Lagos- Nine gubernatorial candidates in Lagos on Thursday said that harmonious relationship between the government at the centre and the state government would promote development of the state.
The candidates, at a debate in Lagos, pledged to promote such relationship, irrespective of the party that emerges at the centre, if elected by voters in the February polls.
The debate, organised by the Diocese of Lagos West Anglican Communion in conjunction with the Diocese of Badagry and that of Lagos Mainland, held at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Catheral, Ikeja.
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Nine of the 17 governorship candidates in the state including those of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP) and the National Conscience Party (NCP), participated.
Others who took part are candidates of the Mega Progressives People’s Party (MPPP), Independent Democrats (ID), Alliance for Democracy (AD), Action Alliance (AC) and |KOWA Party.
Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, the APC governorship candidate, said that federalism was the submission of federating units into one entity.
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“All states submit some of their rights to the centre and Lagos State is not outside this equation,” Ambode said.
He, however, said that if APC won at the centre, the state would get its due benefits.
Mr Jimi Agbaje, the PDP candidate, described himself as a committed advocate of true federalism, saying that he would do everything possible to ensure a robust working relationship with the Federal Government.
“I will advise that it pays to have the same party at the centre and the state,” Agbaje said.
Mr Olulana Olurorotimi, LP governorship candidate, said that if elected, he would ensure a robust relationship with the government at the centre.
“The relationship with the FG for us in LP will be one that meets the needs of the people.
“We will work to ensure that we maintain a robust relationship that will keep the party going.
“Beyond the party, there should always be a relationship that will keep the country going,’’ he said.
Mr Bolaji Ogunseye, the AD candidate, said that the lack of cordial relationship between the present administration in Lagos and the FG had caused the state a lot.
“We have lost opportunities in the state because of the hostility between the state and the FG,” he said.
Mr Ishola Aregbesola, candidate of the AC, said that the party would build a smooth relationship with the FG to ensure a cordial relationship.
“At Action Alliance, we are going to build a very sound and cordial relationship with the FG for the good of Lagos residents,” he said.
Mr Ayodele Akele, the NCP candidate, said “we will build harmonious working relationship with the FG, we will maintain it and guard It.”
Mr Victor Adeniji of KOWA Party said that partisan politics should be stopped after the elections.
“There should be no more partisan politics after the elections. The party will ensure cordial relationship with the party at the centre,” Adeniji said.
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Mr Jacobs Kayode, the MPPP candidate, said that the party would not be confrontational with the FG.
“Confrontation will lead the state to suffering; we have decided to work with government at the centre.
“We will not fight with the FG so that the state gets its dues,” Kayode said.
Mr Lawal Omoshola, the ID candidate also said that his administration, if elected, would maintain good relationship with the FG to bring the dividends of democracy to the people.
Earlier in his address, Rt. Rev. James Odedeji of the Diocese said that the debate was a way of encouraging the emergence of best leaders.
“We call on all voters to make wise decisions that will help in turning Lagos State into a true centre of excellence.
“We seize this opportunity to call on all agencies involved in the conduct of the elections to be God fearing in discharging their responsibilities,” Odedeji said. (NAN)
