Return Ambode unopposed- group tells Lagosians

A political group in Lagos State, Hon. Yepe Support Group for Ambode, has called on Lagosians across all political parties to come together to return Governor Akinwunmi Ambode unopposed.

The group, which is the independent campaign arm of Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Foundation, at a rally tagged ‘Mother of all Rallies’ held on Sunday, mobilised a massive crowd of holders of the Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC), as all attendees were made to raise their PVCs.

According to the convener and founder of the group, Dr. Abdulhakeem Abdullateef, who is popularly called Hon. Yepe, and who also doubles as the Commissioner for Home Affairs Lagos State, “Lagosians must prove to all Nigerians that we are ready to develop a common attitude toward the forthcoming gubernatorial election in 2019.

“We have experienced a governor who has integrated execution into strategy by doing more than he says. A governor who follows the tenets of good governance, rule of law, constitutional democracy, and all inclusive governance.

“We are not ready to change a winning team. We must be united regardless of our political parties and ideological differences in coming together to allow Akinwunmi Ambode complete the massive infrastructural renewal which are visible in all sectors throughout the five divisions of Lagos State.

“Let no political party contest gubernatorial election in Lagos State. This will encourage future governors to do well knowing full well that Lagosians are reasonable people who will always put their political differences aside as a mark of respect for a selfless and hardworking governor like Akinwunmi Ambode.

“Secondly, if you look at the budget of INEC for the election, one way Lagosians can assist in reducing the huge amount to be spent on the forthcoming election is by not contesting against Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in the election.

It will also remove the distractions associated with campaigns as the governor will be able to concentrate in ensuring timely completion of all ongoing projects,” he said.

The Commissioner said Lagosians are unanimous that Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has performed excellently in so many areas.

“The governor restructured civil service and saves the state billions of naira. The crime rate in the state has dropped due to serious investment in community policing as well as the acquisition of security equipment for the use of the Police and other members of the Armed Forces.

“The governor instituted a N25bn Employment Trust Fund which is being implemented to the latter. The massive construction of road networks including federal, state and local government inner roads. This is in addition to the Light up Lagos project which has added to making Lagos a liveable city.

“Ambode has put in place strategies to prevent religious crisis, ethnic or tribal crisis, student’s unrest and workers industrial action.

He is one governor who pays salaries promptly as Lagos workers receive alert every 23rd in addition to clearing the backlog of every retirees with over N11bn.

The Ajah and Abule-Egba flyovers and the ongoing Pen Cinema reconstruction are reference points among the milestones of this administration,” Abdullateef said.