Tag: Babajide Sanwo-Olu

  • 2023 Elections: “Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu culpable for attacks on Igbos in Lagos” -Ezekwesili

    2023 Elections: “Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu culpable for attacks on Igbos in Lagos” -Ezekwesili

    Former Nigerian minister, Oby Ezekwesili, has accused President-elect, Bola Tinubu and the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, of instigating the attacks suffered by Igbos living in the state during Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly elections.

    She also alleged Yoruba people were mistaken as Igbo and therefore perceived as electorates that are likely to vote against the All Progressives Congress (APC) were equally attacked and disenfranchised by the duo.

    "Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu culpable for attacks on Igbos in Lagos" -Ezekwesili
    Oby Ezekwesili

    Speaking after the election via her Twitter account, she wrote: “Ndi Igbo did NOTHING to @officialABAT nor @jidesanwoolu but you orchestrated a rage against a people who have dwelt peaceably in Lagos ever before you both became politicians.

    “Today, you even disenfranchised Yorubas that your supporters said “looked Igbo. You will account. The social media and WhatsApp messages are flooded with voters who were wounded by thugs for “being Igbo” and prevented from voting.

    “What is that? What exactly is this brand of politics in Nigeria in 2023? We will have to answer this question to move forward. And we shall.”

    "Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu culpable for attacks on Igbos in Lagos" -Ezekwesili

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the ex-minister of Education went on to condemn the activities of thugs in the just-held election, saying violence and intimidation of the opposition could become a new normal when Tinubu is finally sworn in.

    Ezekwesili, who has served Nigeria in different capacities, is also concerned that Nigerians may witness total disregard for the rule of law if Tinubu becomes President.

    “The mayhem @officialABAT and his criminal enterprise gang unleashed in Lagos today against innocent citizens is what he wants to assume the Office of President and scale to the rest of Nigeria in the name of ‘controlling the Center? Tufia! The God of Justice forbids,” she added.

  • Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu vote, urge Nigerians to go out and vote peacefully (PHOTOS)

    Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu vote, urge Nigerians to go out and vote peacefully (PHOTOS)

    The president-elect, Bola Tinubu, on Saturday cast his vote in the governorship and state assembly elections, encouraging Nigerians to go out and vote peacefully.

    “I just joined other Nigerians in exercising my civic duty in the ongoing governorship and state assembly elections. I encourage you all to go out and vote peacefully,” he posted on Twitter.

    Also, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, after casting his vote said the electoral process “is not supposed to be violent”.

    Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu votes, urge Nigerians to go out and vote peacefully (PHOTOS)
    Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, casting his vote

    The governor also praised the staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for arriving early to the polling unit as well as the turnout of voters.

    He said, “My wife and I are happy with the turnout. We are happy with the turnout at this polling unit. I am told that they came right on time and voting is on. I think it is time for us to see and understand that this process is not meant to be a process of violence.

    Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu vote, urge Nigerians to go out and vote peacefully (PHOTOS)

    “Election that leads to a democratic process is the best form of validation of what true democracy should be about. And so I want to reiterate again that this contest is about peace, it’s about progress, it’s about prosperity for our state and country at large.”

    Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu vote, urge Nigerians to go out and vote peacefully (PHOTOS)

    Sanwo-Olu is vying for a second term in office having been voted into office for first term in 2019. He is in the contest with a number of candidates including Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party (LP) and Abdulazeez Olajide Adediran of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) among others.

    See photos of Tinubu voting below

  • Sanwo-Olu gives orders CP to launch investigation into cause of Akere market inferno

    Sanwo-Olu gives orders CP to launch investigation into cause of Akere market inferno

    Lagos state, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reached out to the Commissioner of Police, in the state, , Idowu Owohunwa, to conduct a concrete investigation into the Akere fire incident and fish out the perpetrators.

    The Governor who visited the scene of the fire incident area in the midnight gave the directive shortly after.

    The Governor, who met with the victims of the fire incident, conveyed his sympathy and pledged support for the traders in assuaging their loss.

    Some unknown persons were said to have allegedly shot sporadically towards the market, killing one security guard and setting the market on fire.

    Sanwo-Olu condemned the incendiary action, describing it as ”unfortunate”, and therefore, directed the Commissioner of Police to ensure a diligent investigation to unravel the perpetrators.

    He also condoled with the deceased’s family and promised assistance toward the burial of the deceased.

    The governor said, ”I commiserate with the family of the taxi driver who was somewhere close to the market premises but lost his life in the incident.

    ”I’m also here to share my sympathy with all shop owners who lost their means of livelihood in this fire incident. But we don’t want to pass judgment ahead of the investigation.

    ”In strong terms, I’m directing the Commissioner of Police to immediately launch a full investigation into the cause of this incident.

    ”Given the issues we are hearing around, I’m also directing the commissioner to tighten security around markets. All vulnerable markets must be protected.

    ”We have received the list of all shop owners affected and we’ll vet the list for compensation to help the victims back on their feet.”

  • Cash crunch: Violence isn’t the answer – Sanwo-Olu begs Lagosians

    Cash crunch: Violence isn’t the answer – Sanwo-Olu begs Lagosians

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Saturday appealed to residents to remain calm, even in the face of the difficulties and frustrations due to cash shortage.

    Sanwo-Olu made the appeal while addressing newsmen at Lagos House, Marina, on the current situation caused by Naira redesign in the country.

    He urged Lagos residents to avoid all forms of violence, arson and rioting, as sure were not the solutions to the difficulties and frustrations being presently experienced.

    ”Let me thank you, the good people of Lagos for your patience and unwavering perseverance even in these challenging times.

    ”My fellow Lagosians, this is a heartfelt call to you, as your Governor, to please remain calm at this time, and avoid all forms of violence, arson and rioting.

    ”Even in the face of the difficulties and frustrations being faced by all, violence and destruction should not and will never be the answer.

    ”We know that there are unscrupulous persons who want to sow seeds of violence and discord by their very utterances and actions, all with the view of robbing you of the chance to cast your votes in the Feb. 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    ”Do not allow them to use you to achieve their evil intentions,” the governor said.

    According to him, there is no justification whatsoever for attacking public or private property.

    He said that the law enforcement agents had received clear instructions to take full control and ensure zero tolerance for any and all acts of arson, violence and destruction.

    Sanwo-Olu enjoined all law-abiding residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear.

    ”As a government that fully understands the challenges that you are faced with, with regards to access to cash, we are working very hard to provide palliative measures to lessen the burdens being faced.

    ”As part of these measures, I have already approved an immediate reduction in transportation charges for public-owned transport, across the Lagos State public transport system: our buses, ferries and taxis.

    ”We are also equally in discussion with private transport operators not to hike fares at this point of time, given the difficult circumstances in which many Lagosians find themselves.

    ”We have also since commenced the distribution of food packs, to the most vulnerable citizens, the people most impacted by this disruption in the supply of cash.

    ”We will continue to highlight more vulnerable groups within our distribution channels who would benefit from the palliatives.

    ”As we scale up the rollout of these palliatives, we ask for your continued patience and understanding. Remain calm and go about your lawful activities and duties,” he said.

    The governor said the Lagos State Government under his watch would continue to stand by, with and for the ordinary people of Lagos.

    He thanked the Police and other security agencies/operatives that had been working round the clock to maintain the peace, law and order in the state.

    ”We owe you a debt of gratitude. May I also use this opportunity to ask you not to relent in your efforts at continuing to keep the peace in and around the metropolis,” Sanwo-Olu said.

  • Old Naira notes remain legal tender – Lagos Gov, Sanwo-Olu

    Old Naira notes remain legal tender – Lagos Gov, Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared old Naira notes remain legal tender in the State.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed this was the position of the Supreme Court of Nigeria when the case on the Naira notes first came up on February 8 at the apex court.

    In a statement on Wednesday, Sanwo-Olu vowed that the State Government would prosecute those rejecting the old notes.

    He disclosed that the  State has joined the dispute at the Supreme Court, which today adjourned the hearing of the matter till February 22.

    The statement reads: “Dear Lagosians, I hereby commend and applaud your patience and calmness, following the sad controversy generated by the Naira shortage crisis.

    “I would like to inform you that the Lagos State Government has joined the dispute at the Supreme Court, which today adjourned the hearing of the matter till February 22.

    “When the matter first came up on February 8, the apex court said the old notes remained legal tender.

    “That position has not changed. Therefore we hereby warns those rejecting the old notes to desist from doing so or face prosecution. It is against the law to reject the old notes, as doing so is contrary to the position of the Supreme Court.

    “I therefore plead with everyone to remain law-abiding, and shun mischief makers who may want to exploit this temporary situation to promote their anti-people agenda. I am confident that the Judiciary will resolve all the issues around the currency shortage crisis.

    “To cushion the effect of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directive on the old notes, especially on the vulnerable among us, Lagos State has started the distribution of the food packs as I earlier promised, while the 50% fares slash on all State transportation services facilities continues”.

  • Gov Sanwo-Olu reacts as Lagos PDP mourns Funke Akindele’s mother

    Gov Sanwo-Olu reacts as Lagos PDP mourns Funke Akindele’s mother

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has sympathized with the deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos, Ms Funke Akindele over the death of her beloved mother, Dr R. B. Adebanjo-Akindele.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile on Tuesday said it is often hard to find the right words at a time like this for someone who has lost a beloved person, noting that losing mothers is one of the deepest sorrows for man.

    The Governor prayed for peace, comfort, courage and love for Funke, her immediate siblings, the Adebanjo and Akindele families as they go through a most difficult period of mourning of the dead.

    “My heart goes out to Funke, friends of the Adebanjo and Akindele families on the demise of their daughter, mother and grandmother, Dr. RB Adebanjo-Akindele who answered the ultimate call today, Tuesday 7th of February, 2023.

    “Death of loved ones, whenever it happens, is usually a very painful episode but we must be consoled by the good life lived by the deceased person. We should relish in the beautiful memories the dead left behind for us,” he said.

    The Governor urged the PDP Deputy Governorship candidate, to be comforted by the good life that her late mother lived and continue to pray for the repose of Dr. RB Adebanjo-Akindele.

    “On behalf of my family and the good people of Lagos State, I hereby express my heartfelt condolences to the entire families and friends of Adebanjo and Akindele.

    “May God grant the soul of the departed eternal rest and the families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he stated.

    Lagos PDP mourns as deputy governorship candidate loses mum

    Meanwhile, the Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sympathised with its Deputy Governorship Candidate, Ms Funke Akindele, over the death of her mother, Dr R. B. Adebanjo-Akindele on Tuesday.

    The party in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Hakeem Amode, described the death as a lost to the state.

    Amode, also the Chairman, Media and Publicity, JandorFunke 2023 Campaign, described the late mother of the Ace Nollywood actress as an epitome of motherhood and an inspiration to women.

    “It is with heavy heart and total submission to the will of the Almighty God that the leadership and members of the Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) commiserate with the family of Akindele on the death of their mother, Dr R. B. Adebanjo-Akindele.

    “She is the mother of Barr. Olufunke Akindele, the deputy gubernatorial candidate of our party in the coming 2023 election.

    “Dr Adebanjo-Akindele was an epitome of motherhood, a respected medical doctor and an astute disciplinarian with great positive influence on her children, relatives and the society at large.

    “She had lived an exemplary life as the mother of the one most popular and successful actress and politician in our time and so in death, we should celebrate her life.

    “We are sure her legacy and her works will continue to keep her alive in the minds of those that are her relations and those she had affected positively,” he said.

    Amode prayed for the repose of the deceased, said that the party lost her when she was most needed.

    “On behalf of the leadership of our party, the Gubernatorial Candidate of our party, Dr Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran – Jandor, the party executives and the entire members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, we express our deepest heartfelt condolence to our Deputy Gubernatorial Candidate, Barr Olufunke Akindele and the entire member of Akindele family.

    “We pray that God will grant the family the fortitude to bear her demise,” Amode said.

    Adebanjo-Akindele’s death was announced on Tuesday evening by Funke’s sister, Olubunmi Akindele on her Instagram page on behalf of the families of Adebanjo and Akindele.

  • BREAKING: Lagos Govt reveals identity of Ojuelegba accident victims

    BREAKING: Lagos Govt reveals identity of Ojuelegba accident victims

    The Lagos State Government has revealed the identity of the victims of the Ojuelegba truck accident and ordered the immediate prosecution of the owner and driver of the truck involved in the accident that claimed the lives of nine persons.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the identity of the victims revealed are Miss Blessing Isioma “F”, Abdurahman Okoya Sunday “M”, Felix John Ifeanyi “M” 40 years and Olatokunbo Basirat King “F’ 49 years.

    However, the identity of the other five victims also involved in the accident was not confirmed.

    According to a statement released by Gbenga Omotoso, Commissioner for Information & Strategy, the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu ordered the prosecution of the owner and driver of the truck after receiving an interim report of the incident.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu, according to the statement, directed the police to speed up their investigation of the matter.

    “Besides, he has given the following directives: the driver of the truck and the owner, who are in police custody, must be prosecuted; ministry of Transportation and Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) should meet urgently to find a lasting solution to the menace of falling trucks; and all the laws governing the operations of trucks and related vehicles must be enforced with more vigour and diligence,” the statement reads.

    According to the statement, the incident of 29th January, 2023, is one too many and that it shows the irresponsibility of owners and drivers of such articulated vehicles who under the law should care for other road users.

    “The Lagos State Government has zero tolerance for large containers that fall off trucks and injure or kill citizens, who are going about their lawful businesses.

    “The driver (Sodiq Okanlawon) and the owner (Wasiu Lekan) of a container which killed three (3) people on the 26th July, 2020, on Oshodi/Apapa Expressway, Ilasamaja, were prosecuted and convicted on the 28th February, 2022, and sentenced to life imprisonment by Hon. Justice Okikiolu Ighile.

    “The State Government will, in a similar manner, ensure that the driver and the owner of the truck involved in the January 29th incident are put on trial for the needless death of our dear citizens.

    “This, we hope, will send a strong message to all those who have no regard for other people’s lives that Lagos will not condone their recklessness. They must be stopped, with the strong backing of our laws, because their actions offend our avowed commitment to safety and decency,” it added.

  • Lagos Gov grieves with families of Ojuelegba accident victims

    Lagos Gov grieves with families of Ojuelegba accident victims

    The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on behalf of the people and government, sympathised with the families of those who died on Sunday in the Ojuelegba truck accident.

    The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Frederic Oladeinde, made the disclosure in a statement signed in Lagos on Monday.

    Oladeinde said that nine persons died in the accident while  the injured persons were being treated in hospital.

    He said that the accident would be thoroughly investigated so as to prevent a recurrence of such tragic incidents.

    “We are working with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to install Vehicle/Truck barriers on the inward and outward sections of the bridge.

    “We share the grief of those who lost their loved ones in the accident and pray that the Almighty will strengthen them at this difficult time,” Oladeinde siad.

    He, however, said that the  government would continue to implement its Transport Master Plan, which had safety strategies that would ensure safer roads.

  • 2023: Aide reveals reasons Sanwo-Olu should be re-elected

    2023: Aide reveals reasons Sanwo-Olu should be re-elected

    The Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Works and Infrastructure, Mrs Aramide Adeyoye, says it makes a lot of sense for residents, especially technocrats, to re-elect the governor for the second term.

    Adeyoye made this remark while delivering a keynote address at a hybrid interactive session with technocrats, organised by the Tinubu/Shettima and Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat Independent Campaign Council (ICC), Directorate of Professional Women.

    Newsmen reports that the hybrid session, held on Saturday night, had experts from various fields and professional associations in attendance.

    It was hosted by Dr Atinuke Owolabi, Director, Professional Women Directorate, ICC, and tagged “A one-hour interactive session with professionals on the implementation of strategies and tactics developed to give “#RenewedHope* to Nigeria” and “#AGreaterLagosRising”.

    Enumerating the numerous accomplishments of the current administration in the area of works and infrastructure, Adeyoye said that the government had delivered so many inherited abandoned projects while also instituting and completed many.

    She reeled out efforts of the Sanwo-Olu administration in improving transportation and infrastructure, including improved roundabouts in Lekki, Ikeja and other areas to ease gridlock.

    She said the Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC) was empowered to increase its asphalt production capacity and became efficient using cold and hot mixes for both dry and wet season road rehabilitation works.

    The aide listed ongoing projects at various stages of completion as well as completed ones and newly initiated ones undergoing procurement as reasons to re-elect the Sanwo-Olu team.

    “The two (Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat) of them have a heart to serve, they have a vision that is in tandem with the needs of Lagos residents.

    “It makes a lot of sense to vote Sanwo-Olu back so that they can complete what they have started, Let us go out, collect our PVCs and vote wisely. More importantly, we have a state to build and a nation,” Adeyoye said.

    The aide, who is a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, said the current administration had also given opportunities to professionals to contribute their quotas towards taking the state to the next level.

    According to her, the administration has not also failed in providing opportunities for women to mainstream gender in all its activities.

    “Women have made a lot of differences with a lot of potentials. It is time for professionals to take the bull by the horns and not sit on the fence. The first step is to pick your PVCs and be involved,” she added.

    The aide said that the government would continue to engage all professionals and urged the technocrats to develop a think tank or a pressure group to make the government reckon more with them.

    She said the experts had failed the nation in the past and must rebuild the ruins by taking the lead in performing their civic responsibilities of voting and sensitising Nigerians on the right choices.

    According to her, whatever the professionals plan to bring to the table will count in determining the kind of attention they would attract from government.

    She said although the ICC group was party affiliated, it was still about Nigeria, hence the need to vote massively for the APC who are progressives.

    In her remarks, the host, Owolabi, who commended the speaker and other professionals, said that their insightful contributions, showed that the experts in various fields were ready to build the country.

    According to her, the government recognition of the professionals necessitated the creation of the directorate and experts must use the forum to make impact in the nation’s governance.

    “We must not continue to talk without putting action into it. We must build this country. As professionals, let us serve as role model, we must not sit back and watch on. Getting involved is our civil responsibility,” she said.

    Owolabi, who urged her professional colleagues to vote massively for the APC in all elections, said that the APC Presidential Candidate, Sen. Bola Tinubu, and Sanwo-Olu had track records of engaging professionals.

    Other contributors, including Mrs James Adeyemi from the U.S., called for a strong advocacy group of professionals who would work to build the nation of everyone’s dream.

    Newsmen reports that the Chief host was Mr Tayo Ayinde, the Director General (DG), ICC, while Cardinal James Odunmbaku (MFR) was the Chairman, ICC.

  • BREAKING: Lagos Govt declares 4-day break for Public Servants to collect PVCs

    BREAKING: Lagos Govt declares 4-day break for Public Servants to collect PVCs

    Following the ongoing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) across the country, the Lagos state government has declared a four-day holiday for public servants to enable them to collect their PVCs in the state.

    Head of Service, in Lagos state, Hakeem Muri Okunola confirmed the four-day break in a circular released on Wednesday, January 18.

    According to the circular, the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, approved the work-free day for the public servants.

    The work-free days would commence on Tuesday, January 24, and end on Friday, January 27, 2023, for different grade levels of workers in the public service.

    Part of the circular read, “Consequent upon the extension of the collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards by the Independent National Electoral Commission, it is hereby notified for the general information that all public servants who are yet to collect their Permanent Voters’ Cards from designated INEC Centers are encouraged to do so before Sunday, January 29, 2023, as it is a civic responsibility to vote.

    “To this end, Mr Governor has graciously approved a work-free day to enable public servants to collect their PVCs from their respective local government/local council development areas as presented in the table below.”

    The specified dates for different grade levels are: Tuesday, January 24, 2023, for grade levels 01, 03, 07 and 15; Wednesday, January 25, 2023, for grade levels 02, 04, 08 and 13; Thursday, January 26, 2023, for grade levels 05, 09, 12, and 17; and Friday, January 27, 2023, for grade levels 06, 10, 14 and 16.

    The circular directed accounting officers to excuse their officers in respective grade levels on the designated days.

    “Consequently, accounting officers and all public servants are to ensure compliance whilst giving this circular the service-wide publicity it deserves,” the circular added.