http://hype9ja.com/2014/12/lagos-apc-primaries-delegates-before-you-decide/
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Taking a cursory look at the fast approaching APC gubernatorial primaries in Lagos, one will not fail to observe the amount of work put into campaigns by politicians to be their party’s flag bearer. They have surfaced in their numbers and have presented various manifestos in a bid to succeed Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) but in all these, the people of Lagos will be looking for that man who is more than just a political office holder to them.

Lagos unlike any other state in the Federal Republic of Nigeria is very unique in various ways. Lagos could be termed the ‘Poster City’ of the future Nigeria or the hope of the Nigeria of our dreams so to say hence stepping into the shoes of BRF will not be an easy task.

Before one gets carried away by emotions andloses oneself in the euphoria and political fireworks of the upcoming APC gubernatorial party primaries scheduled to hold this Thursday, December 4th, 2014, It will be worthy to look critically at two of the most promising and widely touted “favoured” candidates, Akinwunmi Ambode and Olasupo Shasore who have both become the focus in the forthcoming APC primaries. Thus, we will be giving a brief evaluation of both front-line contenders in this epic battle.

It is not news that AkinwunmiAmbode a front-runner for the gubernatorial ticket has been in the lead for months. Sequel to his one of a kind declaration at Onikan a few weeks back and endorsement garnered from high-level stakeholders of the party and a state –wide tour, holding consultations in all 57 LGAS/LCDAS. It would seem only about a week to the primaries that the ticket was already in the bag.

It appeared there wasn’t a strong challenger up until last weekend when Olasupo Sashore “showed-up” in the race for the Alausa seat in what appears to be an arrogant but very well-coordinated strategy orchestrated through a media blitz aimed at snatching the victory at the final end of the race.

So let’s cut to the chase and examine both candidates on their merits and suitability for the job:

Looking at both candidates, one can draw several comparisons with regards to their respective careers and experience. One a former Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance and Accountant-General, while the other a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Attorney-General who both have served Lagos meritoriously in their specialised fields.

“We must, wherever we find ourselves, create an atmosphere of selfless service”

– Akinwunmi Ambode

Strengths

Akinwunmi Ambode, CEO of Brandsmith Consulting, an erudite scholar and seasoned professional with a background in accountancy, has got vast experience as a public finance expert and comes across as cerebral and soft-spoken individual. He has an inspiring story that can be described as the story of the Nigerian dream, his antecedence rising out from a humble background, serving selflessly and climbing the proverbial ladder to become the youngest permanent secretary in the history of Lagos State then voluntarily retiring as an Account-General.

There are well documented testimonials that attest to his competence, his reputation as a bridge builder between all socio-economic classes, his compassion and character also, his hands-on grassroots experience working in various LG’s in the first 13 years of his career all culminating in 27 years of public service. He can also be looked upon as the right option for continuity having worked in different capacities in six administrations and most recently as Accountant-General under both Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Babatunde Raji Fashola. It is evident he has a great following in the civil service as well as the professional sphere. Politically, Ambode is believed to have the backing of ex-Lagos State Governor and National leader of the APC Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Below are some of his notable career milestones and achievements;

CEO, Brandsmith Consulting

Accountant General for Lagos State &Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance

Auditor General for Local Government.

Assistant Treasurer, Auditor, Treasurer and finally, Director of Finance

Accountant Grade II Lagos State Waste Disposal Board (now LAWMA)

Organized, in his capacity as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, the first ever National Tax Retreat in Nigeria in conjunction with Joint Tax Board/Federal Inland Revenue Services in 2005.
Was Chairman of the Technical Committee that produced the Lagos State Economic Empowerment Development Strategy (SEEDS) document
Led the audit teams as the Auditor General for Local Government to clear and publish the arrears of statutory audits of 1995 to 2004 within 12 months.
Led the Implementation Team on the restructured wages and salaries payment system for over 3,000 staff of Lagos State Waste Management Authority.
On record as the youngest person ever appointed as Auditor General in Lagos State at the age of 37.
Revolutionized the Lagos State Treasury Office and got the State budget performing at a remarkable 85% annually.
On record as the fir[b]s[/b]t ever Permanent Secretary to retire voluntarily.
Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN)
Member of the Nigerian Institute of Management
Founder of La Roche Leadership Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on developing the next generation of leaders.
US Fulbright scholar for the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship at Boston University in Massachusetts.
An alumnus of Wharton Business School Advance Management Programme.
“the rush for personal wealth is paved with treachery and deceit while giving and altruism is free of rancour; …..it’s easier to act in the public good than for your own self-interest alone…idon’t need the danger”

Olasupo Shasore
Strengths

Olasupo Shasore is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. He has expert knowledge and experience of the public sector through key positions held under the BRF administration. He was former Attorney-General, and is current Chairman of the Lagos State Home Ownership Scheme (Lagos Homs).

With a solid background in law and a firm grasp of the history and law of Lagos. Sashore comes across as an articulate and extremely intelligent bourgeoisie as evidenced from his achievements, his many publications and even from his early background schooling overseas at Middlesex, England. A refined individual, Shasore would easily appeal to the private sector and could prove an asset in attracting foreign direct investments to the state. Politically, Shasore is perceived to have the support band backing of the current Governor – Babatunde Raji Fashola (BRF).

Below are some of his notable career milestones and achievements;

Most recently, Shasore led the Lagos delegation to the 2014 Nigerian National Conference. At the conference, the delegation made a case for a ‘special status’ for Lagos

Litigation Partner, Ajumogobia & Okeke,
Chairman of the Lagos Home Ownership Scheme (Lagos HOMS)
Chairman and later Vice-Chairman of the Lagos State Procurement Agency (State Tenders Board)
Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State, Chaired the Mortgage and Property Law Reform Committee
President, Lagos Court of Arbitration
Chairman, Lagos State Waterways Authority
Chairman, Lagos State Law Reform Commission
Chairman, Lagos State Executive Council Committee on Power
Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
Chairman, National Arbitration and Dispute Resolution Reform Committee (2012)
Chairman of Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, Section on Business Law, Nigerian Bar Association
Member, London Court of International Arbitration, Africa User Group
Member, International Bar Association
Member, Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria
Member, Nigerian Society of International Law and International Association of Prosecutors
Member of panel of experts – Panel of Recognized International Market Experts (PRIME)
Member, Advisory Committee – International Lawyers for Africa (ILFA
It cannot be over-emphasized that both candidates have the pedigree, experience and competence required to assume the exalted position of Governor and take the state to new heights of excellence but it will also be crucial to examine the weaknesses and challenges that they respectively may have had or have to contend with.

For Ambode, his perceived relationship with APC leader Bola Tinubu is a big challenge while some may argue that it is his biggest asset, it has also made him a target from day one in what observers say make him seem like a stooge to the latter. His background and grassroots orientation has created a perception by the elite that he is not one of them and won’t serve their interest. Also, despite having served as accountant-general in the administrations of Babatunde Fashola and former Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu he is seen as representing the interests of the old brigade.

For Olasupo Shasore, showing up late means his popularity may be questioned seeing that he hasn’t been seen to publicly consult or engage with the delegates He will be perceived as an elitist and such his policies will only favour the upper class being that he was and is an integral and influential asset in Fashola’s administration. Would social welfare be paramount on his agenda and how would his policies affect the common man?Seemingly a new comer to the race Shasore may have to contend with the possibility of being seen as an alien to both party stakeholders and the masses having declared his intention only last week. The possibility of making him sellable to the masses who will vote in next year’s election since he is relatively unknown to them might prove a herculean task.

In conclusion, while it is clear as crystal that both aspirant have commendable credentials, the delegates will have to look critically at both candidates before coming to a decision based not only on competence of the aspirants but character, compassion and charisma. Though subjective virtues, one has to consider who is best positioned to deliver the goods. They have to choose a candidate who can balance the ongoing revenue drive and fiscal re-engineering of the state while ensuring that social welfare of the people is of paramount importance. In my opinion a candidate that embraces capitalism while genuinely having the people’s interest at heart should be a guide in choosing the next Governor for the centre of excellence.

Gabriel Olukola Ibrahim

Public administrator/Social Commentator

Both are great lagosians, brilliant, well qualified and exceptional candidates.


....but it's Ambode for me.

Whoever is chosen will still look for a way to contribute to the development of BH

nice post
daddy Seun pls help us take am go front page

I pray Ambode wins

Though Shashore is also a good candidate but I will go for Ambode who seem to be the best among others. EKO O NI BAJE......

Anyone presented without proper & open medium would be rejected.

Anyone endorsed in an undemocratic way by Tinubu would be rejected

Any candidate in whatever party ridding on the back of any godfather shall be rejected

btw:

Lagos State is due for a Christian governor.


Eko oni baje ju ba yi loo

Bunch of thieves. What have they done with their positions other than mediocre

Firefire:
Anyone presented without proper & open medium would be rejected.

Anyone endorsed in an undemocratic way by Tinubu would be rejected

Any candidate in whatever party ridding on the back of any godfather shall be rejected

btw:

Lagos State is due for a Christian governor.


Eko oni baje ju ba yi loo

Religion should not be a factor .

aljharem:


Religion should not be a factor .

Yes, but unfortunately the Christians allege short charge.

These are correct quintessential credentials of two great and powerful personalities vying for the number 1 post of our one and only state of Lagos. These are the type of people we want. Any of these two are very much ok, but preferably Akinwunmi Ambode so as to defeat anyone who will be the flag bearer of the clueless party 'PDP' due to his present popularity "Ambode" compared to Olashore. Our Dear Lagos needs continuty and not transformation.
APC gba won danu, oni ranu ni won.

aresa:
Both are great lagosians, brilliant, well qualified and exceptional candidates.


....but it's Ambode for me.

It is Akinwunmi Ambode allll the way...

A+

aljharem:
Bunch of thieves. What have they done with their positions other than mediocre

You don't seem to follow the happenings of Lagos State

barcanista:
You don't seem to follow the happenings of Lagos State

Why bother yourself with that thing?

2cato:
Whoever is chosen will still look for a way to contribute to the development of BH

You don't have a head you are thinking, your reasoning ability is far far below -100 (negative). Must you relate everything to BH. We are talking about Lagos State candidates, you are talking about them contributing to BH, moreso, these candidates are Christians because you religious bigotry minded people do say Muslims are the ones sponsoring BH. Now Christians are now part of them abi?

Go and think with your head, if you don't have reasonable comment, view and keep quiet. Shiooorr!!!

Shashore win this.... Please please God let Shasore Win.... Enough Jagaban... I really rather have another fashola than another tinubu remote control. .. Sweet Jesus let Shasore win this...

barcanista:
It is Akinwunmi Ambode allll the way...

A+

Apart from his rich resume and professional experience, the level of competence, leadership and management skills he's been displaying with his Campaign is exemplary and well though out. The other candidates are just waking up, but he's been laying his foundation and wetting his grass non stop for almost 2 years now..

It's a reflection of his sense of duty and commitment, attention to detail and capacity to build and bridge across the board and these are very critical traits the other candidates either don't have or just yet to display...

UTILITYMAY:


You don't have a head you are thinking, your reasoning ability is far far below -100 (negative). Must you relate everything to BH. We are talking about Lagos State candidates, you are talking about them contributing to BH, moreso, these candidates are Christians because you religious bigotry minded people do say Muslims are the ones sponsoring BH. Now Christians are now part of them abi?

Go and think with your head, if you don't have reasonable comment, view and keep quiet. Shiooorr!!!

You should by now be able to spot the trolls and unintelligent posters and just ignore them. They add ZERO value to any discussion...

I watched Olasupo's campaign advert on TV yesterday and he seems to have a lot in similarity and common with Fashola.
I wish them the best!

aresa:


Apart from his rich resume and professional experience, the level of competence, leadership and management skills he's been displaying with his Campaign is exemplary and well though out. The other candidates are just waking up, but he's been laying his foundation and wetting his grass non stop for almost 2 years now..

It's a reflection of his sense of duty and commitment, attention to detail and capacity to build and bridge across the board and these are very critical traits the other candidates either don't have or just yet to display...

Absolutely spot on! I don't know why the media keep saying BRF and BAT are in a fight of supremacy. BRF has always told everyone that he is interested in governance of Lagos State, while BAT should focus on the politicking. Why is the media pushing for unnecessary fight?

Firefire:



Yes, but unfortunately the Christians allege short charge.

How ? Lagos is majority Muslim.

Also who cares if one is Christian or Muslim. Lets vote for the right man

barcanista:
You don't seem to follow the happenings of Lagos State

Hmmmm what is happening in Lagos state ?

aljharem:


Hmmmm what is happening in Lagos state ?

How can you call Sasore and Akin Ambode mediocres? bros, you funny o

aljharem:


How ? Lagos is majority Muslim.

Also who cares if one is Christian or Muslim. Lets vote for the right man

I don't know sef o. Any party that campaigned in Lagos on the basis of religion is on a LOOOOOOONG thing

barcanista:
Absolutely spot on! I don't know why the media keep saying BRF and BAT are in a fight of supremacy. BRF has always told everyone that he is interested in governance of Lagos State, while BAT should focus on the politicking. Why is the media pushing for unnecessary fight?

The media not only love drama, they also love serving it up for the gullible and weak thinking public to swallow.

They've been ranting on and on about Fashola/Tinubu fight and animosity since Fashola's first day in office, both are still very close and Lagos state is the best governed state in Nigeria.......

Lagos state is Nigeria's crown jewel and governing a state like calls for not only good administrative skills, but also good political dog fighting skills to keep poachers and oppositions away from Lagos hence Tinubu taking the political bullets to allow Fashola govern peacefully, a luxury lacking in other APC states in the SW like Osun, Ogun, Oyo and Ekiti hence the heavy political burden they have to shoulder which even contributed to Fayemi losing Ekiti.

And it really doesn't bother me per Tinubu directly or indirectly rooting for Ambode simply because Ambode brings a wealth of experience and competence to the table and also because Tinubu is obviously seeing the same qualities he saw in Fashola back in 2007.

aresa:



The media not only love drama, they also love serving it up for the gullible and weak thinking public to swallow.

They've been ranting on and on about Fashola/Tinubu fight and animosity since Fashola's first day in office, both are still very close and Lagos state is the best governed state in Nigeria.......

Lagos state is Nigeria's crown jewel and governing a state like calls for not only good administrative skills, but also good political dog fighting skills to keep poachers and oppositions away from Lagos hence Tinubu taking the political bullets to allow Fashola govern peacefully, a luxury lacking in other APC states in the SW like Osun, Ogun, Oyo and Ekiti hence the heavy political burden they have to shoulder which even contributed to Fayemi losing Ekiti.

And it really doesn't bother me per Tinubu directly or indirectly rooting for Ambode simply because Ambode brings a wealth of experience and competence to the table and also because Tinubu is obviously seeing the same qualities he saw in Fashola back in 2007.

Absolutely

Ambode , I know but shasore is unknown to me and I live and schooled in lag ooooo.

May the best man win.

God will give us the best.

See professionals

Please someone should write Koro's achievements and professional experience before politics

Ambode is the man for we the masses, we don't want an elitist governor like Shasore