The gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Jimi Agbaje, has challenged the idea that Lagos needs to be governed by a federal ruling party, to ensure the state is not denied of funds.
Both the Lagos APC and the Akinwumi Ambode Campaign organisation are bent on the idea that an APC-led federal and state government will birth faster development in the state while also pitting the Igbos – who are backing the PDP candidate in Lagos against Yorubas.
Reacting to the assumption that Lagos would be deprived of funds if PDP wins, Mr. Agbaje, in a statement published on his Facebook, accused the APC of doublespeak.
He pointed that the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, in his speech last week promised to run an all-encompassing government.
“First, I wonder about the soundness of this argument especially after listening to President-elect General Buhari’s acceptance speech where he clearly stated “There shall no longer be a ruling party again… We shall never rule over the people as if they were subservient to government” This basically spoke to our better-angels as a people and our sense of community as Nigerians. If so, then where’s the logic in the argument,” Mr Agbaje said.
He asked if the APC led federal government intends to run a vindictive, partial or insensitive government.
“Is APC LAGOS by the nature of this “aligning Lagos to the center” statement, now inferring that General Buhari intends to run a vindictive, partial or insensitive government? Well, that’s not for me to answer and it’s clearly not the focus of this piece. What I know, however, is that Lagos has always made progress in spite of being in the opposition and right now it will be to the benefit of democracy and the whole country to have a watchful police, as opposed to both power houses – Lagos & Abuja concentrated in one party.
“In fact, if my memory of history serves me well, Lagos and the FG have never been in the same party. Our development as a state is as a result of our ingenuity, tenacity and drive as a people. And it’s clear that Lagosians can see through this total botch of logic,” he stated.
Mr. Agbaje reminded the APC that despite Lagos being on the opposition with the federal government, the state has continue to thrive and it would not change if he gets elected.
“During late Pa’ Awo’s time, the Action Group led Lagos while the NCNC led the FG. In 1979 up until 1983, LK Jakande’s achievements were under UPN even though President Shagari was in NPN. In 1992 Governor Otedola was NRC and SDP led the FG before the JUNE 12 annulment. In 1999 Tinubu was AD, FG was PDP. In 2007-2011, his Excellency, Governor Fashola was AC/ACN/APC while the FG led by Yar’Adua was PDP.
“Under Yar’Adua, the FG released withheld funds to Lagos that had been blocked by his predecessor despite being in opposing parties with Governor Fashola. You see, our edge as a state has always being about our collective ability to stay ahead of the curve with our without favour from the FG” Agbaje said.
