A manifesto is a vital credential in the hands of every electable politician. It is a sacred oath raised with honor, credibility and honest intentions. It is a contract to deliver on the ideology of the party and in every sense, the expectations of the public whose vote they expect to secure.

Regrettably, APC manifestos have become a powerful tool for shameless propaganda; a veil of crafty proclamations used to fraudulently keep hope alive while squandering the goodwill and longsuffering of the masses.

It is easy to forget that since 1999, APC “ruled” Lagos in every sense of the word; looking back at how long this project is taking, it is clear that Ambode is obediently following this practice to exploit the goodwill and patience of Lagosians. Not unlike APC, this practice has become a parasitic leech on the desperate expectations of Lagosians.

This 10-page tale represents the purpose APC has not been able to accomplish since the past 16 years – it seeks another 4-8 years of the patience of Lagosians to repeat a performance whose result is poorly under-matched with the time and resources (both in Financial and Human Capital) available to it.

It would be noteworthy to address each “promise” Ambode has made to Lagosians but it would also be senseless to simply tell Lagosians what they already know. After all, Poor transparency in Governance, Physical, Financial and Social Insecurity, inadequate Healthcare, Unemployment, Double-taxation, High costs of education, Financial Inclusion and a host of other fundamental pillars of Progressive Governance are issues APC has been aware of since 1999. To desperately reinforce it as a pivot for Change in Lagos State shows how poorly they have performed all these years.

Democracy is a virtuous journey in Justice and Equal Rights; for Ambode to equate his ambition alongside legendary leaders like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Mobolaji Johnson and Lateef Jakande is a deep insult to what they stood for and indeed a questionable action on his intentions for the Yoruba Nation.

Flashback a few months recently, Lagos State under APC, flouted provisions of the Freedom of Information bill in an averse move to shroud the details of how State funds (loans, budgetary allocations and internally generated revenue) were utilized for infrastructure projects. The students protest over more than 100% increase in tuition fees and the predicament of Health workers and Teachers prior to this season of propaganda is clear to Lagosians that actions are (truly) louder than words of promise.
The actions of Ambode’s true predecessors since 1999 has exposed his true intentions for Lagosians should he be given the opportunity to continue exploiting our patience and goodwill come March 2015.

A time for CHANGE is long over-due and Akinwunmi Ambode is not the Man to bring about that CHANGE.

You are not to the decide.Ambode is the choice of Lagosians. I went through Agbaje's Manifesto and non of his plans are realistic.

Agbaje has nothing to offer Lagosians, except his Kerosine. He should start preparing to go to exile with Bode George.See them on queue with kegs. We dont want such leader.

I hate what Jimi has become since he joined PDP , spends his whole time attacking Ambode who concentrates on reaching out to the man on the road. Propaganda does not win elections in Lagos and he will soon see that. Even Stella Dimiko expressed her disappointment in the type of politics he is playing, smh

What is in his own manifesto? Free internet reduce the price of land

Agbaje wants the youth to go back to Yahoo Yahoo. That is why he want to give free internet. A project that it non realistic. I think he should go and start thinking of how to improve his pharmacy business. Ambode is more serious than he is.

Lagosians and their sentimental opinions. You didn't speak of what has been achieved in the past years. No matter how much you learn about governance, If you have not served, you don't know jack. However, Progress is for people with foresight's and i don't think Agbaje has that due to his unrealistic manifesto if you've gone through it.

Has PDP kept to terms of their manifestos ??

Let's be objective abeg.

I said this as election dates was inordinately shifted and will reiterate, remaining weeks to AMBODE victory come APRIL 11 will be taunted with malicious stories from disgruntled elements sponsored by PDP and AGBAJE' team on AMBODE, FASHOLA AND TINUBU. Reasonable and well informed Nigerians across all border commend the effort and achievements of the incumbent APC leadership in Lagos State. What we want is continuity in AMBODE!

@voltron you writeup lacks fact but fiction. General slogan and household anthem in Lagos for about a decade now is, " Fashola is working, Lagos is moving". If your fictitious story is true, this anthem would have been debunked by all from way back and i am sure you share same sentiments with me until your hijack by PDP to misinform well meaning Nigerians. Permit me to say, with AMBODE Lagos will move to the Promised Land.

Fantasticgaby:
@voltron you writeup lacks fact but fiction. General slogan and household anthem in Lagos for about a decade now is, " Fashola is working, Lagos is moving". If your fictitious story is true, this anthem would have been debunked by all from way back and i am sure you share same sentiments with me until your hijack by PDP to misinform well meaning Nigerians. Permit me to say, with AMBODE Lagos will move to the Promised Land.

An Anthem for Politicians and Praise-singers.. He is Working YES, Fashola is working.. but it is taking more than 16 years to get there. Are you not asking questions.. will it take a century to do a journey of 4 years?

jhydosky:
Has PDP kept to terms of their manifestos ??

Let's be objective abeg.

Who says I am pro PDP. we all know PDP has nothing to offer.. that does not mean we do not owe ourselves the responsibility to Hold our Public Officers Accountable for being Responsible and Transperent (AT ALL TIMES) They are not our Kings, They are our Servants. They owe it to use to perform beyond the ordinary

Abinibi247:
I said this as election dates was inordinately shifted and will reiterate, remaining weeks to AMBODE victory come APRIL 11 will be taunted with malicious stories from disgruntled elements sponsored by PDP and AGBAJE' team on AMBODE, FASHOLA AND TINUBU. Reasonable and well informed Nigerians across all border commend the effort and achievements of the incumbent APC leadership in Lagos State. What we want is continuity in AMBODE!

Please do one thing for yourself and others like-minded as yourself. Hold our Public Officers Accountable, Demand Performance - don't wait to be handed down excuses and party treats.

Weather they like it or not.. ambode still remain the best candidate for lagosians #TeamEkoOniBaJe

Ambode has a better plans than Agbaje, imagine agbaje saying he is gonna offer the youth free internet, he wants all youth to go back to Yahoo Yahoo. Ambode is the person we need for lagos

This is awesome

I went through this manifesto 2c n i believe these things are real n can surely be done

We all know fashola did well in lagos state and all his undone agenda and other relevant things needed would be forwarded to Ambode. Let's vote for continuity. Let's Ambode take over from fashola. We believe in him #voteAmbode

Saw agbajes manifesto the other day i said this is a total ...*lips sealed
Ambode we r with u

Sometimes I wonder if people come here to comment or drop articles with there brain. Lagos is bad yet you can't go to your syate. If you can't vote for Ambode then just keep your thoughts to yourself. You hate Apc - yet you're in lagos. Apc is Bad - yet the states they govern are the most peaceful in the country, what else do you want from a party ? #VoteAmobode Lagos is moving forward !!!

All the bokoharam states are governed by APC!!!

Ambode is our governor

Voltron you don't undeestand the manifesto here is an explanation
Many questions come to mind as I set about reviewing the
Manifesto of the APC Candidate for the Governorship of Lagos
State; for example how does he do better and build on the
generally acclaimed performance of the current incumbent and
fellow party member? Further how does he at the same time
distinguish himself without rubbishing the record of the current
administration in any way? The challenge of translating the
Party’s slogan “Change” into something meaningful in Lagos is
also a rather iconic one.
Lagos is the glowing Diamond in the Nigerian crown. It is the
place the entire country, if not the sub region of West Africa,
relates to as business capital. It is the financial hub, as well as
home to the most populated, and one of the fastest growing
cities on the African Continent. It has one of the most diverse
mix of people, with many opportunities and challenges. Aside
from having a very savvy voter pool, its government is unique
in Nigeria as the only one funded largely by tax revenue from
its citizens.
Simply being Governor of Lagos State is a big deal in Nigeria,
Africa and, arguably, the world. He has to be able to address
the breadth of issues and have a depth of content. He must set
out policies that speak to the concerns that Lagosians want
addressed, supported by objective information of the profile of
the needs. He must be clear what difference such policies will
have on the lives of the people and be credible as sustainable
development. The policies should also be possible to
implement and one should be able to see or imagine what kind
of Lagos State will emerge at end of the administration in 2019.
At first glance the Ambode’s Manifesto is a conventional one
designed to address the diverse concerns of Lagos voters, and
that signals a very important thing, even though it is a long list.
It highlights the fact that even though all Lagos State
Governors have been from the same political family, this
candidate is not complacent about the people or the election
itself. There is a genuine and clear effort to establish a policy
framework that is Needs Based. From the start of the document
the values of the candidate are clearly set out – ‘Courage,
Forthrightness, Clarity of Purpose, Integrity and dedication’; it
is obvious the Candidate is walking the fine line between
distinguishing his political agenda as well as being consistent
with the Legacy he hopes to build upon. His nod to his
predecessors ably affirms this.
His vision of making ’Lagos a clean, secure and more
prosperous state ‘ needs no further clarification in its elegant
simplicity, so the addition of latter part of the sentence is read
that this will be achieved through ‘ A robust economy built on
service, equity and justice’. Also the campaign message using
the Acronym LAGOS to cover Leadership, Accountability,
Governance, Opportunity and Services is neat and memorable.
The Manifesto has a sound narrative and theme. This theme
should be made explicit i.e., It is committed to Investing in the
People of Lagos, the sustainability of their communities and
their socio economic progress.
The best way to view the Manifesto is to imagine what a
successful implementation of the Manifesto of a Governor
Akinwunmi Ambode would have on Lagos about January 2019.
This scenario is easily drawn from the document. Lagos will be
uniquely the first 24-hour metropolis in the African continent
with services, shops and offices open at all hours.
Aside from providing a unique branding experience and
expanding the economy, it will mean far more people in
employment, not only to secure the night hours but also lead to
staggered working hours that will greatly reduce congestion
and rush hour traffic. This will also combine well with the
vision that Lagos becomes the place where Africa does
business. It results in a boost in visitors’ numbers expanding
the number of businesses, and tourists framing this unique
combination into a value offering in itself. The children of the
Metropolis (approximately 4.5 million of school age (in 2014)
will be enjoying free education up till senior secondary school,
reducing the 60% Private schooling (in 2014 numbers).
School children will have at least one meal under the IBILE
meal scheme provided by the government, ensuring that no
matter what hardship parents face their wards will have at least
one sure meal daily. This will impact school results by
increasing attention in classes, attracting more to schooling and
improving cognitive capacity. As these students leave senior
school, the lottery of tertiary education will be reduced with
established quality technical and vocational education, along
with university education supported by bursary awards and
scholarship schemes. Career options would be increased by the
THESE programme, which will pursue excellence in Tourism,
Hospitality, Entertainment/ Arts and Sports.
Lagos Communities are self -sustainable clusters with every
locality having their own core amenities and services, reducing
distance travel to work and services. This significantly reduces
travel demands that put everyone on the road at most times. It
delivers local centres and markets, increasing organised
commerce and reducing impromptu trade. It improves access to
services and the quality of life of the citizens.
The Rent to Own Programme funded through a public-private
partnership will greatly reduce the Lagos housing deficit of
about 1.2 million units, creating a substantial amount of new
home owners within the same communities as well as
substantially increasing units from the 1092 built under the
HOMS programme in 2013. The network of new Primary Health
Centres would reduce the demand on General hospitals and
provide improved access and free care to all the elderly in the
State. This complements the free medical care for children from
birth to age six. Healthcare will also be free for pregnant
women, including both pre-natal and ante-natal provision.
The Lagos metropolis will have its monorail that carries over
700,000 people a day, which is a substantial and critical
reduction on the millions travelling between the Island and
Mainland daily. Building on current efforts, then both the Blue
and Red Lines will be in operation. The efforts of government
would be strongly underpinned by Private sector investments,
not just of inward investors but also the different Trust funds
like the Employment and security Trust funds that are based on
the Government’s drive to support Corporate Social
Responsibility, as well as the Lagos Finance and Development
Corporation to fill funding gaps. Along with plans for
infrastructure, such as the Water and Independent Power
Project, as well as the Integrated transport management system,
Lagos by 2019 as planned by Ambode will be a dramatically
distinctive place.
There are more details in the manifesto along with pledges to
be a participatory government and ensure social mobility
especially into the middle classes, small business loan
guarantee schemes, amongst others. It is a decidedly
progressive manifesto with social support and economic
redistribution at its heart. It is consistent with the needs of
Lagos – for example the free Health care for children under six
and Pregnant women.
Malaria is responsible for 70% of outpatient attendance at
secondary health facilities, and the most vulnerable to the
disease are the target groups of free health care. Similarly,
there are 256 Primary Health Care centres compared to 803
Private clinics and 903 Private Hospitals, so a real boost in the
number and network of these centres are truly needed. Another
example is transportation, with about 1.59 million people
crossing the bridges between Mainland and Island daily as far
back as 2001, and 77% of these commuters use a mixture of
public transports. The framework of a 24-hour Lagos, self-
sustained communities and Integrated Transport Management
System directly addresses this challenge.
The Ambode Manifesto is a credible and exciting plan for the
state that strongly throws the gauntlet down for other
contenders to share their own competing vision and plan for
Lagos, if such is possible. If there are any improvements to
recommend for this manifesto it is to include indicators of
success. If the candidate Ambode wants to totally blow us away
then the manifesto would have milestones setting out desired
progress and timelines as well as the most difficult – some
semblance of costing. The latter suggestion is rarely practiced
by our politicians.
The excuse is that it ties their hands before they have a detailed
review of the finances. Of course many critics will raise
questions in the face of expected austerity budgets, of how this
ambitious plan will be financed without raising additional tax
burden on the citizens and in spite of the plan for partnership
with the Private Sector. This is a credible question that Mr.
Akinwunmi Ambode should be ready to answer.
For me individually this manifesto commends itself especially
in the proposal of the 24/7 Lagos. I had a similar
recommendation in my book Omoluwabi 2.0, I am delighted to
see that the Candidate is of like mind. I also love the concept of
self-sustainable communities. It is quite similar to the proposal
in the same book for clusters of excellence based on tradition
fractal organisation. There is no doubt that this candidate
shares many of the disciplines of the outgoing incumbent but
what is truly distinctive is the strongly stated people-first
policy – a luxury that would have been difficult with obvious
gaps in infrastructure at the first term of the current
administration. It is clear this candidate intends to make it a
virtue

missangela:
All the bokoharam states are governed by APC!!!

Indeed! Obvious is stated in your context that PDP aka People Destroying People are the sponsors of Bokoharam then. Leaving no stone unturned to make APC states ungovernable. Our bone of contention in this argument is Lagos State which APC led government as stood up strong to combat disunity and malice orchestrated by PDP. Can u tilt ur imagination a bit to reason that even Lagos state with its diverse population with different ethnicity is more secured to Abuja the seat of government? Think my brother! Think!!!! It's APC or APC for victory come March28/April 11 2015.

I believe so much in Ambode and. APc.
PDP are always promising and failing. This isn't cool

i believe and trust ambode on this n m sure he will deliver!

kriskazy:
i believe and trust ambode on this n m sure he will deliver!

just checking.. how is he doing now

Alas.. the truth unfolds.. Abode the choice of Lagosians or the alternative to Good Governance. Lagosians How Far?