SAN FRANCISCO, October 24, (THEWILL) – Former Accountant General in the Lagos State Civil Service, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Friday, officially declared his intention to rule the state and contest during the 2015 governorship election under the umbrella of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governorship aspirant, who declared his interest in the 2015 election at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos at a rally attended by his supporters, party leaders and loyalists, promised to build on the legacies of former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and the incumbent, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, whom he hoped to succeed.
According to Ambode,”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.”
He noted that the last 15 years have witnessed an irreversible growth and development of the 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 added.
Speaking further at the rally, he said: “I am resolved to offer you genuine leadership that will be accountable with all the principles of good governance, a government of inclusion that will not leave any race or gender behind. No matter your age, sex, tribe or any other status, as long as you reside in Lagos, we will make Lagos liveable for you.
“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.”
Pleading for the support of all Lagosians, Ambode said :”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. A candidate that truly understands the needs of the ordinary people. I am that candidate.”
According to him, “Lagos is the most cosmopolitan state in Nigeria and there is no room for discrimination.”
He however assured that ;” Whether you are Igbo, Efik, Ijaw, Hausa, Fulani, a foreigner, whoever you are, so far you live or work in Lagos, our government will work for you and you will be adequately represented.”
Akinbode, who is generally regarded as the anointed candidate of Asiwaju Tinubu, continued: “Come February 2015, Lagosians will once again elect a governor that will not only continue the great works of these forebearers, but will also lead the people of Lagos to greater economic heights, prosperity, accountable democracy, and more importantly, the protection of lives and properties.”
Referring to himself as a bridge between the elderly and the youth, the APC governorship aspirant said “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.”
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