One of the campaign planks of the APC in the 2015 election particularly in Lagos has been the need for the state to be aligned with the centre.

Over the years, Governor Fashola has blamed the incompetence or political tricks of PDP for some of the problems of Lagos State.

Now that Lagos and the FG would be in the hands of APC, the following issues require immediate attention:

1. Special Status for Lagos

"Advancing reasons why Lagos voters should reject the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Fashola, who noted that the state once served as the Federal Capital Territory, recalled the promise made by a former Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed, that Lagos would remain the nation’s commercial capital and one of its nerve centres.

According to the Governor, the Head of State noted that “in terms of servicing the present infrastructure alone the committed amount of money and effort required will be such that Lagos State will not be ready to cope.” Fashola added however, “But we coped at great sacrifice”.

Governor Fashola also quoted the late Head of State as saying, “It will even be unfair to expect the state to bear this heavy burden on its own. It is therefore necessary for the Federal Government to continue to sustain the substantial investment in the area. The port facilities and other economic activities in the Lagos area have to be expanded”.

Other commitments which the former Head of State made concerning Lagos, Governor Fashola said, included that the need for the Federal Government “to maintain a special defence and security arrangement in Lagos which would henceforth be designated a special area”, adding that “the arrangements would be carefully worked out and written into the new constitution. Kaduna and Port Harcourt are to be accorded similar status and designated as Special Areas”

He noted with dismay, “Remember that since the capital of Nigeria was moved from Lagos 24 years ago in December 1991, Lagos has been abandoned by the Federal Government. Ask yourself when the last major new road in Lagos was built by the Federal Government. It was the 3rd Mainland Bridge completed in 1990”, adding, “This is not in accord with the spirit of the promise made to Lagos when the Federal Government first declared Abuja as the capital in 1976.

http://nigershowbiz.com/constitution-amendment-fashola-canvasses-state-police-special-status-for-lagos/

2. Lagos indigenes should get senior ministerial posts not junior minister positions

"The Lagos State Chapter of PDP has described the reaction of Governor Fashola to ministerial appointees in the State as a step taken in bad faith and as an attempt to divert attention away from his inadequacies.

The Governor was reported during his unpopular celebration of days in Office to have criticised the appointment of Mr. Aganga as a minister representing Lagos State and also that Senator Obanikoro has got merely a junior ministerial portfolio. The Governor particularly accussed the President of not giving enough support to the State. The party notes that it has become convenient for Governor Fashola to always attack PDP or Federal Government at such functions.

According to the Lagos PDP "Governor Fashola is bringing up this issue of indigeneship in the State Politics to divert attention away from his inadequacies in Government. Indeed a substantial part of the so-called celebration was used on raising the petty issue of indigeneship instead of the Governor to showcase his administration's actual scorecard in the last 2500 days.

Unfortunately for the Governor, he has only re echoed his hatred for non indigenes living in the State. We are not quick to forget the unprovoked humiliation of Ibos and Hausas on the Streets of Lagos. Ironically, the same Governor is silent on the Proprietary of Remi Tinubu representing Lagos State at the Senate. Remi Tinubu is not a Lagos indigene.

It is thus wise for Governor Fashola to jettisson this Unilateral and infamous pursuit of non-indigenes in the State"

http://www.thenigerianvoice.com/news/142828/1/dont-blame-fg-for-your-failure-lagos-pdp-tells-gov.html

3. State Police

Speaking on "Options and Strategies for Restructuring the Nigeria Police Force," at a public hearing on Police Reform in Nigeria, in Lagos, Fashola said: "The opposition to the establishment of state police structures in Nigeria has largely been driven by an exaggerated, misleading and unfounded precedent focusing on the abuse of state police through political interference and manipulation."

He noted, however, that "upgrading the existing police system as the central law enforcement institution in the country cannot occur in isolation. It must be part of an overarching restructuring of the total law enforcement infrastructure, including a reform of the criminal-justice system insulated from politics.

"It is, therefore, with total conviction that I believe that there is a need for the establishment of state police. If we say we are practising true federalism, then each constituent part of the federation such as the states, municipalities and federal government all have their autonomy for their daily affairs, while issues like international affairs, common currency, defence and other unifying interests are vested in the Federal Government."

- http://odili.net/news/source/2012/may/18/338.html
- http://nigershowbiz.com/constitution-amendment-fashola-canvasses-state-police-special-status-for-lagos/

4. Repairs of Airport Road

"The Lagos State Government, Friday, blamed the deplorable state of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road on politics.

The State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, stated this at an interactive session with media executives and editors late Friday, in Lagos.

The airport is the busiest in Nigeria accounting for more than half of her foreign flights. The road leading to it is, however, in a very bad state.

Both the road and the airport belong to the Federal Government.

Mr. Fashola blamed the state government’s failure to either rehabilitate or reconstruct the road on politics. He noted that the issue had been politicised, adding that “all sorts of things are going on.”

The governor regretted his decision not to modernise the 4.2 km road when the idea first struck him, recalling that his plan was to expand the road, provide service lanes and introduce tolls for motorists who opted to use the fast lanes.
Lagos roads."

http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/119454-lagos-airport-road-bad-because-of-politics-fashola.html

5. Repair of Lagos-Apapa Expressway

http://www.tundefashola.com/archives/news/2015/01/16/20150116N01.html

6. Return Apapa To Commercial, Industrial, Resid- ential Hub

"Blaming the Federal Government for the continued traffic snarl that have been a source of great stress to residents and workers in Apapa, the Governor promised that when elected, the incoming Governor, Akin Ambode, would continue with the work "so that life can return here and Apapa can become the commercial, industrial and residential hub that it used to be".

He appealed for patience among the people of Apapa saying all of the problems that they have in hours of traffic, "caused by a government that prefers to import instead of produce fuel, will soon stop when Buhari is elected into office by you", adding that the transfer of the tank farms would change a situation where thousands of tankers currently cause the traffic holdup in Apapa while trying to load fuel."-

http://www.tundefashola.com/archives/news/2015/01/16/20150116N01.html

7. Piracy of creative works (movies, music, etc)

"It must be clear to everyone that the greatest problem that people in the entertainment industry have is that their intellectual property rights are not being protected.

This is a law enforcement issue, rather than a cash solution that the PDP and its government has continued to proffer.

It is simple copyright law enforcement and the PDP simply does not get it."-

http://blogs.premiumtimesng.com/?p=167098

8. Lagosians should have greater access to mortgage loans at around 9% p.a.

"“What this means, is that every Nigerian must first buy a house with a mortgage loan, and then apply for his share of the $300 million as a refinancing facility. That is the PDP model for Housing”."-

http://blogs.premiumtimesng.com/?p=167098

9. End to fuel queues

“Please ask them why smaller economies could get petrol easily for their people and why we have to queue for hours and days to get petrol in a biggest economy in Africa."-

http://www.punchng.com/news/fashola-blames-pdp-for-nigerias-woes/

10. Power sector reforms

“When people come and say that there is no power, they only speak of their inefficiency and incapacity to deliver power. Electricity, as an invention, is over 100 years old; so there is no excuse for Nigerians to continue to live in darkness.”-

http://www.punchng.com/news/fashola-blames-pdp-for-nigerias-woes/


11. More and working Federal Fire Service Stations in Lagos

Governor Fashola, who also reminded Lagosians that the men and women of the state Fire Service have taken over admirably from the inept and non-performing Federal Fire Service, noted that although the Federal Government has the constitutional obligation to support the Nigerian Police Force it was the Lagos State Government that was actually doing so.

http://www.thegazellenews.com/2015/04/09/gov-poll-fashola-advises-lagosians-to-vote-for-apc-candidates-put-lagos-at-the-centre/


According to Fashola:

"In 2011, President Jonathan made a total of 91 (Ninety One) electoral promises around power, security and the economy.

Majority of them remain unfulfilled."

Now that FG and Lagos are aligned, we would not accept any excuses.

You can add yours.

Let me begin by congratulating Barr Raji Fashola (SAN) on his appointment as minister of Power, Housing and Works.

I am now convinced without any iota of doubt that PMB has special interest in BFR. Just like the the biblical pharaoh had special interest in Joseph.

The portfolios alloted to BRF are very significant to the development of Nigeria.

Interestingly, BRF has made his position known on issues relating to the newly assigned portfolios.

Now that Lagos state is aligned to the FG and incidentally BRF is now directly in charge,of these, it would be appropriate to remind him of these pronouncements.

johnie:


2. Lagos indigenes should get senior ministerial posts not junior minister positions

"The Lagos State Chapter of PDP has described the reaction of Governor Fashola to ministerial appointees in the State as a step taken in bad faith and as an attempt to divert attention away from his inadequacies.

The Governor was reported during his unpopular celebration of days in Office to have criticised the appointment of Mr. Aganga as a minister representing Lagos State and also that Senator Obanikoro has got merely a junior ministerial portfolio. The Governor particularly accussed the President of not giving enough support to the State. The party notes that it has become convenient for Governor Fashola to always attack PDP or Federal Government at such functions.

I am very pleased that Lagos State not only has an indigene as governor but the state has a substantive ministerial position and in fact the occupant is one in whom the president has a lot of confidence.

[Quote]

4. Repairs of Airport Road

"The Lagos State Government, Friday, blamed the deplorable state of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road on politics.

The State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, stated this at an interactive session with media executives and editors late Friday, in Lagos.

The airport is the busiest in Nigeria accounting for more than half of her foreign flights. The road leading to it is, however, in a very bad state.

Both the road and the airport belong to the Federal Government.

Mr. Fashola blamed the state government’s failure to either rehabilitate or reconstruct the road on politics. He noted that the issue had been politicised, adding that “all sorts of things are going on.”

The governor regretted his decision not to modernise the 4.2 km road when the idea first struck him, recalling that his plan was to expand the road, provide service lanes and introduce tolls for motorists who opted to use the fast lanes.
Lagos roads."

http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/119454-lagos-airport-road-bad-because-of-politics-fashola.html

[/quote]

As BRF has rightly observed, the airport road is the portal to Nigeria's economic hub.

The state of the road over the years has been shameful.

Now that BRF is the minister in charge and the government in Lagos is of APC, we expect immediate and radical work on not just fixing the road but also beautifying it.

Totally with you on 3,4,5 and 6

in as much as i luv fashola i also think there is need to remind him of the great task ahead and he shld also note that his performance in lagos state earn him the presidential confidence .

You right OP, All hail BRF.. there's a big task ahead..

Fashola Says APC Government Would Return Apapa To Commercial, Industrial, Residential Hub
• As Governor continues campaign for APC Candidates Buhari, Ambode, in Apapa

Jan 16, 2015 - Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, Friday continued his campaign for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Gubernatorial Candidate, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, as the campaign train of the party berthed in Apapa where he told residents that an APC Government would return Apapa to its original pre-eminence as a commercial, industrial and residential hub of the country.

Underscoring his campaign for change in the centre and continuity in the State while addressing the huge gathering of party chieftains and supporters from across the State, at the Open Roundabout by Post Office, Apapa, Governor Fashola said with a well planned industrial and petro-chemical plant which has already been designed by his administration all the tank farms now in Apapa would be moved out to the Lekki Free Zone thereby ensuring safety and traffic sanity.

Blaming the Federal Government for the continued traffic snarl that have been a source of great stress to residents and workers in Apapa, the Governor promised that when elected, the incoming Governor, Akin Ambode, would continue with the work "so that life can return here and Apapa can become the commercial, industrial and residential hub that it used to be".

He appealed for patience among the people of Apapa saying all of the problems that they have in hours of traffic, "caused by a government that prefers to import instead of produce fuel, will soon stop when Buhari is elected into office by you", adding that the transfer of the tank farms would change a situation where thousands of tankers currently cause the traffic holdup in Apapa while trying to load fuel.

Advancing reasons why the people must vote for the APC Presidential Candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Fashola recalled that when he was Head of State of Nigeria, the refineries were built and they were working adding that then there was no need for 3,000 tankers to come into Apapa everyday to come and move fuel to supply to other parts of the country.

The Governor told the people, "But because of all that they get from importation, they have turned your residential estate into a petroleum tank farm. They don't care about your life. They are the ones issuing all those approvals for tank farms".

He, however, assured them that when the refineries start working, fuel would be supplied to the North from Kaduna Refinery, to the South-South and South East from Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries and to the South West from the Lagos Refinery on which work has already started.

Governor Fashola recalled that four years ago his administration promised the people of Apapa to work on some inner city roads like Aerodrome Road, Warehouse Road, Calcutta Crescent, Abraham Adesanya, Douala, Kofo Abayomi, Moshalashi, Sari Iganmu, Itapeju adding, "Now how do they look?" .

"Those are the promises we made to you. Jonathan came four years ago; he promised to build Murtala Mohammed Airport road, has he done it? No. He promised you steady light, that you would no longer buy generators, has he fulfilled it? Presently work is on going on Marine Road, Bombay Crescent, Ibikunle Akintoye Street and several others. The ones that I can finish I will finish and the ones that I cannot finish, Ambode will conclude it", Governor Fashola said.

According to the Governor, "Apart from building roads, I used to come here as a child, may be they don't know this place; cinemas were here, hotels were here; but they destroyed all that. But be patient, help is on the way, APC is bringing help, Buhari is bringing help, Ambode will continue the work".

He also told the people, "We have already built your own Shoprite Mall in Apapa, Surulere now has its own, Lekki has its own, Ikeja has its own, FESTAC is on the way, Isolo is on the way and Ikorodu is on the way; I can tell you also Amuwo Odofin, I have signed the agreement to build the Amuwo Odofin Mall".

Expressing dismay that the PDP Governorship Candidate was quoted as saying he would cancel the Lekki toll contract, Governor Fashola wondered why an aspiring leader who had promised to create jobs would want to cancel direct foreign investment contract meant to create jobs for the unemployed.

"I think it was yesterday that I also heard that he said he would cancel the Lekki toll. Yes, and they say they want to create jobs. Just this morning, it was reported that investors were withdrawing close to N1.8 trillion from our economy because of the mismanagement. How can you get jobs if investors are leaving Nigeria because of insecurity?" the Governor asked.

He also reiterated his warning that Lagosians should not entrust the fate of the State in the hands of an inexperienced person saying the PDP Candidate was already exhibiting inexperience as he was also quoted as saying that if President Jonathan did not win the coming election, the South South would leave Nigeria.

Condemning the statement as divisive, Governor Fashola declared, "Those who aspire to lead do not make such divisive statements. The reason Lagos is safe is because the different tribes and religion in this country have lived here in peaceful coexistence and harmony. Everybody, North, East, West, South, this is your home. Ambode will not make such a divisive statement".

"I told you in Ikeja that you should vote for continuity. You see, the PDP candidate is already beginning to show his inexperience. He was quoted as saying that if Jonathan does not win the election the South South would leave Nigeria. The PDP Candidate is beginning to show inexperience and I have told you not to experiment with Lagos. You need leaders who build cohesion not those who promote division", the Governor said.

He recalled that the PDP candidate said he wanted to cancel a direct foreign investment contract into Nigeria wondering whether such act could bring jobs or take away jobs. "When you have a leader who is cancelling contracts, is that promoting prosperity or poverty? That is why they are Poverty Development Party", the Governor said.

Thanking the people for staying with and trusting in his administration, Governor Fashola declared, "We do not take your support lightly; we do not take your vote for granted. Vote for continuity in Lagos; don't experiment with Lagos, it is too big to dabble with. It is too strategic to Nigeria; it is too strategic to Africa and indeed the world".

"All the important dignitaries around the world who come to Nigeria, their first port of call is not Abuja, their first port of call is Lagos. That is how strategic we are; and the growth, the chart of development that my predecessors set us on since 1999 is the one that we have stayed on adding value as we progress", he said adding,"This is where they come to learn how to govern; this is where they come to learn how to do it. Don't put Lagos in inexperienced hands".

The Governorship Candidate, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, in his remarks, thanked the people of Apapa for their immense support saying that the perennial traffic gridlock in the area, which he blamed on the Federal Government, would become a thing of the past as soon as APC took over control of leadership both at the national and State levels.

Earlier in his remarks, the State Chairman of APC, Otunba Henry Oladele Ajomale, urged Nigerians to seize the opportunity of the general elections to vote for Change at the centre in order to have a better lease of life adding, "Nigerians have been deceived for too long and the deceivers are back again but we must resist them and vote them out".

Hoping it will be better days ahead for Lagos.

Please draw the attnetion of BRF and Mr. Ambode to these pronouncements.

Lalalasticlala, aresa, ilekehd, mayoroflagos, gbawe, beremx

johnie:
Please draw the attnetion of BRF and Mr. Ambode to these pronouncements.

Lalalasticlala, aresa, ilekehd, mayoroflagos, gbawe, beremx

Pls stop mentioning Ambode and Fashola in the same sentence...Ambode belongs to Fayose Caucus pls...

I agree with state police but Fire stations/Fire service should be state owned too... too much FG is not good! because it means development is slower! state should do most of the development while the federal government mostly monitors!

olatunji21:

Pls stop mentioning Ambode and Fashola in the same sentence...Ambode belongs to Fayose Caucus pls...

But they made the promises together.

Reps decry state of Murtala Mohammed airport road

By Musa Abdullahi Krishi | Publish Date: Nov 12 2015 1:48AM | Updated Date: Nov 12 2015 4:35AM

The House of Representatives has asked the federal government to direct an immediate rehabilitation of the road leading to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.

The House said a contract for the complete reconstruction of the road into an 8-lane dual carriageway with 2.75 meter shoulders, pedestrian walkways, landscaping and planting of ornament plants along the road should be awarded.

The lawmakers said the rehabilitation should be done under the Presidential Special Intervention Fund for Roads and Projects (PSIRP) as a palliative measure.

Passing a resolution on a motion by Rep Enitan Dolapo Badru, the House urged relevant government agencies to rid the road of all environmental nuisances, illegal parking, dumping of refuse and other encumbrances.

The House said the poor state of the road has worsened by illegal activities of some road users, which usually result in gridlock, making travelers to suffer stress and delay

http://dailytrust.com.ng/news/general/reps-decry-state-of-murtala-mohammed-airport-road/119062.html

Double post

The Nigerian senate has thrown out a bid for Special grants to be allocated to Lagos state as the nation's commercial capital.


The bill which was proposed by Senator Oluremi Tinubu will entitle Lagos state to one percent of the Nation's revenue. The bill was rejected in a rowdy session.

Events that led to the rejection of the bill

Things took a bad turn when Senator Olusola Adeyeye of the APC representing Osun central stood up talk. Adeyeye while defending the Lagos grant bill, took a jibe at the FCT, saying it was like a 'pampered child'.

This didn't go down well with Senator Philip Aduda, the representative of the FCT, who violently retorted, ordering Adeyeye to withdraw his statement. Other senators from the northern part of the country stood up in support of Adeda demanding a withdrawal of statement from Adeyeye.

The session became very rowdy before Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu waded in and asked Senator Adeyeye to withdraw his statement. Adeyeye withdrew his statement and order was restored but this had laid the foundation for the bill's waterloo.


Ekweremadu then put the bill into voting which unsurprisingly was unanimously rejected by the senators.

http://dailytrust.com.ng/news/general/reps-decry-state-of-murtala-mohammed-airport-road/119062.html

johnie:


Now that Lagos and the FG would be in the hands of APC, the following issues require immediate attention:

1. Special Status for Lagos

"Advancing reasons why Lagos voters should reject the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Fashola, who noted that the state once served as the Federal Capital Territory, recalled the promise made by a former Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed, that Lagos would remain the nation’s commercial capital and one of its nerve centres.

According to the Governor, the Head of State noted that “in terms of servicing the present infrastructure alone the committed amount of money and effort required will be such that Lagos State will not be ready to cope.” Fashola added however, “But we coped at great sacrifice”.

Governor Fashola also quoted the late Head of State as saying, “It will even be unfair to expect the state to bear this heavy burden on its own. It is therefore necessary for the Federal Government to continue to sustain the substantial investment in the area. The port facilities and other economic activities in the Lagos area have to be expanded”.

Other commitments which the former Head of State made concerning Lagos, Governor Fashola said, included that the need for the Federal Government “to maintain a special defence and security arrangement in Lagos which would henceforth be designated a special area”, adding that “the arrangements would be carefully worked out and written into the new constitution. Kaduna and Port Harcourt are to be accorded similar status and designated as Special Areas”

He noted with dismay, “Remember that since the capital of Nigeria was moved from Lagos 24 years ago in December 1991, Lagos has been abandoned by the Federal Government. Ask yourself when the last major new road in Lagos was built by the Federal Government. It was the 3rd Mainland Bridge completed in 1990”, adding, “This is not in accord with the spirit of the promise made to Lagos when the Federal Government first declared Abuja as the capital in 1976.

http://nigershowbiz.com/constitution-amendment-fashola-canvasses-state-police-special-status-for-lagos

Promise #1 cancelled?

johnie:
Promise #1 cancelled?

National politics is a different kettle of fish . It's an arena of brutal sharks who will feast on each other if ever the opportunity arises. They don't need to smell blood to become vicious.

jmaine:


National politics is a different kettle of fish . It's an arena of brutal sharks who will feast on each other if ever the opportunity arises. They don't need to smell blood to become vicious.

According to Fashola:

"In 2011, President Jonathan made a total of 91 (Ninety One) electoral promises around power, security and the economy.

Majority of them remain unfulfilled."

There can be no meaningful change to the fate of Lagos. Tinubu and Lagosians were deceived by the Fulani and their hate for GEJ.

2019 will be very interesting...I'll like to see how the politicians align and the new songs they'll be singing.

johnie:


10. Power sector reforms

“When people come and say that there is no power, they only speak of their inefficiency and incapacity to deliver power. Electricity, as an invention, is over 100 years old; so there is no excuse for Nigerians to continue to live in darkness.”-

http://www.punchng.com/news/fashola-blames-pdp-for-nigerias-woes/
Now that FG and Lagos are aligned, we would not accept any excuses.

The Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, has accused western powers of being a stumbling block to Nigeria’s plan to improve power output through the use of coal.

Adeosun said this on Wednesday in Washington during a discussion on the importance of addressing infrastructure gaps in developing countries at the World Bank, International Monetary Fund General Meetings.

She said that improving power supply was the corner stone of the current administration’s goal towards economic development, yet finding it difficult to get support from western community.

“We want to build a coal power plant because we are a country blessed with coal, yet we have power problem. So it doesn’t take a genius to workout that it will make sense to build a coal power plant. “However, we are being blocked from doing so, because it is not green.

This is not fair because they have an entire western industralisation that was built on coal fired energy. “This is the competitive advantage that was used to develop Europe, yet now that Nigeria wants to do it, they say it’s not green, so we cannot.

“They suggest that we use solar and wind, which is the more expensive. So yes, Africa must invest in its infrastructure, but we must also make sure that the playing field is level,” she said.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/10/western-powers-blocking-nigerias-power-solution-adeosun/?utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter

Ambode Accuses Fashola’s Ministry of Frustrating Efforts to Rehabilitate Oshodi-Airport Road
March 9, 2017162262

Akinwunmi Ambode


• Says Buhari’s directive on Presidential Lodge yet to be honoured
Gboyega Akinsanmi

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday accused the Federal Ministry of Works, Power and Housing under the supervision of his immediate predecessor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, of frustrating the plans of the state government to reconstruct the road linking Murtala Muhammed International Airport to Oshodi.

Ambode also accused the ministry of refusing to approve the handover of the Presidential Lodge, Marina to the state contrary to the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The governor made the allegations at the State House, Alausa after inspecting some strategic projects in different parts of the state alongside Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello among other members of the State Executive Council.



Disturbed by the development, the governor disclosed that the Presidential Lodge was central to the state’s fiftieth celebration, noting that the state government would soon roll programme for the anniversary.

He, therefore, lamented that the Presidential lodge, which would play a crucial role in the state’s fiftieth celebration, had not been handed over to the state government against the president’s directive.

He said the state government “has been being tossed about by the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and the Department of State Services (DSS) even after Buhari has approved that the Presidential Lodge should be handed over to the state government.

“Buhari has actually approved handing over of the Presidential Lodge, Marina. As we speak, nothing has been done on Mr. President’s directive. We are being frustrated. The approval of Buhari should be honoured. We believe we should take possession so that we can take over.”

Likewise, Ambode lamented that the Federal Ministry of Works, Power and Housing “is frustrating the state government’s plan to reconstruct the road that links Murtala Muhammed International to Oshodi.”
Citing the degeneration of the road, the governor described the degradation of Oshodi-Airport road as a national embarrassment, saying the state government had the cash “to do a total reconstruction of the road.

“In the spirit of the regeneration and urbanisation that this administration has set out to achieve, we believe strongly that the image that is exhumed by the decadence of that road must be repaired.

“We took it upon ourselves to redevelop the road. We also took it upon ourselves to appropriate the 2017 budget that the House of Assembly should approve the total reconstruction of the Airport Road from Oshodi to the International Airport,” the governor explained.

He disclosed that the state government had already a design of 10 lanes “to come from Oshodi to the International Airport with interchange and flyover that would drop you towards the Local Airport. The contractor is already set to go. Everything as I said has been completed.

“We already have the cash, but alas we are having challenges with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. This is a federal and not a state road. The Federal Ministry of Works believes that they should do the road, but they have not been able to do it all these years.
Prior to when he became the governor of the state, he said the Federal Ministry of Works had been owing the state N51billion as reimbursement for reconstruction that was carried out on federal roads in the state.

Obviously, according to the governor, whatever we are asking for can never be up to N51billion they owe us. It is only logical that they should even give us part of what they owe us so that we can complete this construction of the Airport Road within a time of six months.
He, therefore, urged the Federal Ministry of Works “to reimburse us with whatever they owe us. Even if they are not willing to pay us now, we have the money to do it. It is a national disgrace and we would not be part of it. We would like to do it as part of the celebration of Lagos at 50.”

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2017/03/09/ambode-accuses-fasholas-ministry-of-frustrating-efforts-to-rehabilitate-oshodi-airport-road/

Airport road: FG not frustrating Lagos, says Fashola
ABDULFATAI AYOBAMI IBRAHIM
10 MAR 2017
Okechukwu Nnodim, Abuja

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, on Thursday declared that his ministry was not in any way frustrating Lagos State Government with respect to the reconstruction of the Lagos International Airport Road from Oshodi.

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, on Wednesday said the Federal Ministry of Works was frustrating efforts by his government to reconstruct the road.

But Fashola stated that his ministry had approved several requests made by the state government, adding that the governor failed to acknowledge that he spoke with the minister who explained ongoing processes to him.

The minister also stated that the state government had refused to provide land for the National Housing Programme.

He said it was important for his ministry to respond in order to ensure that members of the public were not misled.

Fashola, who spoke through his Special Adviser on Communications, Mr. Hakeem Bello, stated that the allegations of lack of cooperation from the ministry and frustration of the state government’s development initiatives were not true.


Disturbed by the development, the governor disclosed that the Presidential Lodge was central to the state’s fiftieth celebration, noting that the state government would soon roll programme for the anniversary.

He, therefore, lamented that the Presidential lodge, which would play a crucial role in the state’s fiftieth celebration, had not been handed over to the state government against the president’s directive.

He said the state government “has been being tossed about by the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and the Department of State Services (DSS) even after Buhari has approved that the Presidential Lodge should be handed over to the state government.

“Buhari has actually approved handing over of the Presidential Lodge, Marina. As we speak, nothing has been done on Mr. President’s directive. We are being frustrated. The approval of Buhari should be honoured. We believe we should take possession so that we can take over.”

Likewise, Ambode lamented that the Federal Ministry of Works, Power and Housing “is frustrating the state government’s plan to reconstruct the road that links Murtala Muhammed International to Oshodi.”
Citing the degeneration of the road, the governor described the degradation of Oshodi-Airport road as a national embarrassment, saying the state government had the cash “to do a total reconstruction of the road.

“In the spirit of the regeneration and urbanisation that this administration has set out to achieve, we believe strongly that the image that is exhumed by the decadence of that road must be repaired.

“We took it upon ourselves to redevelop the road. We also took it upon ourselves to appropriate the 2017 budget that the House of Assembly should approve the total reconstruction of the Airport Road from Oshodi to the International Airport,” the governor explained.

He disclosed that the state government had already a design of 10 lanes “to come from Oshodi to the International Airport with interchange and flyover that would drop you towards the Local Airport. The contractor is already set to go. Everything as I said has been completed.

“We already have the cash, but alas we are having challenges with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. This is a federal and not a state road. The Federal Ministry of Works believes that they should do the road, but they have not been able to do it all these years.
Prior to when he became the governor of the state, he said the Federal Ministry of Works had been owing the state N51billion as reimbursement for reconstruction that was carried out on federal roads in the state.

Obviously, according to the governor, whatever we are asking for can never be up to N51billion they owe us. It is only logical that they should even give us part of what they owe us so that we can complete this construction of the Airport Road within a time of six months.
He, therefore, urged the Federal Ministry of Works “to reimburse us with whatever they owe us. Even if they are not willing to pay us now, we have the money to do it. It is a national disgrace and we would not be part of it. We would like to do it as part of the celebration of Lagos at 50.”

http://punchng.com/airport-road-fg-not-frustrating-lagos-says-fashola/

Who aligning with FG help?? You abandoned True Federalism you have been shouting to enjoy Abuja Alliance, tell me which is better now?? 2014 National confab would have addressed the issues raised above than Abuja alliance

Hmm.

[quote author=johnie post=54478280][/quote]

Looks like this one is about to be fulfilled:


Osinbajo Gives LASG Go-ahead To Reconstruct Lagos Int’l Airport Road


The Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has granted permission to the Lagos State Government to embark upon a total reconstruction of the International Airport Road from Oshodi.

In a Press Statement signed on Wednesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode who made the disclosure, commended the Acting President for his statesman like approach to issues and for fast tracking the process.

“We are very appreciative of the good gesture of His Excellency, the Acting President for acceding to our request which is not only very timely but a very heartwarming one. Posterity will never forget this genuine developmental action”, Governor Ambode said.

He also described the approval as a 50th birthday to the people of Lagos State, describing it a further demonstration of the determination of the present administration to ensure the effectiveness of the Executive Order on improving the Ease of Doing Business recently signed by the Acting President.

Governor Ambode also gave kudos to President Muhammadu Buhari for providing the enabling environment to attract Foreign Direct Investment into the nation, adding that with the upgrading of the International Airport Road which is the gateway to the nation’s commercial nerve centre, the country will attract new investments.

The Governor had in early March this year, raised an alarm about the present state of the Muritala Muhammed International Airport Road, describing it as a national disgrace that required immediate attention to salvage the nation’s image.

He stated then that the State presently has a design for the reconstruction of the road as well as the funds to embark on the project but was yet to get the go ahead from the Federal Government.

In his words: “The road linking Oshodi to the International Airport, you would all agree with me is a national embarrassment. In the spirit of the regeneration and urbanisation that this administration has set out to achieve, we believe strongly that the image that is exhumed by the decadence of that road must be repaired and we took it upon ourselves to appropriate the 2017 budget that the House of Assembly should approve the total reconstruction of the Airport Road from Oshodi to the International Airport.

“The State currently has a design of 10 lanes to come from Oshodi to the International Airport with interchange and flyover that would drop you towards the Local Airport. The contractor is already set to go and everything as I said has been completed and we already have the cash, but alas we are having challenges with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. This is a Federal and not a State road. The Federal Ministry of Works believes that they should do the road, but they have not been able to do it all these years past.”

Governor Ambode had said if given the approval, his administration was ready to hit the ground running and begin construction of the Airport Road within two weeks and finish same within a period of six months.

Besides, the Governor also implored the Federal Government to avail the State of the N2billion appropriated for the Airport Road in the 2017 National Budget to carry out the project.

“I just want to appeal to the Federal Ministry of Works, to let go or reimburse us with whatever it is that they are owing us and even if they are not willing to pay us now, we have the money to do it. It is a national disgrace and we would not be part of it. We would like to do it as part of the celebration of Lagos at 50,” Governor Ambode had said then.

It would be recalled that the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing in its reaction said the delay in granting the request the of Lagos State was because the Memorandum conveying the request of Lagos State which was already before the Federal Executive Council has not reached completion stage.

“The Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing Ministry has presented the Memorandum conveying the request of the Lagos State Government to the Federal Executive Council as was done with a similar request by the Kaduna State Government in 2016”.

“Due to the fact that TWO of the roads also connect Ogun State, the Federal Executive Council could not reach an immediate decision on them because it requested the input of the other State Government affected”, the federal ministry explained.

www.vanguardngr.com/2017/05/osinbajo-gives-permission-lasg-reconstruct-lagos-intl-airport-road/

Blackpeni5, folem, xerxers