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Tag: Sanwo-Olu

  • We have run Lagos very well – Sanwo-Olu

    We have run Lagos very well – Sanwo-Olu

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has scored his first four years in office high, attributing it to the support of the members of his cabinet.

    Sanwo-Olu said this during the valedictory cabinet meeting, to ceremonially dissolve the cabinet in his first tenure, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Friday night.

    According to him, his cabinet members were sworn-in on Aug. 19, 2019, about three years and nine months now, and have had jolly and interesting times.

    He noted, however, that there were difficult times, difficult moments and difficult situations.

    “You all know too well, some of our low moments together, COVID dealt with us, EndSARS dealt with us but we have come out stronger, bigger and better, as the state had come out first on a lot of trajectories.

    ”On financial trajectory, we have continued to increase the numbers, we have been able to double the budget of the state in four years, and that had reflected on how well we have been able to implement all of the pillars under our THEMES agenda.

    ”As a council, we all pulled through to the end. Some that started with us have also moved on, on new political trajectory, of which we are happy to release them, because they will be representing us well in their new political journey.

    ”I think we have kept almost 90 per cent of the team and I imagine that had helped us to stabilise and we have all had our fair share of understanding what to run the Lagos PLC looks like.

    ”As chairman of the council, we designed the state council meeting as if we are running a PLC.

    ”We had a session that reflect clear business decision, clear understanding of what our vision is all about and we have done it, knowing fully well that it is the people that brought us here, that gave us the mandate and all of our decisions have been people-centric,” he said.

    The governor said that the cabinet members had worked with a lot of compassion, ensuring that the greatest good was for the greatest number.

    He said that his administration ensured that it brought about prosperity, economic development and growth in the state.

    ”On behalf of Mr Deputy and myself, it has been a worthy experience, it has been a worthy time here, serving Lagosians.

    “I am sure that we have been able to build relationships, some emotional. We have all learnt, we have grown and we have achieved a lot together. We have run the state very well.

    ”I want to thank all of you, you have all laboured extensively for this state, you have all believed in our leadership and you have all supported the government with everything you have.

    ”It’s been an honour being your chairman, your leader, the captain of the ship,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    Mr Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser to Gov. Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, in his farewell message on his Twitter handle expressed gratitude to the governor for finding him worthy of being appointed.

    ”Farewell, Lagos! As my journey as Special Adviser on Transportation to Governor of Lagos comes to an end, I’m grateful for the incredible opportunities, challenges, and memories shared.

    ”It’s been an honour to contribute to Lagos’ transport system and work alongside an amazing team.

    “Thank you Lagosians for your support and trust. Excited for the next chapter ahead!,” Giwa wrote.

  • Sanwo-Olu orders demolition of 3 buildings in Banana Island

    Sanwo-Olu orders demolition of 3 buildings in Banana Island

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has ordered the demolition of three two-storey buildings in Banana Island following the collapse of a seven-storey building in the area.

    Sanwo-Olu gave the order on Saturday during his visit to the site of the collapsed seven-storey building and inspection of other infrastructure around the Island.

    At 310 Close, he ordered the demolition of the two-storey building because it was an illegal structure, without approval.

    Also at 306 Close, the governor ordered the removal of two-storey buildings adjacent to each other because they were constructed under the powerline and under water.

    While speaking at the site of the collapsed seven-storey building, he blamed the unfortunate incident on the irresponsibility of the developers and some of the citizens that just wanted to make quick money.

    Sanwo-Olu also blamed the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), for allegedly granting extension of the line of Banana Island.

    According to him, the incident shows that the Lagos State building officers are not alive to their responsibilities, and officers found culpable will also be sanctioned.

    “We are at the site of the last unfortunate building collapse in Banana Island Lagos. Like it has been reported before now, there has been a lot of investigation that is going on right now and you can see that they are still clearing the rubbles at the site.

    “We have given an order to stop work, not only at this site but also in all of the construction sites in Banana Island.

    “I think that the exercise we are doing today is not really just about this location. You have all seen the extent of what I will call unapproved extension into the water, at the back of each of the land that is abutting water.

    “You can see that the original line for Banana Island is even not where we are. It’s way in front there and you can see that there are several extensions that have been granted by both the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and NIWA.

    “These are the two federal agencies that have been culpable for those extensions.

    “From what I have been told all of the four buildings at the back have never even applied for approvals. The illegality is real and so that is why we are going round other properties in Banana Island.

    “Excuses have been given that they don’t have access and this is not acceptable. This is a total recklessness of all of the developers and we will make a strong point out of this place and all around Banana Island and in other developments that we have,” he said.

    The governor said that an external seven-member committee had been set up with two weeks mandate to independently ascertain what had gone wrong.

    He said that the outcome from the committee would further strengthen the government to be able to come up with a robust workplan that could be enforced going forward.

    “We have had to change staff here and there so that we can bring forward a robust and very strong monitoring offices. But we believe that we are still far from, we are still short on it, I must say.

    ‘“We will continue to do what we need to do to ensure that we keep the lives of our residents safe at all times,” Sanwo-Olu said.

  • Rehabilitation! FG hints on closure of Third Mainland Bridge on weekends

    Rehabilitation! FG hints on closure of Third Mainland Bridge on weekends

    The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has hinted at the possible closure of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State during weekends for maintenance work.

    This is coming a few days after the Federal Government approved the sum of N6.28 billion for the maintenance of the 11 kilometres bridge, including interchanges, ramps and critical links.

    This was revealed by Fashola when he appeared as a guest on a Channels Television programme, Sunday Politics, where he noted that this maintenance was set to fix the worn-out course of the bridge.

    Closure won’t be for a long time
    Fashola said, “We would do our best to minimise the impact. Many people have complained about their driving experiences and this is the government responding to your concerns.
    “If there is any need for closure, it won’t be for any long period. At the extreme, it would be weekends. By the time the process kicks on, I should be out of the office, so it should be somebody else’s responsibility.’’

    He stated that the ministry would incorporate with the Lagos State Government to speed up the repair process.

    He said, “We would do our best to minimise the impact on commuters. Everything is possible, we would work with the Lagos State Government.

    The minister also said the integrity of the bridge is still intact, adding that the repair would see quality construction resources put in place.

    He stated: “The concrete casing that you see at the bottom of the bridge, those are the pile caps. Some vessels have been knocked into it, they have to be put into proper shape.

    “The piers have suffered some deterioration. They have to be jacketed and a new coat of cement [is needed]. They put epoxy to strengthen and protect it.’’

    Recall that last Wednesday, April 12, 2023, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the sum of N6.28 billion for a fresh contract for the surface maintenance of the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos State.

    The contract which is expected to run for a period of 24 months is to carry out maintenance that would address public concerns about the presence of potholes on the 11-kilometre bridge.

  • Lagos govt gives updates on Eko bridge, Ibadan express way rehabilitation

    Lagos govt gives updates on Eko bridge, Ibadan express way rehabilitation

    The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to constant consultation with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing on Traffic Management of the construction corridor of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway even as the work is ramping up to completion.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports this was contained in a statement signed by Dr Frederic Oladeinde, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation.

    In order to improve traffic, particularly around construction zones on Opic, Kara, and Berger axis, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde who was on tour duty of the construction zones at weekend, assured the motoring public that he will continue to hold strategic meetings with the Federal Ministry of Works and its project Engineers to review the mode of works and proffer solutions that can ease the strain of traffic impact faced by road users.

    Assuring the motoring public that the Federal Government is expediting actions to complete the project at record time as announced by the Minister of Works and Housing, the Commissioner stated that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, (LASTMA), its Ogun State counterpart, TRACE are working in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Commission, (FRSC) to ease the gridlock on the corridor.

    While expressing sympathy on the plight being experienced by motorists on the corridor, the Transport Commissioner appeal for calm as the construction works will soon come to an end .

    Disclosing updates on the the construction works, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Engr. Umar Bakare explained that, the 3 existing lanes which the contractor usually worked with had to be reduced to 2 at each of the construction sections, thereby resulting in traffic buildup, he assured that the FRSC, LASTMA, and TRACE are usually on site to control traffic.

    He said the contractor is rounding up work around Opic and with the completion of the Asphalt works, the section will be open to traffic by Monday while the Berger axis too will be completed by the end of the month of April.

    The Controller of Works further explained that the contractor has increased the number of working gangs to 4 in order to increase the spate of work towards meeting up with the deadline of April.

    With regards to Eko Bridge, Engr. Bakare stated that the rehabilitation works of the bridge is ongoing expecially at the fire damaged section of Apongbon. He added that work is being concentrated on the restoration of the structural defect caused by the inferno, and once this is completed, he revealed that the bridge will be opened to traffic by the 31st of May, 2023 while work will continue on the other sections of the rehabilitated bridge.

    He sought for the cooperation of the Motoring public in terms of compliance with traffic rules and regulations which will further improve movement around the construction zones.

  • 2023: PDP’s Jandor calls for disqualification of Sanwo-Olu over fake GCE result

    2023: PDP’s Jandor calls for disqualification of Sanwo-Olu over fake GCE result

    The Peoples Democratic Party, governorship candidate, Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor), have submitted a petition before the Lagos governorship election petitions tribunal seeking the disqualification of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu over alleged fake GCE result.

    The alleged fake exam result was submitted to INEC during his first-term governorship bid.

    Mr Adediran and PDP alleged that Mr Sanwo-Olu failed to attach a copy of the GCE O’Level result he claimed to obtain in 1981 along with his form EC9 as required by the Electoral Act 2022, stressing “this development sparked a curiosity, with Adediran and PDP applying for the CTC of Governor Sanwo-Olu 2019 from CF001.”

    The petition explained, “It was then discovered that a statement of result issued by Ijebu Ife Community Grammar School, Ijebu-Ife for May/June 1981 GCE O’Level examination with examination number 17624/118, which he submitted for his first term election as governor of the state was not confirmed by WAEC. When JANDOR and PDP approached WAEC for confirmation, they were directed to purchase the scratch card for verification of the WAEC result scratch card, which then confirmed the results as not emanating from WAEC. It came back to be a fake result.”

    The party and Mr Adediran want the disqualification of the All Progressives Congress and the Labour Party candidates in the election for non-compliance with the Electoral Act 2022.

    In the petition marked EPT/LAG/GOV/01/2023 dated April 7, the petitioners challenged the outcome of the March 18 governorship election on the grounds of substantial non-compliance with the electoral law and the Independent National Electoral Commission guidelines.

    While INEC is the first respondent, Mr Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, APC, Labour’s candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and the Labour Party respectively, are the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth respondents.

    Besides non-compliance with relevant provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, Mr Adediran and PDP, in their petition, claim that at the time of the governorship election held on March 18, Messrs Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat, and Rhodes-Vivour were not qualified to contest.

    The petitioners, therefore, prayed that all votes cast for them in the election be declared wasted.

    “The second and third respondents, although not duly sponsored and not qualified, contested along with the first petitioner and others for the office of governor of Lagos state, the subject matter of this petition. Similarly, the fifth and sixth respondents, although not duly sponsored and not qualified, contested, along with the first petitioner and others the office of governor of Lagos state, the subject matter of this petition,” said PDP and its gubernatorial flag bearer.

    The petitioners added, “The first respondent, upon the conclusion of the election, declared the second respondent, who was not properly sponsored by the fourth respondent, as the winner of the election to the office of governor of Lagos state. The fifth respondent, who was similarly not properly sponsored by the sixth respondent, was declared by the first respondent as having scored the second highest number of votes at the election to the office of Governor of Lagos State,” the petition explained.

    The petitioners also mentioned that the petition bordered on four grounds of non-compliance warranting disqualification of Messrs Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat, declared the winner of the election by INEC.

    Mr Adediran and PDP added that the petition also bordered on another four grounds of non-compliance warranting disqualification of Mr Rhodes-Vivour, who was declared to have scored the second-highest number of votes in the election.

    The petitioners said APC did not comply with the ‘INEC Time Table and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Election’, which stipulated that all political parties must give 21 days’ notice to INEC before the conduct of the primary election.

    They added that such notice must emanate from the national office of the political party, signed by its national chairman and national secretary.

    “Contrary to this provision, the Lagos state chapter of the APC, through her letter dated 24th May 2022 notified the state resident electoral commissioner of the party primary election held on 26th May 2022, with details of the venue of the said primary. The notification from the state chapter of APC was therefore invalid, null and void according to the Electoral Act 2022,” the petition stated.

    The petitioners added that the APC also failed to comply with the requirement of the Electoral Act 2022 that every political party sponsoring a candidate in the general election should submit the nomination form of such candidate(s) not later than 180 days before the conduct of the general election in forms EC9.

    The petitioners also cited the omission of the oath page in Form EC9 for the third respondent, (Mr Hamzat), which would have shown that it was not endorsed by the commissioner for oath within the time prescribed by the Electoral Law 2022 and without the oath page, the entire form EC9 and the information therein are worthless.

  • “Nigeria is blessed to have Tinubu as her next president”, Sanwo-Olu hails Tinubu at 71

    “Nigeria is blessed to have Tinubu as her next president”, Sanwo-Olu hails Tinubu at 71

    The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on the occasion of his 71st birthday slated for Wednesday, March 29, saying “Nigeria is blessed to have Tinubu as her next president”.

    Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, showered praises on Tinubu, describing him as an “enigmatic master strategist whose democratic credentials are scholarly materials for study in political economy.”

    A newly re-elected Sanwo-Olu added that Tinubu’s emergence as president-elect is a reward for his hard work and contributions to the country.

    Asiwaju Tinubu has donated the greater part of his adult life for service to humanity, Lagos State and Nigeria

    He said, “At 71, Asiwaju has attained the age, that what matters most is the legacy to bequeath to people after him and God has blessed him with a great opportunity to take the mantle of leadership of Nigeria, and chart the right path of progress for the people of Nigeria.

    “Asiwaju Tinubu has donated the greater part of his adult life for service to humanity, Lagos State and Nigeria. His many contributions to democracy and good governance have helped the political and democratic trajectory of Nigeria since 1999. It is also on record that he stood firmly on the side of the Nigerian people, even at the risk of losing his life and personal belongings during the dark days of the military junta.

    “He fought tirelessly with other progressives and pro-democracy activists during the annulment of the June 12 struggle to end the military interregnum and enthroned democracy, which we all enjoy today.”

    God will give him wisdom, knowledge, sound health and good things that he will use to steer the ship of the country

    “In the political history of Nigeria, Asiwaju will forever be a reference point. He has made and redefined the socio-political history of Nigeria by contributing his quota to the survival of democracy and uninterrupted civilian administration in Nigeria for 24 years. His emergence as President-elect is a reward for his hard work and contributions to the country based on his political astuteness, courage, and sagacity.

    “As he is celebrating 71st birthday, we wish him all the love and care in the world and pray that God will give him wisdom, knowledge, sound health and good things that he will use to steer the ship of the country and navigate Nigeria’s development to the desired place as he becomes Nigeria’s President from May 29, 2023.

    “On behalf of my darling wife, Ibijoke, and the good people of Lagos State, as well as leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I wish the nation’s President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, happy 71st birthday.”

  • “You were not re-elected, you selected yourself” – Falz blasts Sanwo-Olu

    “You were not re-elected, you selected yourself” – Falz blasts Sanwo-Olu

    Popular Nigerian musician, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has challenged the re-elected governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, saying “you were not re-elected, you selected yourself.”

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Sanwo-Olu the winner of the just-concluded governorship election in the state.

    Sanwo-Olu was declared winner of the governorship poll in the early hours of Monday by the Returning Officer of the governorship and state assembly elections, Prof. Adenike Oladeji, after winning 19 out of the 20 local government areas in the state.

    The governor, at 9am on Monday morning took to Twitter to thank Lagosians for the chance to govern for a second term.

    Sanwo-Olu wrote, “Thank you Lagosians! I am deeply humbled and grateful for the overwhelming support and trust of the good people of Lagos State. I am honored to be re-elected as your Governor and pledge to continue to work tirelessly to deliver a better Lagos for all. Thank you for believing in me.

    “These elections have deeply tested us as a people. This victory is not just mine, but it belongs to every Lagosian.

    “I have worked hard to live up to this responsibility of governing the most important subnational economy in Africa. We certainly could not have done this by ourselves. Thank you to the Almighty God and all of Lagos. Immense gratitude goes to our great party, APC, and our President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “During the course of the campaign, we sadly saw a lot of divisive rhetoric used. Elections should be about capacity, competence, and experience, not ethnicity or religion. I salute those who refused to be divided by hateful and hurtful ethnic profiling.”

    Addressing violence that occurred in some parts of the state during the election, Sanwo-Olu said, “Recent skirmishes in some LGAs resulting in injuries are reprehensible and not reflective of who we are. Law enforcement and security agencies have been directed to ensure that those found culpable face the full wrath of the law.

    “Very importantly, and this cannot be overemphasized: What unites us as Lagosians is far more important and substantial than whatever differences exist among us.

    “As your Governor, I will do everything in my power to ensure that genuine healing takes place. We will continue to run an inclusive government, that delivers for all the people of Lagos, wherever in the State they may be living.”

    Responding to the governor’s ‘Thank you’ message to Lagosians following his victory at the polls, Falz said, “You were not re-elected. You selected yourself. Everybody saw it unfold. You are only deceiving yourselves.”

    When a tweep asked the rapper if he was “pained” over Sanwo-Olu’s victory he said, “Yes it is (pain) actually. The pain of knowing that brothers and sisters are being turned against each other in a bid to ‘win’ an election.

    “Also the pain of seeing our democratic process rubbished before our very eyes.”

    Sanwo-Olu polled a total of 762,134 votes, defeating his rival in the Labour Party, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and the Peoples Democratic Party, Abdulazeez Adediran, who polled 312,329 and 62,449 votes respectively.

  • (PHOTOS) “I shall do everything in my power to ensure that genuine healing takes place” -Gov Sanwo-Olu promises

    (PHOTOS) “I shall do everything in my power to ensure that genuine healing takes place” -Gov Sanwo-Olu promises

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is to occupy the position for another four years (2nd tenure), has promised to do everything in his power to ensure that genuine healing takes place in the state.

    “We will continue to run an inclusive government, that delivers for all the people of Lagos, wherever in the State they may be living,” he said

    In his message, posted on Twitter, the governor-elect (Sanwo-Olu) stated: “Thank you Lagosians!

    “I am deeply humbled and grateful for the overwhelming support and trust of the good people of Lagos State. I am honored to be re-elected as your Governor and pledge to continue to work tirelessly to deliver a better Lagos for all.

    “Thank you for believing in me.

    “I have personally penned my thoughts in a letter to you. I hope you read it and truly feel my passion for Lagos and for you: https://bit.ly/JideSanwoolu

    “These elections have deeply tested us as a people. This victory is not just mine, but it belongs to every Lagosian.

    “I have worked hard to live up to this responsibility of governing the most important subnational economy in Africa. We certainly could not have done this by ourselves. Thank you to the Almighty God and all of Lagos. Immense gratitude goes to our great party, APC, and our President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “Thank you to the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, for your commitment to leaving a legacy of fairness and electoral outcomes that reflect the will of the people.

    “Thank you to my wife, Ibijoke, my Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and all fellow contestants for their contributions. Lagos has chosen competence and experience, on this march to true greatness.

    “During the course of the campaign, we sadly saw a lot of divisive rhetoric used. Elections should be about capacity, competence, and experience, not ethnicity or religion.

    “I salute those who refused to be divided by hateful and hurtful ethnic profiling. Recent skirmishes in some LGAs resulting in injuries are reprehensible and not reflective of who we are. Law enforcement and security agencies have been directed to ensure that those found culpable face the full wrath of the law.

    “Very importantly, and this cannot be overemphasized: What unites us as Lagosians is far more important and substantial than whatever differences exist among us.

    “As your Governor, I will do everything in my power to ensure that genuine healing takes place. We will continue to run an inclusive government, that delivers for all the people of Lagos, wherever in the State they may be living.

    “The true Lagos spirit is a welcoming, embracing, liberal one, not a divisive, exclusionary one. In the days and weeks and months ahead, we will continue to do everything to demonstrate and amplify this.

    “We must reaffirm the spirit of solidarity and togetherness that binds us as Lagosians.

    “Our work will continue, and there will be no break. The dividends of democracy must continue to be delivered.

    “Thank you once again dear Lagosians.

    “Igbega Ipinle Eko, Ajumose Ni O!”

    See the photos below:

  • Lagos Guber: LP Candidate, GRV speaks on congratulating Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos Guber: LP Candidate, GRV speaks on congratulating Sanwo-Olu

    Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour the  Labour Party, LP, governorship candidate in Lagos State, has vowed never to call or congratulate Governor Babajide Sawno-Olu after being declared winner of the Lagos Guber election.

    According to Rhodes-Vivour, Lagos election was a sham.

    .He spoke while sharing a video at a press conference of how election results were manipulated to favour Sanwo-Olu.

    Rhodes-Vivour said: “The signatures are there, but these results have been tampered with and uploaded. Also, a lot of results are called authentic results, but they are state of assembly results or presidential results. These results are being calculated and announced by INEC. There are so many instances of these, and it won’t stand.

    “We have our own results, which we are in the lead and we will challenge this in a court of law.

    “This was a sham and compromise of an election, it was an illegality that has never been perpetrated in Lagos since I was born.

    “This was an election where an entire agent of a party was chased away from their polling unit. I will never call Babajide Sanwo-Olu to congratulate him for this sham of an election.

    “This has set the precedence for violence in the election as ideas might not be discussed anymore.”

  • [VIDEO] Lagosians in wild jubilation as INEC declares Sanwo-Olu winner

    [VIDEO] Lagosians in wild jubilation as INEC declares Sanwo-Olu winner

    It is jubilation galore for Lagosians as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emerges winner of last Saturday’s gubernatorial election defeating LP candidate Gbadebo Vivour-Rhodes.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports despite the voter suppression and ethnic cleansing it was jubilation galore for his supporters.

    Watch video below:

     

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