“I will relieve residents of Lagos State of the persistent gridlock and hiccups that have made life brutish and nasty for all of us.”
• Formally declares to contest in 2019
Moshood Adebayo
Managing Director of Lagos State Development and Property Corporation, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has formally unveiled his 2019 governorship aspiration to Lagosians.
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Sanwo-Olu, who reportedly enjoys the support of the “Mandate Group,” a political group loyal to former governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declared his ambition to govern the state at City Hall, Lagos Island, yesterday.
The aspirant assured Lagosians that he will restore the glory of the state as well as respect party leaders.
He is expected to slug it out with the incumbent, Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, who also desires a second term.
Aside Cardinal James Odumbaku, who led the group to the declaration, were members of the House of Representatives including Babajimi Adegoke Benson, representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, James Faleke, representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, Azeen Babajide Akinloye, Eti Osa Federal Constituency and Rotimi Agunsoye, representing Kosofe Federal Constituency.
Also, Lagos State Conference 57, led by the chairman, Mrs. Omolarara Essien, in company with Chief Sunny Ajose and former Head of Service and Vice Chairman, Lagos West APC, Wahab Alawiye were in attendance.
Others included former Lagos Island Council chairman and former member of the House of Assembly, Alhaji Abdulai Enilolobo, Chief Kaoli Olusanya, Kayode Omiyale, Chief Demola Seriki, Dr. Tola Kasali, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, who is the director general of Sanwo-Olu’s campaign organisation.
Ayinde was also former chief detail to Tinubu, among others.
In his address, Sanwo-Olu, who was ushered into the hall at 2.45 p.m., amid singing and chanting of the Mandate Group slogan, “On your mandate we shall stand…” expressed delight at the presence of party stalwarts and members, adding that he felt more encouraged by their presence.
He paid glowing tributes to former governors of the state, including Babatunde Fashola, and promised to build on their legacies.
“The manifesto of our party promises a welfare programme by building the capacity of our economy, so that we can provide jobs for the youths and make the country stable and secure. These values are the things that I believe in and I am ready to defend them.
“I will ensure their propagation and they drive my present desire.
“If elected as the next governor of Lagos State, I shall immediately embark on full restoration of the glory of the state and make the people the cornerstone of government. I will restore the environment that has become the source of serious anxiety to Lagosians.
“I will relieve residents of Lagos State of the persistent gridlock and hiccups that have made life brutish and nasty for all of us.
“Our government’s focal point will be to provide the greatest good for the greatest number of the people of Lagos state.
“I have invited you all here to join me in this journey, to take Lagos to a new dimension by transforming the manifesto of our party to the programme of action.”
He also sent a clarion call to all APC members.
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“There is a lot to be done, to achieve a Lagos of our dream.
“I present myself as a capable, competent and tested hand to make Lagos greater. I declare that I shall be a true party man in the real definition; by the words and in running an inclusive government according to the ideology of APC and long term benefits of citizens.
“Loyalty in my view is the currency of politics.
“I shall be loyal to the people of the state and leadership of the party.”
He urged APC members to join him in elevating the state in all facets of human endeavours through improvement and enlightenment.