Business

No APC leader imposed candidates on the forthcoming LGA Elections in Lagos State – Party Chairman, Henry Ajomale

Published

7 years ago

June 30, 2017

The LGA/LCDA elections in Lagos State is fast approaching and political parties across the state are all ready for the battle field. But one issue that really generated a hot controversy was the seeming imposition of candidates by the All Progressives Congress, the ruling party in the state, The party leaders were alleged to have returned 18 former council bosses. This move was perceived as imposition. As an investigative news magazine, Sahara Weekly sought to speak with the Chairman of the APC in Lagos State, Chief Henry Ajomale who shed more lights on the scenario.

Excerpts:

The forthcoming election is around the corner and we know the ruling party is APC, what is your take on the Local Government elections in Lagos State come July 22, 2017?

No problem, like we always say, we are boys scouts, so we are ready. So it is not meeting us in an awkward position, we are the leading party, we are prepared and we have been expecting it, if we say we are not prepared we must be deceiving the people. We are prepared because we are confident.

Are you in agreement with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, if what we heard is true that he has conceded 18 local governments to be returned unopposed for some former LGA Chairmen?

It is not him alone that took the decision, it was the decision of the leadership of the party in Lagos. So what we thought was if you did a good job for three years, it is a learning process for one term, if the governors can go for two terms , why not the local Government so we thought experience counts so much, so by the time they spend three years, they are in the learning process and the time they are picking up should not be when we should say they should go, and if we can return the governors, house of representatives, house of assembly members, then why should we not return the local government chairmen that have learnt so much and can be put in practice, that is when the community can enjoy the and even if we train them for three years and we throw them out we have lost, at the time they are supposed to be exerting that experience, we are now training another person, and in three years you ask the person to go again so we thought it would be better to return those 18 that have not done two terms to have an insight of the experience to be used for the next four years, that time is when you can benefit from them, that is why they are returning. It is not an imposition.

Talking about imposition, rumours have it that leadership of the party are trying to impose some candidates in some areas of the state, is this true?

I do not understand what you mean by imposition, if the people decide to bring out one person without opposition, and they come on consensus, that this is the man we want, which election do you want to do again but we still subject them to acclamation, which is the normal process which is transparent. If by acclamation, they will still have to submit their votes into the ballot boxes and at the time we count it, there is no opposition, then that person is free to go but if there is any opposition, let that opposition also come out. In the traditional areas of Lagos, it is always rotating among the communities and if they renege on that promise among themselves, all of them will gang up against that person because it is not the turn of their area so we cannot impose on them, we don’t interfere with the traditional areas.

Let us talk about Governor Ambode’s two years in office, what is your assessment because people believe you handed him over to the godfathers?

Let us thank the Almighty God, at that time I told everybody that we were going to give them the best because they were like, can we find someone like Fashola?, I said yes they are so many and that we will give them the best of the best. During the primary, like 12 people came out but it is one person that will occupy the seat. If he finishes now, others are lining up to do the same thing and even better than what he has done. If you see what Akinwunmi Ambode has transformed Lagos into, it is the pride of everybody in Nigeria. Lagos is not the same again, someone travelled out for 7 years and they took him to Lekki when he got back, he was flabbergasted and could not comprehend what he saw in Lagos, is it the golden bridge or the development in Lekki, Lekki has become a city itself, cities are coming out of a cities and no state can beat this in Nigeria and because Lagos is a gateway, you have to be careful to make sure everything works. If they have allowed us to decentralize this electricity, Lagos would have been the first to stabilize the electricity in Nigeria because we have Egbin and Dangote is building a massive one in Lekki so we would have been the first and that is why we are saying if you want to achieve maximum benefit, whatever amount of money you are spending is a waste, Obasanjo spent about 3 trillion naira and he got nothing, decentralize it and allow each state to have their own dam and run it, that is what is going on in the United States of America.

For me, we believe there are two pending promises, which is the inclusion of the Igbos In Governor Ambode’s government and there is also the kind of massive carrying along of the Igbo traders, what is your say on this?

Honestly, I do not have any personal thing against the Igbos afterall they are my in-laws so I do not have anything against them, we are playing politics and it is a game of numbers, you must be able to support the government of the day but we were disappointed at the last election because they voted massively for their own, which is Jonathan. You have a host and we have to be honest to ourselves, if you are biting me behind, you do not expect me to have absolute confidence in you but anywhere you are, try to copy the tradition of that area, if I am not happy with you, you do not expect anything from me but if you are with me, there are responsible Igbo people in Lagos who are above board, those are the types but the traders, anywhere you ask them to go is where they go, that should not be, there are some people, suppose I pack my luggage to go and live in Anambra, nobody can question me because I have the freedom to do anything, but I must follow the rules of the state, you must support the government of that place, I cannot go there and be criticizing the government. We are pleading with our brothers, the Igbos, let them be part and parcel of us, we are all Nigerians and whatever you do, support the government of the day, that is when you can get anything. You must be able to show yourself that you support the government of the day. If you do not vote for me why should I vote for you, if my enemy has won the election, would you come to me? I’m appealing to them to join hands with us

Business

UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

Published

13 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Sahara Weekly

UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

The newly renovated departure section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, refurbished by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, was officially commissioned on Friday, December 20th, 2024.

The laudable project, which marks a transformative moment in Nigeria’s aviation sector, underscores UBA’s unwavering commitment to national development and highlights the immense value of strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs).

The ceremony was graced by distinguished stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; other Directors, and Heads of Agencies operating at the Airport.

Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba,lauded the collaboration that brought the project to fruition as he emphasised the need for public and private institutions to come together to build and revamp the nation’s assets.

“This renovation is a testament of UBA’s belief in the transformative power of investing in national assets. By modernising our airports, we not only enhance infrastructure but also position Nigeria as a global hub for tourism, trade, and investment,” he stated.

Alawuba took time to highlight the broader economic impact of such initiatives, urging increased private-sector participation in national development. “Public-private partnerships like this demonstrate what can be achieved when we unite for a shared vision of progress and investing in infrastructure catalyses economic growth, improves travel experiences, and creates opportunities across various sectors of the economy,” he added.

Alawuba reflected on the power of unity and collaboration, quoting Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The commissioning of the renovated departure section serves as a reminder of what strategic partnerships can achieve in driving national development and elevating Nigeria’s global standing.”

While commissioning the project, Keyamo commended UBA for executing the project, a feat he termed a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s aviation sector. “This renovated departure section exemplifies the bank’s commitment to elevating aviation infrastructure, improving passenger experiences, and fostering international partnerships. It is a proud moment for the ministry and all stakeholders involved, and I thank the management of UBA for pioneering this initiative,” he remarked.

The minister highlighted other key achievements of his ministry, including compliance with the Cape Town Convention, the launch of a consumer protection portal, and advancements in major infrastructure projects such as the second runway at Abuja Airport and solar energy integration in airport operations.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, commended UBA and other stakeholders for their contributions, adding, “This project reflects FAAN’s dedication to delivering world-class aviation infrastructure. The enhanced departure section not only elevates passenger experiences but also strengthens Nigeria’s competitive position in global aviation,” she said.

She called for more private-sector participation, emphasising that “partnerships like these are essential to transforming the aviation sector into a beacon of excellence.”

The newly renovated departure section boasts cutting-edge facilities designed to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. This upgrade reaffirms the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s status as a critical gateway to Nigeria and a major hub for international travel in Africa.

United Bank for Africa is Africa’s Global Bank. Operating across twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.

Business

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

…As Dangote Refinery partners MRS to sell PMS at N935 per litre nationwide at its retail outlets

Sahara Weekly Unveils That The Foremost entrepreneur and President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, which has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country.

To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.

“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre” he added. This price has already commenced in Lagos, and it will be offered nationwide from Monday.

In his statement, he called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers, “to work with us to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices.”

According to him, “The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high quality petrol at cheaper prices. Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.

Recall that in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the leadership of Mr. President approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. The move, which commenced on October 1, led to reduced pressure on the dollar and ensured the stability of the local currency.

Dangote thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support and the government for creating an enabling environment for the domestic refining industry.

Business

Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Active: NNPC Denounces Sabotage Rumors

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Active: NNPC Denounces Sabotage Rumors

NNPC Debunks Shutdown Rumors, Confirms Port Harcourt Refinery Fully Operational

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has dismissed reports circulating in certain media outlets claiming that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery, which was re-streamed two months ago, has been shut down.

In a statement released by Olufemi O. Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, the company clarified that the refinery is fully operational. The statement noted that the facility’s operational status was recently verified by former Group Managing Directors of NNPC during a site inspection.

“Preparation for the day’s loading operation is currently ongoing,” the statement confirmed, emphasizing that allegations of the refinery’s shutdown are baseless and intended to create panic or artificial scarcity in the fuel market.

NNPC Ltd urged members of the public to disregard such misleading reports, labeling them as the work of those seeking to exploit Nigerians.

The Old Port Harcourt Refinery has been in operation since its re-streaming, and the company remains committed to ensuring stability in the supply of petroleum products across the country.