s policies are geared towards same bearing: which is “Success, Success and Success; Everything Around Me Must Work; l Cannot Start What I Can’t Finish; l Don’t Fight Those That Fought Me; The Future is My Vision, and Respect The Elderly. Dr Azemhe Azena is a character molder, a developmental juggernaut, an international preacher, an assiduous goal getter, a life coach and a dynamic motivational teacher with reviving grace. He is a true definition of a focused and an upright man. He is a prolific writer and a dynamic entrepreneur.
To be true, Dr Azemhe isn’t your kind of regular politician, but he is a man Edo people can trust and learn something from. His incredible success story is one of achievements, commitment, consistency, capacity, integrity, bravery, resilience, humane humility, compassionate and selflessness. His associates attested to the fact that he is open-minded and generous to a fault, but more importantly, is his stoic strategic vision – which is majorly responsible for the successes of the numerous and enduring institutions he has built over the last 13-years swiftly – without letting up.
By this time in 2024, on the auspices of the Labour Party (LP), Dr Azemhe Friday Azena will be at the verge of rekindling the hope of a disenfranchised and dehumanised, but stoically optimistic Edo citizens, knowing that he will reverse all the missed opportunities and aborted chances.
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has said that the 30-day Islamic fasting affords Muslim faithful the opportunity to rededicate themselves to the religious tenets of piety, tolerance, forgiveness and love.
Dr. Obasa added that the Ramadan is a period of sober reflection, supplications and humility before Almighty Allah.
Obasa, in his Ramadan message released by Eromosele Ebhomele, his Chief Press Secretary, also congratulated Muslims in Lagos and Nigeria for having the divine privilege of being alive to partake in ‘Sawm’ and observe one of the five pillars of Islam.
The Speaker equally described the Ramadan as a period for Muslims in Lagos and Nigeria to show more commitment and adherence to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, especially in the area of alms giving and love for one another.
Noting that the fasting came at the right time for Nigerians as the country just conducted the 2023 general election with Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the President-elect, the Speaker urged Muslims to pray for the leadership of the country as well as the incoming administrations at national and state levels.
“We thank Almighty Allah for the privilege He has given us to partake in this Ramadan. We also thank Him for all that He has done for us individually, for our State and our country.
“Just as we seek the face of Allah for our individual needs at this period, let us also remember our country, especially at this time. We are happy Allah answered our Special Tawaf of last year on the presidential ambition of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Now that victory has been recorded, let’s all use this period to pray for the success of the forthcoming administration.
“As we fast, let’s not forget that alms giving is a cardinal principle in Islam just like it is in every religion. We should spend each day sharing love and reaching out to others.
“The Holy Qur’an instructs us to ‘Spend in God’s cause: do not contribute to your destruction with your own hands, but do good, for God loves those who do good.’
“Let’s not also forget to be pious, humble, tolerant of each other and obey every of Allah’s instructions now and always. Ramadan Kareem!” Obasa said while praying that every Nigerian would reap the reward of Ramadan.
Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The Edo state police command have declared Mr Ebhomien Destiny, Wanted over the violent Protest that occurred on the 6th of March 2023, at Ekpoma Edo state over the killing of Mr Igho Oziegbe.
According to the statement by the Edo state police command said that Mr Ebhomien Destiny, organise a group of teenagers to Protest the killing of one Mr Igho Oziegbe,on the 3rd of March 2023 in a Protest held by Members of People democratic party in Edo state.
The protest organised by Tenagers across the 18 local government of Edo state over the killing of Mr Igho Oziegbe,lead to several destruction of government properties and private company across Edo state on the 6th March 2023.
The young Nigerians who troll into the streets to protest the killing of Mr Igho Oziegbe, lamented that is Enough to the killing of youths in the country by police men,according to stastics in 2022 a total of 28th Young people was killed across Nigeria by the police,while 16000 children was killed in between 2020 by 2022 by Bokoharam and Bandits in the country said by human right organisation.
The protest took place across the major cities in EDO STATE in places like Benin City the state capital,Ekpoma,Uromi,Ujiogba, Auchi,Irrua,Igarra,Ehor,Fugar,Agenebode, Jettu, Afuze,Okada,Igueben,Ubiaje,Ewu,Opoji,Emu,Okalo,Amahor,Sabo,Ebelle, Urohi,Idoa,and states like Delta,Akwa Ibom,Ondo,Ekiti,Osun,Anambra,Kogi,Benue,Imo, Lagosand FCT.
The Young Nigerians who said that Mr Igho Oziegbe,was brutally murdered because he Accomplished Mr Ebhomien Destiny, to Protest the illegal Arrest of his Brother on the 26th February 2023 in Ekpoma Edo state.
The Edo state command of Nigeria police reacting to the protest of teenagers who was protesting and attacking police on the 6th February 2023 said a total of 4500 under age have been arrested on the account of violently breaking of Government properties and private properties and companies in Edo state which escalated to other state in the federation.
The police command Further said that those who have been Arrested will be charge to court to face perscution over the destruction of government properties and private companies, the police spokesperson said that they are in search of search of Ebhomien Destiny,age 15 years old who lead and organise the protest.
The police command said they have obtain a court order to arrest and keep Ebhomien Destiny, to remain in police Custody until he turn 18 years old to be charge to court over the criminal offence he committed against the Nigeria state.
The police said that they are doing there possible best to control the situation not to escalate further and calling on parents to keep watch on there children not to be use by Ebhomien Destiny to commit crimes against the state.
The police call on Edolite and Nigerians to report the 15 years Ebhomien Destiny,to police station any where he is find in the country,the police said the officers involved in the killing of Mr Igho Oziegbe have been Arrested.
Meanwhile the commissioner of Transportation in Edo state have call on Government Public Bus to stop it activities pending on when the situation of the protest is put to an End.
According to the state commissioner of transportation said that a total of 78 Bus was burnt across Edo state on the 6th March 2023,recalling the damages the government have lost in the past 24 hours.
The commissioner of Economy’s in the state said that Edo state government lost a total of 490 million naira in the past 24 hours over the sad incident that happened in the state.
While human right organisation in the country are calling on international community’s and European Union,United Kingdom, United States of America,Canada to come to rescue of Nigeria children on how they are be murdered and killed on daily by the people who suppose to be protesting them.
The People democratic party in Edo state through it Public Relation Officer comdermed the widely killing and mass arrest of under Age Nigerians who was protesting the killing of Igho Oziegbe on the 3rd March 2023.
The people democratic party equally use the medium and opportunity to comdermed the declaration of A 15 years old Ebhomien Destiny, by The Nigeria police,while explaining how the Police invaded and shoot sporadically into the air while they where protesting the illegal Arrest of Ebhomien Julius,by the police on the 26th of February 2023.
Cash Shortage: The Governors are Acting on Their Own Volition and it Has Nothing to do with Tinubu Only – APC-PCC
The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council (APC-PCC) has denied a media report alleging that it’s Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu asked state governors to disregard President Muhammadu Buhari over the issues relating to the naira redesign.
Bayo Onanuga, the Director, Media & Publicity of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, said in a statement, which he personally signed, dated
February 17, 2023, that the report was fake.
“Our attention has been drawn to a fake viral news published by the Peoples Gazette, claiming Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the APC presidential candidate has asked APC governors to ignore President Muhammadu Buhari’s broadcast and enforce the Supreme Court ruling on the recirculation of old Naira notes.
“The publication by the platform is fake.
“Tinubu never issued such an order. Mr Dele Alake, the APC-PCC Adviser on Media and Communications never issued such advisory on behalf of Asiwaju Tinubu.
“The message quoted by Peoples Gazette was being randomly shared on WhatsApp. Mr Alake was not the author,” the statement read.
Onanuga stressed that “Asiwaju Tinubu has been known, since the currency swap crisis started, to call for calm as the authorities try to find out a solution to the currency crisis. He has offered a six-point suggestion to lessen the anguish our people are facing in trying to get money from the banks.x
While stating that “Tinubu has also held several meetings with President Buhari, his leader over the matter,” he said that “it is thus inconceivable and unthinkable that he would instruct APC governors to disregard President Muhammadu Buhari’s order on the currency matter.”
“Governors who have so far declared this line of action said clearly that they were acting on the ruling of the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land.
“Asiwaju has had no influence in this decision.
“Journalists, unless acting on the dictates of political opponents or prosecuting some agenda, should endeavour to confirm authorship of their materials from the Media and Publicity Directorate of the campaign. They can also seek confirmation from the Tinubu Media Office or Mr. Alake .
“The Gazette should recant the story with immediate effect,” the statement read.
We Need A Nationalist, Not Southern Or Northern President — Jandor
By Abiodun Alade
In this interview, Dr Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran popularly known as Jandor, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Lagos State, speaks on his plans for the state as well as why Nigerians should elect a nationalist and not a regional president come February 25.
From what you have seen so far, do you believe we’re going to have a free and fair election?
Well, of course, with the preparation of INEC and expression of readiness by all the security formations, I believe that this time, Nigerians will make the choice of who will be the leader of the country. And I have no doubts that for the very first time, we will have an election that reflects the wishes of the people. We’re confident that barring any unforeseen situation, that INEC, if what has happened in off-cycle elections in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun is anything to go by, will get it right and our party is ready for the election.
There are calls by some politicians that INEC should jettison BVAS. And there have also been pockets of violence in some parts of the country as a result of naira scarcity, don’t you think this will affect the conduct of the polls?
Wherever the calls for cancellation of BVAS and the likes are coming from speak to the character of such a group of persons or organisation. If what we’re yearning for is an election that will be free, fair and credible; and we now have a technology to assist us in getting that right and you have some people calling for cancellation, it shows that these are the set of people that have been undermining democracy for a long while.
You also look at the issue of Naira redesign and the fact that we’re not going to have an election that will be monetized so to speak. And you see some set of people coming out to complain. It speaks volumes of who they are. And if you look at all of this sequence of happenings tilting to one side, the question you need to ask yourself is: “why the sudden love for Nigerian people?” ASUU was on strike for nine months, none of you came out to speak for ASUU and speak against the fact that our brothers and sisters were at home for nine months doing nothing.
But again, whatever it is that they feel they want to do or they’re trying to do, it will not change what is going to happen because the people of Nigeria now know where all of these are coming from. How come it is only one political party that is crying foul over this whole issue? How come it is just one presidential candidate as well as a set of governors of a particular political party that are crying foul? You can then understand that the pockets of violence that you’re talking about is from them.
People are wise enough to see all of these and they are not buying it. As far as we are concerned, we’re ready for the election.
Why should Nigerians vote for the presidential candidate of the PDP on February 25?
Because as we speak, nothing is working in our country. The economy is terrible, insecurities here and there, massive unemployment in this country. And we need someone with experience and preparedness to recover this country and get things done. If you look at his message, let me pick just one of his messages and you can see what that can do for the country.
He said when he comes to power, he is going to set aside $10 billion for youth and women empowerment. This will curb insecurity because the majority of the people involved in all of these things is because they have nothing to do. So, if we have that huge amount of money to empower our youths in making sure they have means of livelihood, it will resolve insecurity issues to a very large extent. And the issue of women empowerment will resolve the level of poverty that we have in the country. Now, let’s put that N10 billion aside. If he sells the moribund refineries that are not useful to anybody as we speak, at a rate of $10bn and the money is channelled into youth and women empowerment as he said; don’t forget the organised private sector or a consortium of companies that bought the refineries won’t just leave them like that. They would have another $5bn if not more set aside to invest into resuscitating the refineries. And in doing that, it will create jobs and you can imagine the number of employment opportunities it will generate as well as other benefits to the country. That alone will reduce unemployment, insecurity and poverty in the land. That is the man who’s got a plan and is always coming forward to provide solutions on how to revive the economy and recover Nigeria from those who have held it by the jugular.
There is agitation for a Southern presidency and some people are clamouring that Yorubas should support one of their own?
In the South West, we are very sophisticated. I’m sure you know we’re blessed at that. And we’ve looked at what we have in the country, the hardship that we have in the country, we’ve looked at it holistically, and we have been able to identify that it is a hardship that doesn’t even recognise your tribe. It doesn’t even know where you’re coming from.
On this presidential election, you need to look at each candidate based on their merits, integrity, character, track record, and see which one of them can actually take us out of the issues confronting us as a country. It is not about where you are coming from.
So, when people are shouting about a Southern president, I don’t want it and I don’t want a Northern president either. What I want is a Nigerian president. Let’s have a president that is a nationalist, and this is what Atiku Abubakar represents. He has tentacles spread across the country; he is one man that has roots everywhere, and he has the experience. This election is not your regular election (like what we’ve been having in the past). This will be the first popularity test of APC in the Southwest, especially in Lagos State.
How do you respond to the position of the ruling APC that you have not held any elective position in the past and so don’t have experience to lead a sophisticated state like Lagos?
It all depends on their definition of experience and the job at hand. What has their own experience given us in Lagos? The experience that has not been able to curb Lagos traffic for 24 years or the experience that has 4.2 million Lagosians living in extreme poverty under four years. Experience that has 1.8 million Lagosians unemployed as against what it used to be in 2019 or experience that has over 2 million of our children out of school? The experience that gave us collapsed buildings every now and then because the regulatory agency has no clue of what to do. Experience that has gotten our state ravaged with flood every time it rains. So, they are missing the point because they don’t understand the concept of experience.
What we’re bringing to the table that they don’t have is that we have experience on how best to run an economy unlike them. For close to two decades, I have been an employer of labour in this economy, contributing a whole lot in this economy. I’ve had cause to look for funds, turn it around, and make profit not to stay afloat but pay salaries and more. Same with my running mate, unlike the man there now, he has been a salary earner all his life and that is why he does not have what it takes to run an economy.
Your thinking, as a business owner, who has gone to a financial house to source for funds, invest it in business to be able to pay back the loan, pay salaries and make profit will be completely different from a man who waits every 30 days to get salary. So, it is the business-like experience that we are bringing to the table. So, they are inexperienced in this case because they have not had cause to employ five persons.
What will you do if elected as governor of Lagos State?
We’re first going to birth a government that people can call their own. We’re going to have a governor that people can beat their chest and say ‘we put this man there’.
It is about time we make Lagos a wealthy state indeed, not just on paper. What we hear today is that Lagos makes N51bn monthly but you can’t see it reflecting in our daily living. We are changing that by giving Lagos a breath of fresh air, where they can see the fortune of their state. Is it not troubling that with such monthly IGR, there are no iconic projects in Lagos?
We would look at issues that are currently giving us bad names and fix them. It is unacceptable that we have about 2 million out-of-school children. I don’t need to build new schools before I proffer solution to that. We will engage the private school owners – about 5,000 registered private schools in the state, and I will inform them that I have about 2 million children that I need to spread across your schools in exchange for tax holiday or incentives as the case may be. By doing so, I would have put some of my children in those schools. And I would also engage churches and mosques that have spaces they don’t use during school hours to let the government use them to put some of the children there. If I do this within three months of coming into office, we would have reduced the number of out-of-school children drastically. And I would do this pending when I can embark on aggressive infrastructural renewal across the local government areas.
Is Lagos PDP still one? Chief Olabode George has not been part of your campaign?
I have a rigorous campaign strategy of visiting every ward in the state. Our leader is close to 80. I can’t possibly be dragging such an old man to every ward. But we don’t have any problem, he is our leader and he is supporting us in everything we are doing.
2023: Deputy Governor, Obasa Make Revelations About Tinubu
– Hamzat commends Lagos Speaker over Agege transformation
Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and the Speaker of the State, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, have again declared Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the best of all the presidential candidates for the February election.
The duo further further urged Lagos electorate to make proper use of their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) at the coming general election by voting massively for candidates of the APC in order to enjoy more dividends of democracy.
Hamzat and Obasa gave the charge at the grand finale of the Agege Day celebration and launching of N500,000,000 Agege Education Endowment Fund on Tuesday where they, with the First Lady of Lagos, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, commissioned projects
Dr. Obasa, while describing Tinubu as the only one with competence and capacity for the task ahead amongst the other contenders, noted that the presidential candidate had excelled in three areas – infrastructural development, employment and human capital management and development – while in office as governor and continued to effectively manage people even outside office.
“Make sure you vote right by voting for the person that is competent to serve you, to represent you and bring about the dividends of democracy and we, without second thought, strongly believe that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the most competent amongst those who are vying for the presidency and that is why we are encouraging everybody to come out en masse.
“It’s not only about winning. We don’t just want to win, but win with massive votes coming from Lagos in competition with votes that would come from other parts of the country, so that we can win convincingly and at the end of the day Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu can have a say as opposed to what we witnessed in 1999 when the President that emerged did not gain the support of his people. This time around, we want our President to have the support of all of us from Lagos, Southwest and other parts of Nigeria.
“We are not just canvassing for him, but we are canvassing for him based on his achievements, what we have witnessed and are still enjoying. You will agree with me that some of the roads constructed during Asiwaju’s era as Governor in Lagos are still in existence functioning properly.
“Most of the schools built during his administration known as Millennium Schools are still in good shape, talk about those who have been empowered and established. I am one of them. These are testimonies that this man can do a lot,” Obasa said.
Speaking on the essence of the N500 million education endowment fund, Obasa note that the government alone cannot do it all. He urged well-meaning individuals across the state to help contribute to objectively construct a society free from social vices through provision of qualitative education to stem the ugly trend of out of school students constituting nuisance in the state.
“Basically, the essence of an achievement is to continue to build on it. We have so many people who have passed through some of the schools in Agege and achieved so much in their lives and calling on these people to further support the current students we have in Agege right from primary school to secondary school.
“Through this endowment fund, we can equip the beneficiaries, support them through higher institutions and establish them.
He said commended the residents of Agege for their unity irrespective of tribe and religion saying Agege Day is meant to further cement the relationship and fight crime.
“We are determined to entrench enduring crime-free and educational legacies that would bring uncommon progress to us in all areas of our socio- economic development. As your representative in government, I am standing before you to reaffirm that I would continue to make Agege my first.
“I will give all it takes to coast home every development opportunity for our advancement.
As the Speaker of the foremost House of Assembly in Nigeria, I reassure you all that I shall continue to take Agege to enviable heights. I trust our people in Agege. We are passionate. We are Progressives. We speak with one voice. We love the APC and will always stand by the party, now and always.
“This is why we are resolute to ensure massive victory for every candidate of the APC starting from our father and Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Idiat Oluranti Adebule, Wale Ahmed, Abdulkareem Jubril to my humble self in the elecetion that will happen a few days from now,” Obasa reiterated.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Governor Hamzat commended the Speaker for facilitating development to Agege. He agreed that the town had witnessed the true dividends of democracy.
According to Hamzat, those who have not been to Agege in the last five years would find it difficult to recognise the place as a result of development.
While commending the council chairmen in Agege and Orile-Agege, Chief Ganiyu Egunjobi and Johnson Babatunde, respectively, for their efforts to better their people, Hamzat urged Lagosians and Nigerians to vote for Tinubu looking at how he had helped to make Lagos what it is today.
Speaking on the essence of the endowment fund, the Chairman of the Organization Committee of Agege Day, Hon. Afolabi Ayantayo, said it would be used to mitigate shortfalls in educational infrastructure and other related areas.
Ayantayo, who is the Special Adviser to the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Parastatals Monitoring Office, said: “Students gaining admissions overseas but whose parents could not afford to cater for their tuition can approach the fund. When they graduate in future, they will be thankful and appreciative of those who came to their aid back then.”
Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
