Jamiu Yisa

•Ambode

It was drama and firework at the 2015 Lagos State Gubernatorial Debate organised by the Anglican Communion, Diocese of Lagos West in Collaboration with the Diocese of Badagry and Mainland.

The debate which had in attendance 17 governorship candidates of various political parties, was held at Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Oba Akinjobi Way, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

Moderator and panelists of the debate includes: Reverend Professor Dapo Folorunsho Asaju, President, Guild of Editors, Femi Adesina, Editor-in-chief Business Day, Ray Echiebere and Dr Oladimeji Alo.

The candidate of Action Alliance, AC, Mr Ishola Aregbesola left the audience reeling in laughter when he rendered his biography rather than his programme for the state.

He rounded up his speech by saying he was not duly invited for the programme and was surprised when he saw his name on the list when he came in.

“I can’t see free education, health and housing after the tenure of Alhaji Lateef Jakande. Free education, health must continue in Lagos. Affordable housing must continue under my leadership,” he said.

The governorship candidate of National Conscience Party, NCP, Ayodele Akele, ran foul of the laid down rules of the debate by attacking the government in power in the state.

He rounded up his speech by pledging that his government would stop illegal towing of vehicles on the highways, purchase 50,000 vehicles to ease transportation,. Hie said his government will build ring roads across the state.

“Nothing has changed in the last six years in Lagos. The state is surrounded by water and their is no potable water to drink. There is chaotic traffic situation everywhere. There is impunity in Lagos. There is closure of markets. The government is a looter of treasury,” he said.

•Jimi Agbaje

The governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Akinwunmi Ambode hinged his programme on L.A.G.O.S, meaning: Leadersip, Accountability, Governance, Opportunity and Selfless service.

“All my life, I have continually served humanity. I served Lagos for 25years. Lagosians are looking for people that will stand up and serve them. My vision is to have a clean and more prosperous Lagos State. We are looking at a Lagos that will serve all of us. I have the experience, character and capability to rule this state.

“My programme is tagged L.A.G.O.S. Leadership, Accountability, Good Governance, Opportunity and Selfless service. We will improve on what is on ground and create more jobs for the youths and create employment through Trust Fund with corporate organizations,” he pledged.

Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Jimi Agbaje pledged a robust programme tagged S.H.E.L.L.T.E.R which includes security, housing, economic empowerment, leadership among others.

“I started as a shop keeper and I know how to run small scale business. Experience and qualification are two different things when we are talking of good governance. We will bring in bold ideas, vision of creating a global city of well educated, healthy and skilled people living in a prosperous environment.

“We will bring opportunities to the people irrespective of gender, tribe or religion so that they can realise their aspirations. We can’t continue to talk about education and skills if we have not provide a viable platform.

“Lagos State spends 3% on education. When you have such foundation, you will build on nothing. It is time to rejig those figures and give our children education they require. Nearly 70% of Lagos is slum and the state has gotten it right. It is time to mass produce houses,” he said.

Labour Party candidate, Olulana Olurotimi who was represented by his deputy, Pastor Michael Abiodun Popoola unveiled the party’s four cardinal points, a foundation on which he said his party intends to build a new Lagos.

“Education is in shambles particularly in Lagos State. We will re-assess teaching aids currently in use and encourage the involvement of corporate organisations in the educational sector.

“There is need for a vibrant policy for security of lives and properties and find ways to finance infrastructural development in Lagos and also provide the much needed jobs to curb unemployment,” he said.

Alliance for Democracy candidate, AD, Bolaji Ogunseye said he’s bringing back the party in Lagos in order to give all things that is needed to impact on the lives of the people come February 28.

“We are facing a desperate situation in Lagos. I Am here to talk to the youths and the unemployed. Inner cities have been taken over by mafias. Am worried because we cannot afford to have a Mexico in Lagos.

“We will create small scale businesses in all the local governments across the state, deal with critical situations like transport, health, education etc. We will bring down the cost of rents, build houses and boost food supply,” he averred.

Mega Progressives Party, MPP, candidate, Pastor Kayode Jacobs, this is not the time to put Lagos in jeopardy or in care of an inexperienced, adding that his party will take Lagos to the promise land.

“We are in darkness and Mega Party is the rising star. Our logo is star and we shine in the dark. Our programme for Lagos is S.T.A.R; Standard primary education from primary level, Total health care delivery, Affordable housing and Road network expansion.

“We will make sure every child of school age is in school. Teachers are not dignified, they don’t go on leave and are not paid leave bonus. Mega Party will revive the health sector and provide adequate housing system.

“Workers are civil servants and should leave in the town not Ikorodu. We will ensure that the people are housed. We will expand the road networks even to the rural areas
The debate was ongoing as at the time of filing this report.

Other governorship candidates at the debate are: Progressive People’s Alliance, PPA, Mrs Adegbe Pauline; Kowa Party, KP, candidate, Adeniji Victor; Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM, candidate, Badmus Akin; United Progressive Party, UPP, candidate, Igbinova Festus; All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, candidate, Izuchukwu Edion among others.