Lagos PDP, APC disagree over Ambode for 2019 polls

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has promised judicious implementation of the N1.046 trillion 2018 budget for Lagos State.

During the yearly conference of the state chapter of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), he solicited the support of the media in realising the mega city project, pledging that ongoing infrastructural projects would be completed on schedule.

Represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, AbdulHakeem Abdullateef, Ambode said government was committed to the completion of the Agege Bridge in 10 months, the Airport Road project in 15 months and the Oshodi world-class business districts.

He noted that the full implementation of the budget would give Lagos a facelift, adding that new programmes were underway to ensure that the traffic gridlock in the state was effectively addressed.

Chairman of the event, Prof Lai Olurode, bemoaned a situation whereby good news about Islam and Muslims was rare in the media. He therefore enjoined the practitioners to seek knowledge about the faith in order to elevate its virtues and dictates. The scholar urged more Muslims to invest in the media.

However, the Lagos chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disqualify Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from participating in the 2019 governorship election in the state.
  
The party hinged its call on the self-confession of a group, ‘Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko Vanguard’, which it said claimed to have organised a three million man march for Ambode’s re-election.
 
In a statement yesterday, the PDP spokesman, Taofik Gani, said the timing of the exercise breached provisions of the Electoral Act, since the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was yet to approve campaign.
 
The party also called for the immediate arrest of those behind the march.

But the APC state spokesman, Joe Igbokwe, dismissed the call, saying the governor’s performance alone had endeared his administration to the indigenes and others across the federation.

He submitted the major opposition party has stand no chance of contesting against Ambode in the coming election, saying: “As it were, Ambode’s performance is currently campaigning as people are already commending and urging him to go ahead.”
 
Meanwhile, the governor has given an insight to what made the state enjoyed boom while the economic recession lasted in the country.

According to him, prayers and the activities of religious leaders who ceaselessly interceded for the state were key to the survival.
 
Speaking yesterday at the 2018 yearly thanksgiving service of the government titled ceaseless praise, Ambode stated that the state had not failed to thank God every year besides seeking his blessings which have been evident.

His words: “In our usual tradition, we have gathered here again, on the first Sunday of the year, in thanksgiving and praise to God Almighty. We are gathered in acknowledgement of the supreme power of God in our affairs; as a state and as individuals because we know that it is not by our strength or good deeds but by His grace that we are witnesses to this new year.”