Politics
Ambode’s ambition of return and Seyi Tinubu’s political trajectory BY IDOWU AJANAKU
Ambode’s ambition of return and Seyi Tinubu’s political trajectory
BY IDOWU AJANAKU
Quote:
” Leadership is something you earn, something you are chosen for”
-Ben Roethlisberger
The strong and solid factors that always stand a candidate’s ambition in good stead within the socio–political dynamics of a local community, state or federal government level include vision, character, commitment, and consistency or call it constancy of purpose.That is especially so with regards to that person’s guiding philosophies, principles and purposefulness, if driven by humility, integrity, honesty of purpose all within the perspective of the larger picture.
Good enough, it would be a point of reference if such a person has held a public position before and distinguished himself in terms of performance. That precisely, underscores the relevance of the recent media mention of the political ambition of the former governor of Lagos state, Akinwumi Ambode to return to that same pedestal of power, some eight years after he lost that bid to continue in office. Though that wave of interest is currently gathering momentum there are still some hurdles and hitches to scale over. That is where that of the young entrepreneur and politician, who happens to be heir to the throne of the political juggernaut and incumbent President Ahmed Tinubu comes into the unfolding picture. He is none other than the affable, resourceful and dynamic Seyi Tinubu.
Periscoped from a personal perspective, one can objectively describe him as ” a smart and enterprising” man who has learnt the ropes from his father. Indeed, he deserves to be applauded for the noble and notable role he played as a dependable catalyst to see his father’s presidential ambition to the light of day.
Ever since, he has deployed similar energy by galvanizing the youths across the nooks and crannies of the country to actively support the “Renewed Hope” agenda. This is a commendable initiative, is it not? Of course, it is. Ahead of the 2027 presidential election therefore, he is well admonished to channel such support towards achieving his father’s reelection.That is, instead of dissipating such as a candidate to become the Lagos State governor. That would provide a positive political leverage for Ambode’s return to power. If done, Ambode will have the opportunity to put in place measures and mechanisms to lubricate the political engine for Seyi to compete for and eventually become the governor come the year 2031 when his father would be completing his tenure. That would be a more interesting scenario. And that brings us back to Ambode’s ambition for the 2027 gubernatorial race. Like it or not, his remarkable achievements over his first term in office, speak volumes.
According to seasoned analysts, and as attested to by the opinion of millions of residents of the state of aquatic splendor, the iconic economist from the backwaters of Epe literally wrote his name in gold while the governor. There are empirical evidences on ground traversing the sectors of infrastructure, security, food security through healthcare delivery, education, transportation to entertainment. In fact, he left Lagos much better in terms of the Human Development indices ( HDI ) than he met it.
For instance, it would interest the reader to know, or be reminded that it was during Ambode’s tenure that the hitherto long-winding and seemingly intractable traffic congestion challenge was frontally tackled. That came about with the construction of his signature jubilee flyover bridges at places such as Abule-Egba, Ajah and that at Pen Cinema junction, as they came into being.
Interestingly, the mere mention of the name “Ambode” and the appreciative Lagosians will reel out the construction and rehabilitation of 500 roads across the five districts of the ever – busy cosmopolitan city of Lagos. In fact, the people of Alimosho Local Government Area, LGA would remain grateful for the well- paved roads with modern drainage system. And those at Ojodu-Berger axis have been enjoying the solution to the once asphyxiating traffic jam that characterized the area sparking fisticuffs between the transporters and the commuters. Yet, there are more noteworthy projects to remember Ambode for.
From the reconstructed Murtala Muhammed International Airport road converted from 4 to 10- lane highway, with ramp bridge and flyover to the 21st Century iconic Oshodi Transport Interchange equipped
with three terminals, 18 lifts as well as CCTv cameras the handwriting of impactful governance are there for all to see, to admire and to appreciate. It is so inspiring that Ambode was able to build on the achievements of his predecessors to rid Oshodi as the popular den of hardened criminals. But there is more to the feats achieved under Ambode’s tenure to gladden the heart of patriots.
Lest we forget, with regards to reinforcement of security in the city with ever bubbling population, Ambode granted N6.6 billion for security agents though belonging to the federal government. He signed into law the Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps. In addition was the Lagos State Properties Protection Law to protect the land owners from the nefarious activities of the notorious land grabbers.
And on transportation the Bus Reform Initiative enhanced public transportation with 5,000 new buses, out of which 434 buses boosted the busy Ikorodu corridor.
Furthermore, in the critical health sector under Ambode, the popular Ayinke House was transformed from an 80- bed facility into the ultra – modern 170-bed Specialist Centre. Also, the LASUTH complex was equipped with a helipad for medical emergency and the nation’s first ever DNA forensic centre.
Apart from the popular Lake Rice that came up as the Lagos-Kebbi rice project which boosted food security with cheaper and safer rice, Ambode ensured that the people of Lagos were made happier with the building of theatres in Alimosho,Badagry, Ikeja and Epe. That was with the Eko Theatre project in the entertainment sector. One could go on and on. But all these highly commendable achievements remind us of the wise words of Joe DiMaggio who stated that: “ A person always doing his or her best becomes a natural leader, just by example”.
So, as events unfold in the coming years, if there is one man to be considered worthy of the prestigious post of the governorship of the Centre of Excellence he should be Akinwumi Ambode. He has been there before, did his best and must have learnt from his mistakes in the volatile politicking landscape. Good enough, he has weathered the storm, kept his cool in the midst of it all without casting aspersion on his political traducers. As he aptly stated, back in September 2018 while asking for Second Term: ” I ask you to believe again and together, let us achieve more…to build a secure and prosperous Lagos state driven by a vibrant economy, supported by quality service, equity and justice”.
AJANAKU, was a former special adviser on information and strategy to Gov. Ambode
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Politics
Let Peace And Unity Reigns in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo aide Daniel Eromosele plead with PDP
Let Peace And Unity Reigns in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo aide Daniel Eromosele plead with PDP
Sahara Weekly Reports That The desperation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State is alarming, to say the least. Despite their decisive loss in the September 21 election, they seem determined to inflict pain and suffering on the good people of Edo. Their strategy? To create chaos and violence across the state, thereby disrupting the peace and progress that the current administration is working hard to establish. With the intention to render the State ungovernable and create room for the declaration of State of emergency in Edo.
The recent gruesome killings of Muslims traveling through the state are a stark manifestation and reminder of the PDP’s wicked and bizzare intentions. What’s even more disturbing, however, is the fact that instead of condemning these heinous acts, some senior PDP officials are trying to downplay the severity of ugly incidents. They’re using these senseless killings to call on the Federal Government to declare a State of emergency in Edo State. Nothing can be more far from the truth that these same people are the perpetrators of these wicked and barbaric acts of criminality in the State. Its so sad that, their desperation has lost regard to sanctity of human life.
Let’s be clear: there’s no justification for these acts of criminality clothed in violence no matter the political leanings of the perpetrators or their victims. Every life is precious, and every killing is a tragedy that diminishes us all. Let it be known that those that orchestrated these acts of wickedness and criminality and those that defend them are guilty of the same offence and shall be so rewarded.
The hard truth is that whatever goes around comes around. The PDP and their failed candidate should let Edo enjoy the peace and progress that Governor Monday Okpebholo is working hard to achieve. They should wait for 2028 to try their luck again, instead of trying to disrupt the state’s progress through violence and chaos.
To the good people of Edo, let’s stand together these political Buccaneers and Vampires that are out to unleash violence against the good people. Violence has never been and will never be our culture.We deserve better, and we will not be swayed by the PDP’s antics. The good people of Edo State are solidly behind their ever performing Governor AKPAKO WONDER.
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