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Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by akins56(m): 9:14am On Jan 03, 2014 |
Home Lagos deserves better than what APC is offering – Obanikoro JANUARY 3, 2014 BY JOHN ALECHENU 71 Comments Obanikoro In this interview with journalists, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana, Musiliu Obanikoro, speaks about the growing debt profile of Lagos State, the PDP-led anti-graft war, 2015 general elections and other issues, JOHN ALECHENU, was there After you contested and lost the 2007 governorship election, why didn’t you contest in 2011? I was on a national assignment as of that time in 2011. I was the country’s representative (an Ambassador) in Ghana. There is no way I can abandon the responsibilities given to me by the Federal Government and come home only to be chasing a political office at the state level. Now that I am home, I am strongly reflecting on the last 15 years of Tinubu and the present administration in Lagos State. I will not sit down here and tell you that, we don’t have few things to celebrate in the state but, by and large, there are still many holes to fill. And I can honestly tell you that as a citizen of Lagos State, the overall decision I will make in terms of performance of Lagos State Government in the last 15 years, for me, is slightly below average. People may be saying they have done some new roads, they have done this, and they have done that. One, we must look at the costs of these roads and then, the state has a debt profile of about N1tn as we speak today. I schooled in the USA, the biggest investment that country made that is still working for them is in education. We have not done such in Lagos State despite all the noise they have been making. As we speak today, people of Lagos will not voluntarily send their children to public schools in the state. That, to me, is failure on the part of the government after 15 years in the saddle. Today, our hospitals in the state are mere consulting centres. Everybody that is somebody, now goes overseas for ordinary medical check–up. Even the governor himself, I do believe, without any iota of doubt that he does his medical check –up abroad. Their leader and ex-governor of the state recently had a knee injury and he was flown abroad to take care of ordinary knee injury. This minor health challenge could not be treated at the Lagos State University of Teaching Hospital after billions of naira they claimed have been sunk to upgrade the facility. In the area of health, Lagos State government has equally failed. Today, Lagos State does not have the required capacity to handle emergencies. And you know how much this state generated monthly as internal revenue. They are still struggling in the area of refuse management. Looking at the Olusosun Dumpsite at Ojota and the level of pollution that is injected to the atmosphere on a daily basis says a lot about the state government that has been in power since 1999. There are various kinds of reckless reclamation going on in the state right now. After the reclamation, what they often do is to sell the land to themselves and their cronies. Whereas, during the time of Alhaji Lateef Jakande, he did reclamation in Lekki and the land was sold to members of the public. As I am speaking to you now, the level of industrial pollution in the state is at an alarming proportion. These are serious issues that will affect resident’s life span and nobody is talking. Honestly, I don’t know what this government is celebrating every 100 days. At this point, where do you come in? I do believe that Lagos State, with its potential and the kind of IGR they get every month can be managed better than it is now. And the business of government can be done more transparently because this government is not transparent. Go and goggle anything about Lagos State, you won’t find any worthy information made available for members of the public. The governor has directed all members of his executive council not to talk to the press anymore on any issue; it is only the Commissioner for Information that is allowed to talk and you know that one who pays the piper dictates the tune. The Information Commissioner will tell you only what they want him to say; he cannot give a direct answer to your question if you succeed in meeting him at a corner. Those are the characters that are in government in Lagos. For example, look at the 2014 proposed budget that was presented to the State House of Assembly; the governor said it is a zero deficit budget but I called it 419. The government has gone to the bond market to borrow about N97bn and they are saying the budget is zero deficit. Is he injecting his personal money in the budget? He has the guts to come out and say it is zero deficit budgets and nobody is talking; instead people are clapping for him. On top of that, this government said any visitor or resident that will live up to six months anywhere in the state must register. Is there anywhere in the world that such thing is done in a free society? People need to stand up and ask questions from this government. The governor cannot compel anybody to register. It is wrong. If we care to have a free society, for goodness sake, let’s have it. Let Lagos State government realise that the Federal Government of Nigeria is also our government, as Lagos is. The essence of census is to let us define what our population is. Census is a thing that should involve the three tiers of government but the way the Lagos State government is doing it, behaving as if Lagos is a country on its own, the loser of such an action will be the citizens of the state. The state government is putting unnecessary debt on the people and the unborn children of the citizens. The state government believes it knows everything; whereas, we all know that by engaging the Federal Government constructively, most of the state’s burdens and challenges would be shared by the Federal Government. They refused to do this and that was why the government has continued borrowing to the extent of the high debt the state finds itself today. Had it been the money borrowed has been judiciously spent, maybe we would have close our eyes and say they have made right investment and we should recoup. The best investment the state government would have made is to invest in education but it failed to do so. Instead, the government increased tuition fee from N25,000 at LASU to above N300,000. Worst still, if you visit LASU main campus today, you will discover there is not much physical development at the institution. The government of the day increased the fee claiming it cannot subsidize education of indigent students in the state but they can subsidise their own habit. That to me, after so many years of the management of the state economy is not acceptable. Can you honestly say your party is effectively fighting corruption? It will be very unfair to ask such a question because we are looking at uninterrupted 15 years governance by two political parties. It will be very unfair of you to reduce focus on only Jonathan’s administration. We are saying we have history of dealing with corruption. Do they even have any history at all in their party? What about the current Oduah scandal in the Aviation sector? Oh yes! Accusation has been made in the open. Panel had been set up to look into the matter, the President has received the report. I am sure in good time; he will come out with a position. Be that as it may, nobody can sweep under the carpet what PDP has done to tackle corruption. Their party has not done anything; that is what we are saying. Everything they have accused us of doing, they are worse off. They accused Stella Oduah of buying two armoured cars for N255m. The one which the Lagos State governor is riding up and down in Lagos is more expensive than Oduah’s car. He is a public officer too who draws his salary from tax payer’s money. It is the same standard, it doesn’t matter. It is even more damning for the governor because he is elected by the people and he is supposed to uphold the trust and confidence of the people of Lagos. So, their own is even worse in that case but it is unfortunate the media refuse to look at that area. I am tasking the media people to go and conduct proper investigation into the cost of the two jeeps being used by Lagos State governor. I am in the know of the cost but I am putting it to you to do the investigation on the cost of those two jeeps which our governor uses as official cars. |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by daa1(m): 10:05am On Jan 03, 2014 |
Obanikoro, should shut his dirty mouth 1 Like |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by whiteking169: 10:05am On Jan 03, 2014 |
oba |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by Nobody: 10:15am On Jan 03, 2014 |
Nice work PDP Lagos State - Now I shall relocate to lagos in 2014 let's join forces with the Lagos PDP and send apc out of Alausa. They have refused to pass the FOI Bill, and have banned all press from interviewing them at Alausa, yet they use the press to criticize the Fed Govt. They have also refused to make public the details of the 2014 budget and other budgets, yet the crucify the Presidency of a well presented budget. I pay my tax in Lagos State so it is my right to know what my money is used for. They accuse the FG on the insensitivity of the ASSU strike, yet the state owned University has been on strike despite paying the Highest public school fees, even higher than some private Univs, and they don't even have hostels. They accused the FG of not allowing states to generate their own power, the FG had to succumb, and since then whilst many state like Rivers, AKS, Delta, Abia and Enugu have since started their own power generation and distribution, most parts of Lagos is still thrown into DARKNESS, still depending on the power generated by the FG. Tinubu has virtually hijacked all available lands in lekki axis and has used Estate firms like Lekki Gardens and Co to claim ownership of these lands that he sells very expensively. Of all the good roads developed in the country, it's only in Lagos you will see more than three tolled roads, despite the fact that these roads were built using tax payers and oil moneys. This is not to mention the many men and women that have been thrown out of livelihoods by some useless policies. We need to engage all the market men and women, normal legitimate business Northerners that are unjustly tagged 'Boko Haram', Okada Riders, Keke drivers, taxi drivers, Danfo Driver, Igbo traders (that have already pledge their support), all other Tribes that are treated like alliens in their own country, all the Yorubas that are not given fair share, business men and women who pay double tax and are continually harrassed by tifnubu touts, all workers who continue to pay high taxes in the state, Students whose school feels have been increased off the hook, the beggars and unemployed despite the huge revenue accrued to the state. All those whose houses have been demolished and those whose lands have been seized. And with the immense support from Abuja, let's show them how politics is played. While they are busy writting letters and chasing shadows in the name of winning the Presidency, let's hit them hard below the belt. I urge all other Tribes resident in Lagos to join the Lagos PDP in this Fight - and let's take back Lagos State from one man. Lagos does not belong to any single family but to NIGERIANS 3 Likes |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by EkoAtlantic: 11:50am On Jan 03, 2014 |
And pdp is the better alternative that lagosians deserve! Joker 2 Likes |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by danot1030: 1:06pm On Jan 03, 2014 |
obanikoro is a loser, let him recontest 2 test his popularity. 1 Like |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by bashydemy(m): 1:46pm On Jan 03, 2014 |
I think this obanikoro is high on cocoyam leave. He better keep his dirty mouth shut and let's hear word. 1 Like |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by Ykman(m): 1:55pm On Jan 03, 2014 |
This guy is battling seriously for relevance! Pity he still has jobless journalists who waste time listening to him. I thought he would retire from politics after his exile to Ghana! Pitisome personality! 1 Like |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by Pukkah: 2:51pm On Jan 03, 2014 |
Gabbysky: Nice work PDP Lagos State - Now I shall relocate to lagos in 2014 let's join forces with the Lagos PDP and send apc out of Alausa. This means you've not been residing in Lagos State? Gabbysky: How come you pay your tax in Lagos State? 5 Likes |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by DahomeyAmazon(f): 3:05pm On Jan 03, 2014 |
Pukkah:See as you burst the ibo boy 2 Likes |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by EkoAtlantic: 3:13pm On Jan 03, 2014 |
Pukkah: |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by Nobody: 9:18pm On Jan 04, 2014 |
Pukkah:Yes Sir, I've lived in Lagos all my life, I have businesses and properties in Lagos, so I do pay my tax and LUC to LASG. I temporarily relocated to PH in 2013 to set up another branch of my biz here, hoping to return to Gidi if my family permits... Thanks |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by Pukkah: 10:53pm On Jan 04, 2014 |
Gabbysky: ...If your family permits... That's good condition although what you said earlier is that you will relocate (without any condition). Also see what you've written in the past: Gabbysky: You said you went to PH in 2013 but the elections of the Reps which you referred to in the above post definitely took place long before 2013. See another one: Gabbysky: And this is the reason (political) you're relocating to Lagos: Gabbysky: You said earlier that if your family permits your relocation. But didn't you think of your family when you were trying to woo Berem here: Gabbysky: From all these, your conclusions are as good as mine. 5 Likes |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by Italiano1: 11:23pm On Jan 04, 2014 |
Pukkah: Another PPP agent caught red handed !! Shame? These folks do not have 2 Likes |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by Pukkah: 11:40pm On Jan 04, 2014 |
Italiano1: These are not the best of times for the PPP elements. Their camp is in disarray and their house is on fire. These days, I don't know which is higher in number - their gaffes or their posts... The 'Pay' in the PPP has become hard-earned. 2 Likes |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by lagbaja(m): 12:12am On Jan 05, 2014 |
If we are in a sane society, Obanikoro should be languishing in jail based on his terribly corrupt antecedents here in Nigerian and the US. HiS son was one of the criminals indicted in the Oil subsidy scandal. 1 Like |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by judyeze1: 12:27am On Jan 05, 2014 |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by HAVIJ: 3:07am On Jan 05, 2014 |
Pukkah: BUSTED LWKMD 1 Like |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by HowFar: 4:07am On Jan 05, 2014 |
Gabbysky: Nice work PDP Lagos State - Now I shall relocate to lagos in 2014 let's join forces with the Lagos PDP and send apc out of Alausa. True talk, lagos is about propaganda, Fashola boasts the biggest propaganda machine in Africa. Damn, Josef Goebles would be proud of this man. |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by Nobody: 4:14am On Jan 05, 2014 |
I understand PDP members plight in SW.... The head of the sheep is gone....so the herd is running and talking without coordination. I really pity them.....GEJ doesn't even trust nor believe in their capacity...thus the recourse to fund Fasheun UPN. 1 Like |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by Nobody: 4:15am On Jan 05, 2014 |
How Far?: Where do you live in Lagos? |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by sleekdot(m): 4:17am On Jan 05, 2014 |
This is laughable. So Mr Obanikoro which party is better than APC |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by oduaboy1: 4:19am On Jan 05, 2014 |
We must kick out APC(The devil) and vote in PDP(The angel) come 2015 Koro should just shut up and silently eat his banku in Ghana...The guy is politically dead in lagos state 1 Like |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by greatgod2012(f): 4:44am On Jan 05, 2014 |
Even tough i'm not a politician but as for Lagos, PDP should for now keep shut and forget about Lagos state. 2 Likes |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by HowFar: 5:51am On Jan 05, 2014 |
ilugunboy: We all don't live in Lagos grow up. |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by Nobody: 5:55am On Jan 05, 2014 |
How Far?: So fucvk off! Ibos can go to hell! 2 Likes |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by Oshodia: 7:36am On Jan 05, 2014 |
Only the tribe of ibos you know idiot |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by Oshodia: 7:37am On Jan 05, 2014 |
Only the trie of ibos you know idiotic like you moving with hate |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by Nobody: 7:55am On Jan 05, 2014 |
Oshodia: Only the tribe of igbos you know. idiotic like you moving with hatedon't mind him,its his parents that taught him how to hate igbos. Now he thinks anyone that speaks again corruption in SW is igbo,what a shame |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by Nobody: 7:41pm On Jan 07, 2014 |
Pukkah:Believe whatever you want Bro, I'm presently in Lagos and I'll be returning to PH by the weekend, I shuttle Lag-PH every now and then thanks to our highly improved Aviation services as made possible by this GEJ administration, I have my businesses in Lag and they have to be monitored. So it did not occur to you that I could have travelled to Rivers state for the 2011 elections? SMH for u My temporal relocation to Lagos for the 2015 elections won't be permanent, though I'll still pay my tax to LASG. How dare you take my wooing of Berem as a case for family? Come on man... She herself knows that the wooing is all political for her to join the winning PDP - so don't get it twisted Bro, max respect for the lady. We have matured minds here you know. Now let's stick to the TOPIC please! |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by Sloan: 8:29pm On Jan 07, 2014 |
Gabbysky: Why are you shuttling around (IN YOUR DREAMS ALONE) and not stay in your landlocked hinterland? I can't wait enough for the day you people will be forced to live in your own country and both Lagos and Rivers will NOT BE GIVING YOU ANY VISA even to VISIT for 1 minute! |
Re: Lagos Deserves Better Than APC - Obanikoro by Nobody: 11:58pm On Jan 07, 2014 |
Sloan:Hey Mister, I am Rivers by Origin and Lagos by birth, so ask me questions about both states latter. But for now please stick to the topic, thanks |
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