I’m Proud of Ambode’s Achievements, Says Tinubu

By Bennett  Oghifo

Former Governor of Lagos State and chieftain of All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu has commended Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his laudable achievements in office within 14 months, saying the governor had made him very proud.

Tinubu made the commendation, yesterday, at the APC’s secretariat in Lagos during a meeting with the party’s Local Government and Ward Chairmen.

He also commended the Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule and the entire team of the state government for supporting the governor to achieve so much within a little time.

He added: “I was with Mr. President, President Muhammadu Buhari for about two hours yesterday and Governor Ambode was not there when we were discussing generally about the problem of Nigeria. The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo got up and spoke glowingly of the Governor and my head was swelling. I became even more proud of him.”

He then stressed a call by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for members of the party to collect their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), saying that the people must give the ongoing exercise by INEC the necessary seriousness it deserved.

The electoral commission began the distribution of PVCs in Lagos a few days ago, with a call on registered voters to come with their temporary cards for the collection of the PVCs between 8am and 4pm from Monday to Friday.

Ambode earlier urged residents of the state to approach the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) across the state for their PVC to enable them participate in future elections.

The governor said it was important for residents of the state, who were yet to collect their PVCs, to approach the electoral body, as the process of distribution of the cards had started.

The Governor said he had information that many people were not aware of the ongoing exercise by INEC, adding that there was need to sensitise them.

According to him, “There is an INEC exercise going on now in which they are distributing voters’ card to those who are yet to collect. Many people are not even aware of the development and I like to use this medium to appeal to our party members to go and collect their PVCs.

“I want to encourage all of us that we should now take the exercise seriously because that is the beginning of the framework of the elections yet to come. This is an appeal both to our members who are here and those who are not here.

“The APC, as from Monday, will also start massive mobilisation and sensitisation of the public towards the exercise.”

The governor also thanked members of the party for supporting his administration so far, adding that the support had contributed to the huge successes recorded in the last 14 months since he assumed office.

Ambode, who specifically appreciated Tinubu and all the party leaders for their support, however, urged party faithful to remain committed and loyal to the ideals of the party, as well as to its leadership.

“Once again, I want to thank all party leaders and members. I have said it before that we must follow our leaders and I am saying it again. We need to support and abide by whatever directive or direction our National Leader is asking us to go,” the governor said.

Among those present at the meeting were, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adebule; Chairman, APC Lagos State, Otunba Henry Ajomale; former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye; Party Chieftain, Prince Tajudeen Olusi; Senator representing Lagos East at the Upper Legislative Chamber, Gbenga Ashafa; Southwest APC Women Leader, Chief Mrs Kemi Nelson; Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun, among others.