Thousands As Ambode Formally Declares For Lagos Governorship Seat

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News, News From The State, Politics Friday, October 24th, 2014

Onikan Stadium, Lagos Island, Nigeria was filled to capacity on Friday as Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, former Accountant General of Lagos formally declared his intention to contest for the Governorship seat of Lagos State under the banner of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Thousands of party faithful thronged the capacity stadium very early in the day, waiting for Ambode to come to the stadium to declare his interest. Placards of Ambode and banners were everywhere in and outside the stadium, lighting up the atmosphere.

Traffic gridlock was around Onikan, Race Course and some other parts of the Island as all routes led to the stadium. Getting into the stadium was another tough task as security personnel made it difficult with serious screen while the surging crowd pushed to get into the stadium.

Security within and out of the stadium was tight as hundreds of policemen and soldiers armed with guns were on ground to provide security and nip in the bud activities of hoodlums.

The Band from Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Pasuma supplied the music as supporters danced to the music tune supplied by Pasuma. Also performing was Olamide, popular artiste.

Ambode made his way into the stdium around 11:35am. There was wild jubilation from the crowd while Pasuma electrified the stadium with spectacular rendition keying thousands into state of jubilation and dancing. Traditional rulers from all over Lagos were at the event. Past Lagos Commissioners and Local Government Chairmen were also at the event. Chairmen of the 57 councils in the state were at the event.

The crowd at the stadium lend credence that Ambode is the ‘anointed candidate’ and will clinch the party’s ticket on November 15 when the primaries come up.

Declaring his interest for the governorship seat, Ambode said the presence of thousands of supporters at the event was an attestation of the state-wide consultations that commenced since last year.

“The acceptance and popularity of my candidacy, the great turn out and the fantastic support we have received from every corner of the State and beyond, from all sectors and various religious persuasions confirm that this is a divine moment in the history of Lagos State. In recognition of this support, I, Akinwunmi Ambode, in your presence and in the presence of God, formally put myself forward to run for the position of the governor of Lagos state.

“I make this declaration with the highest sense of responsibility. I am putting myself forward because I believe I have the qualities required to continue the giant strides, which our great party, All Progressives Congress has achieved in Lagos in recent years. Lagos is my state and you are my people. I shall work to serve you. I shall never do less. Here and now, I dedicate myself to this task. I shall not flinch nor lose focus.

“The last fifteen years have witnessed an irreversible growth and development of our great state with a foundation laid concretely by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu between 1999 and 2007. The consolidation and actualisation of that growth, of which we are all living testimonies, have been achieved by the incumbent Governor, Babtunde Raji Fashola. (SAN)

I stand before you today in the spirit of the continuity of excellence that Lagos is known for. My vision and mission is to create a clean, secure and prosperous Lagos State that is driven by a vibrant economy and supported by quality service, equity and justice,” he said.

Ambode stated that he is resolved to offer Lagosians genuine leadership that would be accountable with all the principles of good governance, a government of inclusion that would not leave any race or gender behind no matter the age, sex, tribe or any other status, as long as one resides in Lagos.

“We will work to create opportunities for all and offer selfless service. As we proceed we will leave no one behind. What our great party stands for is change, positive change. We will create wealth. We will create new jobs. We will challenge ourselves to make Lagos a better place. We will take Lagos to the next level. We are going to do it together.

“Everybody counts. The aged, widows, artisans, students, children, the physically challenged, professionals, we all have a part to play. For corporate Lagos, Lagos is open for business, even for greater business. We have the political will to move Lagos to the next level. We are going to face our challenges by ourselves. Nobody is going to do that for us. With our collective will, we will overcome them.

“I call on all Muslims, Christians, and people of other religious persuasions to come out en masse and ensure we vote in a candidate that has the interest of Lagos and Lagosians at heart. A candidate that is passionate about Lagos; candidate that truly understands the needs of the ordinary people. I am that candidate,” he added.

According to Ambode, the story of Lagos through various challenges to its emergence as the economic nerve centre of Nigeria could not be told without the mention of great patriots such as Chief ObafemiAwolowo, GeneralMobolaji Johnson(rtd), AlhajiLateefJakande, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Mr.BabatundeFashola, to mention a few, whose respective and remarkable contributions to the development of Lagos makes us all very proud.

He said come February 2015, Lagosians would once again elect a governor that would not only continue the great works of these forebearers, but would also lead the people of Lagos to greater economic heights, prosperity, accountable democracy, and more importantly, the protection of lives and properties.

“I stand before you today as a bridge between the elderly and the youth. I hold before you a beacon that summons us all to building together a more prosperous Lagos. I have the competence, experience and determination to lead Lagos State to greater economic heights and prosperity. I ask for your support and

your votes that will send me to Alausa to continue in my tradition of selfless service to this great State of ours,” he said.