Lagos, Jan. 14, 2015 (NAN) The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday said that the Mr Babatunde Fashola administration had performed better than his.
Tinubu, the immediate past Governor of Lagos, spoke in Ikeja at the flag-off of the party’s campaign for the forthcoming general elections in the state.
He said that the Fashola administration had performed tremendously well in the last eight years.
“In the year 2007, I handed over to one young man, brought him to you and said he would perform better.
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“A man with sound brain and sound mind; that person is Babatunde Fashola. He did not disgrace us.
“I thank God for eight years of excellent performance, unbroken promises, sound experience and constructive government,” Tinubu said.
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He said that Fashola had performed well in construction of roads and school buildings, employment of youths and healthcare delivery, among others things.
Tinubu urged Lagos residents to vote en masse for the party’s governorship candidate for Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, in the general elections.
He said that Ambode would build on Fashola’s achievements.
In his address, Fashola urged Lagos residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to enable them to vote.
“Go to your wards and INEC offices in your various local government areas and obtain your PVCs.
“You have till Jan. 31 to do so if you want Ambode to win.
“Your right to vote is not the gift of any government.
“It is a right you have as a citizen in any part of the world where democracy is practised,” Fashola said.
He also said that he would continue to honour past governors for sacrificing for the development of the state.
He hailed Tinubu for his services to the state and the party.
“You built the pillar and foundation upon which we stand,’’ the governor said.
Fashola urged the residents to vote for Ambode to sustain the development efforts of the state.
Also speaking, Ambode promised to build on Fashola’s achievements, if elected.
He said that he would make the state’s economy more viable.
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“I will build on the legacy of Fashola’s administration and will not disappoint you.
“I have been an accountant all my life; so, I shall be accountable to all of you,” he promised.
The Lagos State Vice Chairman of the APC, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, commended the party members for their support.
He said that the crowd at the rally was encouraging.
NAN reports that there was traffic gridlock on most roads around Ikeja, due to the rally.
The Oba Akinjobi Way, Ikeja which leads to Archbishop Vining Memorial Church was blocked for hours as motorists struggled to move through the swarm of party supporters.
The gridlock spilled over to Awolowo Road, also in Ikeja, as personnel of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) had a hectic time controlling traffic.
The large movement of party supporters in the area also caused heavy traffic on Oba Akran Road for hours.
Many commuters were seen alighting from buses and trekking to their various destinations due to the traffic jam.
Mr Ojo Adeniyi, a motorist, told NAN that he spent more than two hours on Oba Akran Way.
Meanwhile, it was carnival-like at Skypower playing ground, GRA, Ikeja, the venue of the campaign flag -off as party members and supporters turned out in large numbers.
They dressed in APC branded vests, waving brooms and dancing to live music supplied by Wasiu Ayinde,a popular Fuji musician.
Traders made brisk businesses at the venue as they sold brooms, T shirts and APC branded hats to party members and supporters.
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Miss Linda Okoli, a seller of cold drinks, told NAN that she had to bring in goods thrice due to demand.
“This is the third time I am bringing supplies. They keep asking for more drinks.
“ I thank the party and the harmattan season for this; business has been good,“ she said.
Another trader, Mr Stanley Eze, who sold branded APC hats at the venue, said that he had made much sales.
NAN reports that there was heavy presence of security operatives at the venue to prevent violence.
Policemen and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) were stationed at strategic places.
Party members had thronged to the venue in their thousands as early as 8.00a.m. for the rally
Free medical services were provided for people at the venue.
They were screened for diabetes and hypertension. (NAN )
