A former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has urged the people of the state to ensure that the All Progressives Congress continues to rule Lagos, adding that only the APC can successfully manage the economy of the state which is the largest in the country.
Tinubu said the nation’s economy had continue to weaken in the face of dwindling oil prices, adding that the economy of Lagos remained unaffected because the APC had successfully managed the economy of the state in the last 16 years.
He, therefore, urged residents of the state to vote for the APC governorship candidate, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.
The former governor said this at the party’s secretariat during a meeting which had in attendance Governor Babatunde Fashola, Ambode, his running mate, Dr. Oluranti Adebule; and the state chairman of the APC, Chief Henry Ajomale.
The meeting was held in order to discuss strategies and moves to ensure victory in the forthcoming general elections.
“Lagos is the headquarters of the progressives; Lagos is the centre of excellence with an exemplary economy. It is clear that Ambode, a very brilliant and sharp man of distinction with a financially sound mind, is the person to vote for in order to ensure continuity, especially considering the dwindling economy at the centre,” Tinubu said.
The APC leader urged all members of the party to ensure that more people received their Permanent Voter Cards.
He said since many states had used the opportunity of the postponement to collect their cards, Lagos must not be an exception. He noted that the 62 per cent collection rate was still low compared to other states.
He said the next five weeks must be used to spread the party’s message of change.
“All hands must be on deck to ensure that our resolve for continuity in Lagos and for change at the centre remains strong. You all should be a volunteer for your own good in the interest of this country,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu said all APC supporters must see the elections as an event which could save or alter the destiny of children unborn.
“Please do this as your civic responsibility for yourselves, for the sake of your children and for the party,” he said.
Meanwhile, governorship aspirants who lost to Ambode during the party’s primary on December 5, 2014, have underscored the need to vote for Ambode on April 11.
The aspirants under the aegis of The Support Group for Ambode 2015, said the Peoples Democratic Party had no plan for Lagos State.
Other members of the group are a former Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Demola Seriki; a former Chairman, Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan; and Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi.
Speaking on behalf of the group on the sidelines of a road show held in honour of Ambode, the Vice Chairman of the group, Mr. Fola Tinubu, dispelled rumours about Ambode’s health.
He said, “All Lagosians need to do is to ask themselves if they whey will like to be governed by a party that has failed to deliver on the most critical duty of the government – security. If the APC administration of Lagos State had left the state to the security policies of the Presidency, life would have become difficult for Lagosians.
“Through the Lagos State Security Fund and direct government assistance, the Fashola administratio has committed billions of naira to keep the lives and properties of Lagosians safe. Indeed, without these measures, the boom in the hotels and hospitality business which provides the habitat for arts, music and leisure would have collapsed.
“This is what Mr. Ambode seeks to consolidate – a Lagos safe for you and me. But with the disinformation and misinformation of the PDP, with the hypocritical and false propaganda of the PDP, it is possible for the voters to take these achievements for granted and be shortchanged.
“This consolidator road show takes the facts and figures, the promise of the Ambode leadership, the legacy of the APC in Lagos State to the streets. It is a mission of reminder and recall. We believe that with this engagement, we shall wipe the lies of the PDP with the brooms of truth and restore honesty where the PDP has sowed dishonesty.”
Copyright PUNCH
