₦airaland Forum

u must be joking; the west still invest in Iraq

u begining to sound like a true born slowpoke

And who are/is this west person/people you're talking about?

How much did he/she/they siphoned?

Who's money/resources did he/she/they siphoned?

What/where did this west person/people invest the money in Iraq?

Feels like I'm according a degenerated dumb ass like you too much responsibility with these questions, but hey, dumb bleeps like you got to start from somewhere.

Bite on that like bingo and holla back like holla back kid.

Very interesting, thanks for the info.


I know it sounds stupid and self defeating to advocate investing stolen money in Nigeria, but things are so bad that I can't help but say it's not a bad Idea.

What's really the alternative?

News to me.

What did he do?

Unfortunately, stolen money is hard to invest in meaningful ventures.

The roads mentioned in the piece are Fed Roads and can not and shouod not be repaired by fashola.yar Adua is already playing party politics with Lagos State especially with the creation Of new local govts.So fashola should not emdeavour to repair those roads.
However,fashola is currently constructing the orile-iganmu to badagry road which will costs N10B complete with light-rail line,etc and has been fully paid to Julius berger.The Ikotun-Egbeda-isolo Bridge is also being done and will be finished very soon.So the whole Orile-Mile2-Festac-badagry axis is being constructed and will take at least till end of this year before it will be finished.The traffic in those areas will be heavy due to part of the road being closed to traffic and there will definitely be potholes on the roads being repaired.

The guy is doing a great job and nairalanders should stop this mud-slidding against Nigeria's best governor.

Well said.


These clowns are just bitter, salty and envious because their villages are terminally fc'ked up.

I'm not going to entertain your puerile absurdities or let you derail this thread.




Fashola, Tinubu, Others Preach Upholding Of Gani’s Ideal as Lagos stands still for late social crusader.

Dignitaries at the Police College, Ikeja venue of the lying in State ceremony which was jointly organized by the Lagos State Government and Civil Society Organizations included former Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Lagos.



https://i33.tinypic.com/nbzn79.jpg


more pictures here,

http://www.tundefashola.com/archives/photos/2009/09/10/20090910P01.html







Sep 10, 2009 - Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola ( SAN) Thursday hosted dignitaries from all walks of life at a glorious farewell ceremony for the late Social Crusader and foremost lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi.

Dignitaries at the Police College, Ikeja venue of the lying in State ceremony which was jointly organized by the Lagos State Government and Civil Society Organizations included former Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Lagos , Olusegun Osoba of Ogun State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose of Ekiti , former Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Balarabe Musa,former Governor Chris Ngige, Retired General Alani Akinrinade, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Dr Frederick Fasheun, Mr Ledum Mitee, Mr Femi Falana, top Nigerian artistes and a cross section of civil society.

Speaking at the event, Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) urged all Nigerians to chart a new beginning for the country from the death of Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), saying: “We must not let Gani’s life struggles end here. It must be the rallying point for all men of goodwill, young and old”.

“If we did not listen to him while he was alive, we must listen to him from the grave in. If truly Nigeria must be great again, we could not ask for a better rallying point. A pledge to be a better Nigerian made from here today as a memorial to Gani’s honour which will represent the first building blocks of a new Nigerian life”, he added.

In his words: “Are we all ready to make the pledge to be law abiding, to love one another, to eschew ethnicity and religious intolerance?. This is the way to immortalize Gani, a fallen patriot”.

He stressed that there is no honour that Nigerians can do to the great man than to ensure that the import of his message is not lost on the people, adding that as a mortal, Chief Fawehinmi was not without his own faults or limitations and while some may have disagreed with him as a messenger, it was difficult to disagree with his message which was consistent.

Governor Fashola also said the message of late Chief Gani Fawehinmi remains the challenge of Nigeria today, adding that it also represents the Minimum Development Goals and a light into the path of the country’s quest for good governance.

The Lagos State Governor said Gani’s life struggle represents a charter of developmental objectives for the Government because long before nations of the world gathered to sign a Millennium Development Goal, Chief Gani had agitated for good governance and public probity as the vehicles for the delivery of qualitative education, reliable and affordable healthcare, eradication of poverty, enthronement of the rule of law as the pre requisite for fighting injustice.

He added that in a country that was built on the rat race of self centeredness and at a time some of his professional colleagues preferred to assume a cold complicity of silence against the people; Gani chose to pitch tent with the masses in the trenches.

He explained that no amount of words and encomiums will be adequate in the appreciation of the laudable and long standing contributions of Gani Fawehinmi in the evolution of Nigeria.

He commiserated with the family, the entire civil society community, including the media, Students’ and labour organizations and several millions of helpless Nigerian masses for whom he lived, fought and died in the manner of a great hero.

In his tribute, former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu said for him and his political family, the greatest tribute they can pay to Gani is to continue in the struggle for the liberation and freedom of the Nigerian people along the line that Gani fought.

Said he: “Please reassure our comrade brothers, M.K.O Abiola, Aalao Aka Bashorun, Bala Usman, Beko Ransome Kuti, Pa Adekunle Ajasin, Senator Abraham Adesanya and many of the unknown defenders of our freedom when you meet them. We shall carry the torch forward and continue to light the candle for the true freedom and liberation of the people”.

He added that Chief Gani Fawehinmi remained not only a patriot to the end, but a conscious patriot who wanted the very best for Nigeria and her people and was willing to risk all, including his life, in his quest to expose our country’s Achilles heel to ensure Nigeria lived up to its billing and realize its often touted potentials.

Asiwaju Tinubu also said: “He was the scourge of leaders who had contempt for the people, those who believed that they could always get away with imposing their undemocratic and reactionary views on Nigerians. As he made enemies of the reactionary political elite, he grew in the estimation of ordinary Nigerians and the torrent of tributes from plebeians and even potentates is ample testimony to his very essence”.

He said Gani taught the virtues of speaking truth to power, of demystifying the arrogant and the powerful and the values of character; principles, compassion and integrity in his private and public life.

Asiwaju Tinubu reiterated that his was an unbroken cord with leadership as service and would forever be etched in the memory of the people at a time many presidents would hardly be remembered.

In his tribute, former Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba of Ogun State said late Chief Fawehinmi was one of the greatest supporters of the cause of journalism who contributed significantly to the growth of the profession.

He added that several times he took up briefs on cases against journalists without taking any legal fees and described him as Commander –In –Chief of the Unarmed Forces of Nigeria.

Former Chief of Defence Staff and Pro Democracy activist, Chief Alani Akinrinade described the late Chief Fawehinmi as the best and most brilliant General that the pro democracy setting in Nigeria has ever had.

General Akinirinade said he was a man who cared for the ordinary man on the streets and went to jail several times on behalf of the people but never compromised.

A former Military Administrator of Lagos State and pro democracy activist, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu said the death of the legal icon should remind all Nigerians of the need to go back to the drawing board and let all jointly rebuild the nation into a united and federal Nigeria without any discrimination.

The founder of the Oodua People Congress, Dr Frederick Fasehun said Chief Fawehinmi was the greatest detainee that was never convicted and also confronted the Police authority to institutionalize the rule of law.

Former Governor of Kaduna State and Chairman of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), Alhaji Balarabe Musa said Gani was many persons rolled into one and who represented many things to many people.

He added that his preoccupation was fighting for the weak and giving nightmare to many tin gods who parade the corridors of power in Nigeria and touched the life of many.

A leader of the Niger Delta, Mr Ledum Mitee in his tribute said the legal struggle of Chief Gani during the dark days of the Abacha regime was responsible for his still being alive today.

He said he is a man who should be celebrated, adding that the spirit of Ganism would be celebrated by the people of Ogoni who have fixed the 26th of this month for the celebration of Gani and his life.

An associate of late Chief Fawehinmi, Mr Femi Falana called for an investigation of the death of the human rights activist, saying in the past he has had several brushes with the authority which has had a toll on his health.

Mr Falana added that Gani never believed in violence but is always insistent on using the instrumentality of the law to change the society.

He suggested that as a tribute to the late Chief, all States should as a matter of necessity introduce human rights studies as part of the syllabus.

Others who spoke at the ceremony include Dr Joe Okei Odumakin, former Governor, Chris Ngige of Anambra State , Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, Dr Amos Akingba and former Minister of Education, Senator Jibril Aminu and many other notables and people from all walks of life.

In his vote of thanks, the eldest Son of Chief Gani Fawehinmi said the family has been strengthened and comforted by the expression of undiluted love shown to the family since the death of the Chief and the fact that his memory and spirit will continue to live with Nigerians forever.

He added that the pain felt by the family on the death of Gani has been smothered and cushioned by the outpouring of affections, emotions and the reactions of the Nigerian people.

The ceremony which also featured the recitation of poems by selected schools pupils and a filing past of the late Chief’s body was attended by his two wives, Ganiyat and Abike, children, grandchildren, relatives and members of the State Executive Council.

There is a topic, "The real Warri" thats been floating around. Start there.

Stop being evasive man! You can't hide the fact that you have never even crossed Ojota. Do you remember when you were referring to all Southern non Yoruba's that your governor gave jobs as IGBO. You are a bloody ignoramus man! Discussing with you is like watching a baby learn to crawl.

Visit the ND, see Warri, Calabar and PH. Get an education.

Ode, who's evasive? I asked you to post a single pic and you're coming up with silly nonsense.

Your stupid post = you don't have a damn thing to show. Put up or STFU,

Your internet urban myth is not gonna help you develop or ease things in the delta. Lagos state and Tinubu  is def' the least of your worries.

Try spend more time worrying about the good people of the delta. Go over there and help out.

They need you over there, not on NL.

From your statement, I can infer that either u are from Northern Nigeria, hausa-fulani to be precise or u are close to those ruling class who have siezed the nation's resources. But I advise u to always study issues before talking.

I'm not from northern Nigeria and I fit make the same statement easily. Na true talk.

^Visit the ND to curb yours

nothing over there, they are all in London and North America, private bank accounts, private jets, bogus companies and weapons for militants and murderers.


Why is it so difficult for you guys to show us at least 1 or 2 pics of any meaningful project in the delta. There's got to be something,we're not talking about needle inside haystack.

Bilions of dollars and not a single pic?  

Lawd have mercy,

Your intro to the "legendary" babapupa. . .
Just google "babapupa sjeezy8" to get the full, sorry picture.

Thanks for the compliments. I'm here to set things in prospective. Na public service, somebody got to do it.


Don't you want to stop right here before you begin cry like a baby say somebody dey follow you around.

I cant believe you are this shallow-minded.
Can you remember Peter Odili was named the best performing governor during his first term. Press men from all the Major newspapers went round, took photographs of his projects and voted him the golden governor.
Everybody knows Odili did little for Rivers State.

So, stop believing published articles especially governmnent magazines. Believe only when u see with your eyes or some1 u really trust attest.

What are you talking about? I posted 99% pictures of actual projects, not published articles. Be honest with your eyes @ least.



talk is cheap, show me what odili did abi what the rest of ND governors did or are doing. Who named odili the best governor? Please stop.


Till you show me what the delta gov's are doing, the shallowness is on you x 2.

And nothing wrong with state gov's highlighting their activities. We elect them to work for us and show us what they're doing, that's a positive thing, not negative.


I posted tons of projects and all your shallow brain picked up is some news magazine.


What about the rest of the links? Don't you want to compare with your so called odili a.ka. crook.

I know it's some people's misguided job to spread nonsense without proof or facts to back 'em up. I'm here to set you straight.


Na public service, somebody got to do it.

Fashola, Tinubu, Others Preach Upholding Of Gani’s Ideal as Lagos stands still for late social crusader.

Dignitaries at the Police College, Ikeja venue of the lying in State ceremony which was jointly organized by the Lagos State Government and Civil Society Organizations included former Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Lagos.



https://i33.tinypic.com/nbzn79.jpg


more pictures here,

http://www.tundefashola.com/archives/photos/2009/09/10/20090910P01.html







Sep 10, 2009 - Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola ( SAN) Thursday hosted dignitaries from all walks of life at a glorious farewell ceremony for the late Social Crusader and foremost lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi.

Dignitaries at the Police College, Ikeja venue of the lying in State ceremony which was jointly organized by the Lagos State Government and Civil Society Organizations included former Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Lagos , Olusegun Osoba of Ogun State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose of Ekiti , former Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Balarabe Musa,former Governor Chris Ngige, Retired General Alani Akinrinade, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Dr Frederick Fasheun, Mr Ledum Mitee, Mr Femi Falana, top Nigerian artistes and a cross section of civil society.

Speaking at the event, Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) urged all Nigerians to chart a new beginning for the country from the death of Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN), saying: “We must not let Gani’s life struggles end here. It must be the rallying point for all men of goodwill, young and old”.

“If we did not listen to him while he was alive, we must listen to him from the grave in. If truly Nigeria must be great again, we could not ask for a better rallying point. A pledge to be a better Nigerian made from here today as a memorial to Gani’s honour which will represent the first building blocks of a new Nigerian life”, he added.

In his words: “Are we all ready to make the pledge to be law abiding, to love one another, to eschew ethnicity and religious intolerance?. This is the way to immortalize Gani, a fallen patriot”.

He stressed that there is no honour that Nigerians can do to the great man than to ensure that the import of his message is not lost on the people, adding that as a mortal, Chief Fawehinmi was not without his own faults or limitations and while some may have disagreed with him as a messenger, it was difficult to disagree with his message which was consistent.

Governor Fashola also said the message of late Chief Gani Fawehinmi remains the challenge of Nigeria today, adding that it also represents the Minimum Development Goals and a light into the path of the country’s quest for good governance.

The Lagos State Governor said Gani’s life struggle represents a charter of developmental objectives for the Government because long before nations of the world gathered to sign a Millennium Development Goal, Chief Gani had agitated for good governance and public probity as the vehicles for the delivery of qualitative education, reliable and affordable healthcare, eradication of poverty, enthronement of the rule of law as the pre requisite for fighting injustice.

He added that in a country that was built on the rat race of self centeredness and at a time some of his professional colleagues preferred to assume a cold complicity of silence against the people; Gani chose to pitch tent with the masses in the trenches.

He explained that no amount of words and encomiums will be adequate in the appreciation of the laudable and long standing contributions of Gani Fawehinmi in the evolution of Nigeria.

He commiserated with the family, the entire civil society community, including the media, Students’ and labour organizations and several millions of helpless Nigerian masses for whom he lived, fought and died in the manner of a great hero.

In his tribute, former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu said for him and his political family, the greatest tribute they can pay to Gani is to continue in the struggle for the liberation and freedom of the Nigerian people along the line that Gani fought.

Said he: “Please reassure our comrade brothers, M.K.O Abiola, Aalao Aka Bashorun, Bala Usman, Beko Ransome Kuti, Pa Adekunle Ajasin, Senator Abraham Adesanya and many of the unknown defenders of our freedom when you meet them. We shall carry the torch forward and continue to light the candle for the true freedom and liberation of the people”.

He added that Chief Gani Fawehinmi remained not only a patriot to the end, but a conscious patriot who wanted the very best for Nigeria and her people and was willing to risk all, including his life, in his quest to expose our country’s Achilles heel to ensure Nigeria lived up to its billing and realize its often touted potentials.

Asiwaju Tinubu also said: “He was the scourge of leaders who had contempt for the people, those who believed that they could always get away with imposing their undemocratic and reactionary views on Nigerians. As he made enemies of the reactionary political elite, he grew in the estimation of ordinary Nigerians and the torrent of tributes from plebeians and even potentates is ample testimony to his very essence”.

He said Gani taught the virtues of speaking truth to power, of demystifying the arrogant and the powerful and the values of character; principles, compassion and integrity in his private and public life.

Asiwaju Tinubu reiterated that his was an unbroken cord with leadership as service and would forever be etched in the memory of the people at a time many presidents would hardly be remembered.

In his tribute, former Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba of Ogun State said late Chief Fawehinmi was one of the greatest supporters of the cause of journalism who contributed significantly to the growth of the profession.

He added that several times he took up briefs on cases against journalists without taking any legal fees and described him as Commander –In –Chief of the Unarmed Forces of Nigeria.

Former Chief of Defence Staff and Pro Democracy activist, Chief Alani Akinrinade described the late Chief Fawehinmi as the best and most brilliant General that the pro democracy setting in Nigeria has ever had.

General Akinirinade said he was a man who cared for the ordinary man on the streets and went to jail several times on behalf of the people but never compromised.

A former Military Administrator of Lagos State and pro democracy activist, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu said the death of the legal icon should remind all Nigerians of the need to go back to the drawing board and let all jointly rebuild the nation into a united and federal Nigeria without any discrimination.

The founder of the Oodua People Congress, Dr Frederick Fasehun said Chief Fawehinmi was the greatest detainee that was never convicted and also confronted the Police authority to institutionalize the rule of law.

Former Governor of Kaduna State and Chairman of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), Alhaji Balarabe Musa said Gani was many persons rolled into one and who represented many things to many people.

He added that his preoccupation was fighting for the weak and giving nightmare to many tin gods who parade the corridors of power in Nigeria and touched the life of many.

A leader of the Niger Delta, Mr Ledum Mitee in his tribute said the legal struggle of Chief Gani during the dark days of the Abacha regime was responsible for his still being alive today.

He said he is a man who should be celebrated, adding that the spirit of Ganism would be celebrated by the people of Ogoni who have fixed the 26th of this month for the celebration of Gani and his life.

An associate of late Chief Fawehinmi, Mr Femi Falana called for an investigation of the death of the human rights activist, saying in the past he has had several brushes with the authority which has had a toll on his health.

Mr Falana added that Gani never believed in violence but is always insistent on using the instrumentality of the law to change the society.

He suggested that as a tribute to the late Chief, all States should as a matter of necessity introduce human rights studies as part of the syllabus.

Others who spoke at the ceremony include Dr Joe Okei Odumakin, former Governor, Chris Ngige of Anambra State , Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, Dr Amos Akingba and former Minister of Education, Senator Jibril Aminu and many other notables and people from all walks of life.

In his vote of thanks, the eldest Son of Chief Gani Fawehinmi said the family has been strengthened and comforted by the expression of undiluted love shown to the family since the death of the Chief and the fact that his memory and spirit will continue to live with Nigerians forever.

He added that the pain felt by the family on the death of Gani has been smothered and cushioned by the outpouring of affections, emotions and the reactions of the Nigerian people.

The ceremony which also featured the recitation of poems by selected schools pupils and a filing past of the late Chief’s body was attended by his two wives, Ganiyat and Abike, children, grandchildren, relatives and members of the State Executive Council.

You're free to read Lagos indicator mag' monthly to curb your ignorance,


http://lagosindicatoronline.com/INDICATOR%20JUNE%202009%20%28web%29.pdf

Before we draw conclusions we should have adequate statistics to back our position.
Agreed. Fashola is doing well but that doesnt mean other state governors aint performing. Lagos state - from Ikeja to Surulere, Obalende to Ajah- is one stretch of development. This stretch was not developed by the indigenous Lagosians. Lagos was the federal capital, therefore most of the infrastructural developments were carried out by the FG and the FG is not a single individual or tribe. What Fashola is doing is renovations, repairs and refurbishments. Most of the ND governors are starting from scratch so we may not appreciate what they are doing.

Imagine a state like Niger that is more than 10 times the size of Lagos. Visitors would probably just visit only Minna the state capital. If they judge the governor based on what they see in Minna, they will be utterly wrong as Minna is only a small part of the state.
What can the people of Epe, Olodi-Apapa, Ojodu-Berger and Badagry say about Fashola?

You guys will never learn. Must you make weak excuses for inefficiency and gross abdication of responsibilities?

Talk crap about lagos as much as you want, the fact still remains that The delta region collects more money than the rest of the country and you have nothing to show for it but mansions in London, private jets, shopping in Monaco and Paris, oil bunkering and arming of militants and murderers.

About developments in Lagos state, 10 lane Badagry expressway in not a  secrete

Lekki-epe modern highway is not a secrete.

Just last month, LSG commissioned over nine projects in Badagry alone.

And I dare you to show me what ND governors are doing. I'll show you 3 fashola projects for each ND governor's you posted.

new-roads.

http://happylagosian..com/2009/05/new-roads.html


fashola-hands-over-114-new-patrol

http://happylagosian..com/2009/10/fashola-hands-over-114-new-patrol.html


fashola-commissions-transit-home-for women

http://happylagosian..com/2009/09/fashola-commissions-transit-home-for.html



yaba-glory-regained-with-upgraded-roads

http://happylagosian..com/2009/05/yaba-glory-regained-with-upgraded-roads.html




Lagos-drivers-institute.


http://happylagosian..com/2009/08/eko-dmv-lagos-drivers-institute-is-for.html

fashola-launches-50-mass-transit-buses

http://happylagosian..com/2009/08/fashola-launches-50-mass-transit-buses.html

bola-tinubu-bt-pediatric-complex.

http://happylagosian..com/2009/07/bola-tinubu-bt-pediatric-complex-and-bt.html


obafemi-awolowo-museum-epe-lagos.

http://happylagosian..com/2009/07/obafemi-awolowo-museum-epe-lagos.html

tejuosho-market-photo-gallery-phase

http://happylagosian..com/2009/06/tejuosho-market-photo-gallery-phase-2.html

fashola-commissions-1255-modern-taxis.

http://happylagosian..com/2009/05/fashola-commissions-1255-modern-taxis.html


new-malls.

http://happylagosian..com/2009/05/new-mallssurulerelagosogunsanya.html



revolution-continues.

http://happylagosian..com/2009/05/revolution-continues.html


lagos-to-commission-12-mini-waterworks.

http://happylagosian..com/2009/05/lagos-to-commission-12-mini-waterworks.html



lagosians-fashola-and-happy-leaders-of tomorrow.


http://happylagosian..com/2009/05/lagosians-fashola-and-happy-leaders-of.html



in-fulfillment-of-governor-fashola-san.

http://happylagosian..com/2009/05/in-fulfillment-of-governor-fashola-san.html


youre-best-among-usgov-jang-praises.

http://happylagosian..com/2009/05/youre-best-among-usgov-jang-praises.html



Please indulge me,

Accountabilty is the crux of the issue. With the present top down structure of the country, it is impossible hold a state govt to task whithout FG involvement. Afterall, the FG gives the money and governors should be accountable to their source of money right?

The country is set up wrong, it better suits a military dictatorship setup than a democratic one; it is a unitary system rather than a federation. We will never develop or have peace until it is corrected. Any other effort is applying bandage upon bandage.

But it is not impossible for MEND to dish out the same deadly justice they dish out to innocent Nigerians.

The only thing I get every time I read your posts regarding the delta always = Deltans are freeking helpless and incapable of doing anything right without the federal government's magical breath and presence. Sounds like you need the feds to tie your shoes and brush your freeking teeth too.

But one thing you don't need the federal government's help for is how to loot your people's resources, how to kidnap and kill innocent Nigerians, and how to extort money from the same federal government.

You're just like a freeking manifestion of the bad eggs holding back the good people of the delta.

Yes because they have nothing to loose and they are living on a free meal.

What are you losing that the rest of Nigeria is not losing?

Must innocent Nigerians be slaughtered and made to pay for the sins your looting brothers and criminals committed in the delta?

who is and has been in charge in the delta? Your brothers in the delta of course.

Who refused to enact and enforce environmental laws in the delta? Your brothers in the delta of course.

Who looted your resources? Your brothers in the delta of course.

Who's killing innocent Nigerians to scam money from the federal government? Your brothers of course?

Is MEND, Tompolo and the rest of the extortionists in the delta gonna share their extortion money with the good people of the delta? Of course not.

Who are the losing pawn at the short and of the stick? The good people of the delta of course.

With insane and misguided mental reasoning and rationalization like yours, what moral authority do you have to demand a better life for the good people of the delta?

And you wonder why that place is bleeped up. It's really sad to know that the region's future leaders are toeing the same flawed and deadly lines, just like the ones wrecking the place today.

The region can do better,

It's definitely a good idea. I just don't think we're socially enlightened and sophisticated enough to prudently manage sate police.

Fashola is a reasonable man, but I don't know about other governors like illiterate clowns in volatile states like Oyo, Ekiti and several stats up north restraining and preventing themselves from abusing and misusing state police.

There is corruption everywhere in Nigeria hence I don't understand why you have chosen to single out the Niger Delta

But the rest of Nigeria is not running around kidnapping, blowing up and killing innocent people.

Why not anyways?


Like other Federal government neglects, Fashola is basically feeding and equipping the Nigerian police in Lagos.

LAGOS State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola yesterday, for the umpteenth time, made a case for the establishment of a state police system in the country.

Fashola made the call in an address delivered at the state's third town hall meeting on security. The governor wondered why a state with its own government, and other institutions, would not have its own police.

Fashola queried: "When will we have the courage and honesty to do what is right? Can a state that has its own government, House of Assembly, high courts, universities and fire service, not have its own police? Are we really afraid of ourselves? The argument I continue to hear is that it will be abused."

Fashola noted that the giant strides made by the state in stemming its previously high crime wave through the instrumentality of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) showed how much could be achieved if all hands were on deck in tackling the challenge of insecurity.

While calling on corporate bodies and individual Lagos residents to contribute towards ensuring the sustainability of the LSSTF's work, the governor pointed out that the state could not "afford to backslide, indeed the reality demands that we add even more capacity. On our part, the state government, bearing the moral imperative of leadership by example, has committed over N3 billion to the fund."

Fashola disclosed that two helicopters and 10 more Armoured Personnel Carriers were on their way to boost security.

The governor equally urged Lagos residents to promptly dial the toll-free number, 767, in cases of emergencies. The governor also launched a website through which voluntary donations to the fund could be made by the public.



http://odili.net/news/source/2009/oct/16/30.html

then Bankole and the FG will protect them from being prosecuted.

MEND too go look the other way and and slaughter innocent people instead.


Be real.

I know of no Niger-Deltan who loves Odili, Ibori, Alams etc.

So where do idiots get the idea that our leaders steal because we allow them to?

Our leaders steal because the Nation allows them too.

After una sort out una legislative process, then you can throw stones in our backyard.

Nice try,

Your argument is not only bogus, it's void of credibility. Till MEND incinerate those clowns just like they slaughtered innocent Nigerians, you're yarning nothing but dust.

How do you justify having innocent Nigerians shed blood and pay for the sins of your brothers in the delta?

The tin pain am wel well sha.


Well, the governor can not run away from the fact that billions of dollars meant for the good people of the delta don waka via past governors like alams, ibori and odili, even the current ones are skimming the top neatly.

Is it a PDP vs AC interrelationship or a Federal Govt. vs State Govt

?

Both actually. We all know OBJ starved Lagos state for 8 years and Yaradua is getting ready to walk down the same road.

A rare breed of governor.


In Nigeria where the majority of the people feel politicians seek office for personal gain, Babatunde Raji Fashola (pictured), the executive governor of Lagos State, is a breath of fresh air. Since assuming office on 29 May 2007, the 46-year-old lawyer has earned the admiration and respect of all, for the serious manner in which he has been tackling the infrastructural and social problems of Lagos City and Lagos State in general. Fashola won a richly deserved award for good governance at the CBC-African business awards held in London on 7 July (see pp. 80-83). he gave our associate editor, Osasu Obayiuwana, this exclusive interview.

Q: First, what is your reaction to winning the CBC-African Business Award for Good Governance?

A: Personally it's not about winning awards. My aim in government is the simple goal of changing lives, and I recognise that efficiency in governmental response is a critical requirement for prompt service delivery. As we go about infrastructural renewal across Lagos State, we are mindful that it requires the right people and processes in the public services to implement and sustain what we do. We are reviewing our processes to see what we can do away with to save time and what we can do more of, to improve services. So while we are building, we are also reforming processes, improving technology, and so on. We have set up a Ways & Means Committee within the State Executive Council to continuously review these processes with the simple task of making it better and easier for our clients and the electorate to do business with us. So if all this gets acknowledged through awards or accolades, it inspires us to continue on this steady path. It also goes to show that in Nigeria or Africa, it's not impossible to have good governments.



Q: You have been in office for just over 26 months, and in what is a rarity for a Nigerian governor, you seem to have very high approval ratings from the public, why are you different?

A: Well, I have to say it is reassuring to hear that people are satisfied with what we have been doing in the last 26 months. We made a contract with the people and we have kept every promise we have made to them. We have also chosen to serve the people by rendering quarterly reports--through town hall meetings--which has enabled the people to play a part in the democratic process. We tell them how far we have gone with what we have promised, what we have implemented, what is still in the planning stages, what are the difficulties, and what we expect from the people in return.

Q: Why do you think there has been a disconnection between the people and their rulers? What needs to change in this dynamic?

A: I am not quite sure I agree that there is a deep level of mistrust, as you would want to put it. I would rather say that there is a lack of understanding, rather than mistrust. I say this because I think that there must be a sharing of information between the electorate and elected officials. But I think the policy of deliberate interaction with the public, which we have put in place, has helped to improve relations with the people we serve.

However, we cannot run away from the legacy or our political history. For over 30 years, we had protracted but unstable military rule, that meant indefinite terms of tenure which made it impossible to make and implement any plans within defined periods. If that kind of system is pervasive in a country for over 30 years, you will see motion without movement. That is what has come home to roost in Nigeria.

We have now had 10 years of democracy or civil rule in Nigeria and all of us are learning. People who could not talk for fear of repression are now learning to manage their freedoms after finding their voices again. All the pent-up frustrations, bottled up for more than 30 years, have come out now, with people expecting someone to wave a magic wand and have all their problems solved.

Q: People can see that roads and other important civil works are being carried out in Lagos State but the perennial flooding of the city of Lagos still persists. How will this problem be solved?

A: I think that the problem should not be generalised. There are parts of Lagos that never flood. There are highland areas, like Ikeja, which are slightly above sea level. You have pockets of uncontrolled development that obstruct drains and therefore impede the flow of water. Our cleaning and drainage clearing efforts have resolved many of the problems and mitigated others.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Regarding Lagos Island, Ikoyi, and Victoria Island (which are hard-hit during the rainy season), they lie, as their names suggest, particularly close to water--either the Atlantic or the Lagos Lagoon. My knowledge of drainage suggests to me that canals and drainage channels constructed within any city or country are meant not to hold water but channel such water to the lagoon creeks or the sea.

Now if, during this period of climate change and global warming, there are rising water levels, any islands that are below sea level historically [will suffer from such increases]. That is what 230 millimetres of rain on land and on water for seven days can do.

It is not just a question of drains being blocked. It is only when the water levels go down that we get in the position to drain areas that are affected by the flooding. It is, therefore, also a question of geography, civil engineering and marine engineering. But let me also say that all this happens between the first weeks of June to the end of August, which is roughly 12 weeks out of 52 in the year. What we need to do is to reduce the severity of the impact when this occurs and not to have a defeatist attitude towards the problem.

Q: Enforcement of planning regulations has been lax or non-existent over the years, which has contributed to the current problem, as properties have been built over floodplains and canals. Are you going to bite the bullet and enforce planning regulations?

A: I'm not going to have to bite the bullet because I have already done so. You will see that we are trying to enforce the regulations in a systemic and orderly way. In Gbagada [an area in mainland Lagos], we have removed structures that were on a drainage canal and have put in place not only a fully dredged canal but one that is concrete-lined. Since that project was completed two years ago, people living in that area have had no cause to complain about flooding. However, we have to look at the social consequences of dislocating people to solve this problem. In a certain area in Ikoyi, we had to spend more money on building a canal, taking a route that was longer than it should have been, in order to avoid displacing people. This has been a challenge.

Planning regulations are also being changed and we are hoping for more civic involvement in the enforcement of town planning regulations. We are also developing model cities with their own regulations, so no individual can just go and build in an unauthorised place. That makes my job easier as well. We intend that future buildings must be covered by insurance and that means they will have to be certified as fit for human habitation and meeting structural standards, because no insurance company will give cover unless buildings meet the requirements. We hope this will help solve the problems of buildings suddenly collapsing in Lagos.

Q: Lagos used to be the capital of Nigeria and remains the country's commercial nerve-centre. But your predecessor, who had a running battle with ex-President Olusegun obasanjo, felt the federal government failed to meet its responsibilities to the city. Has that changed now that President Yar' Adua is in charge?

A: I have to say that Lagos has not been dealt a fair hand in the allocation of resources, in the location of federal projects, and in the development of its infrastructure, which is in dire need of renewal, especially with the fact that Lagos represents 40% of the Nigerian economy. Lagos is where everyone comes to and is a major cash cow for the country. It is in Nigeria's interest that this State functions well and receives the right amount of resources from the federal purse.

Q: An airport is the first point of contact for foreign visitors and plays a vital part in forming their perception about how well that country works. Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos (which is owned and managed by the federal government) has been a shambles for a long time.

A: To be honest, I feel depressed any time I think about it. Regarding the road that leads to the airport [owned by the federal government and also in a very bad state], we have tried to enter into partnerships to improve things and we are still working on it. There is no doubt that sorting out this problem is important.

Q: If the federal government fails to do anything about the airport, are you going to take on this problem without them?

A: We have various model city plans and one of them includes a plan for an airport. We have finished the master plan for the Lekki Airport [a few kilometres away from the Victoria Island district]. We are now going into the stage of detailed design, and we expect competitive tenders from interested developers. I feel that if we have the ability to stand on our two legs, there is no need to stand on just one. We have no plan to abandon the old airport but whatever we build must work. Lagos, with its population and size, deserves two airports. London, which has a smaller population than Lagos, has five airports.

Q: Let's move on to national questions. Lagos was attacked by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) weeks after President Yar'Adua offered the Niger Delta militants an amnesty in June. Several legal experts have questioned the validity of Yar'Adua's offer. As a senior lawyer yourself, do you share their concerns?

A: I have to say that the burden of leadership is not a light one. My sense of it is to say that there is a genuine intention to find peace. In looking for peace, there is a willingness to try whatever method that will work. 1 genuinely and truly hope that it works. I say this because I have too much at stake in this country. It is a matter of personal pride, as I decided to remain in this country after graduating nearly 20 years ago, while my mates were leaving this country. I believe this country can and will work, and anything that has the capacity to bring peace and the development of the people of the Niger Delta, I would encourage us to try. It is not for me at this point to say whether issues of process have been followed. If we look at process, then there are a lot of things that we probably won't do.

Q: But for there to be a negotiated settlement, the parties must be able to trust one another to honour any agreement they mutually enter into. How can this happen when both the militants and the people of the Niger Delta have very little trust in the government keeping its word?

A: We should not dwell too much on trust or the lack of it. It would needlessly fester a gaping wound. Whether you trust or don't trust, the way to go about resolving the problem is by dealing with the issues. To develop the Niger Delta, both sides must reappraise their positions. If people say they want development and the government is prepared to carry out development projects, the officials to carry out these projects need to be given access to the area, if development is what the people want.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Q: But don't you think that the onus is on the federal government to prove that it is really serious about resolving this problem, after the people of the Niger Delta have been given false promises and disappointed time and time again?

A: But the problem did not start today. It has been there for three or four decades. The point I am making here is that there has to be a level of restraint if there is going to be progress. No development will take place in an atmosphere of crisis. It is a chicken and egg thing. You want development, but it can't be done in a crisis. When the government comes into the area with experts, so that they can draw up a plan to tackle various issues, they must also be allowed to come up with a timetable within which to deal with these issues. But can the issues of the Niger Delta be tackled if the oil pipelines are not running and the country has no income?

Q: Do you think that an end to the Niger Delta problem is in sight?

A: I am an optimist and I remain willing to participate in any process that will bring about peace. The history of human civilisation shows that no one really benefits from a crisis. When a crisis ends, when all of the energies are spent and burnt, a new period of redevelopment will start. I believe all the stakeholders are aware of the potential consequences of postponing or delaying the resolution of this crisis.


Q: You have had to increase your revenues through taxation, in order to carry out your development plans for Lagos. But people do not like tax increases and feel the government must justify how it is spending what it is already getting. How do you intend to convince the people of the need to pay more taxes to deal with the issues that matter most to them?

A: Let me say that we are not concerned with levying new taxes. Our focus is rather to ensure that the existing tax laws work. During the military era, no one had time to examine or enforce tax laws. As governments of questionable legitimacy, how could they tax the people? But 10 years of democratic and civil rule have given the people a foretaste of what a legitimate government can do. This is a commonwealth and everyone must play their role. The promises I made during my campaigns will remain promises unless I find the revenues to fund them. What we have done is to increase the pool of people who pay tax, without necessarily increasing the rate of tax levied. But there is no pretence about it. Taxation is a vexed issue the world over. But the problem should not be whether we are imposing new taxes. The question, in a democracy, should be whether those taxes are fair and just.

Q: There is a severe shortage of electricity in Nigeria at the moment, what will you do to solve this problem for Lagosians?

A: As someone with legal training, 1 will not rid myself of my own exercise of discretion, so I will not tell you what 1 will do until that time arises. There is an offer on the table that this country will get 6,000 megawatts of electricity by December this year and we expect that some of this electricity will come to Lagos. Of course, if we can deliver 6,000 megawatts, it makes absolute common sense that we can scale up from 6,000 megawatts.

Q: Do you honestly think that the federal government will meet this December target?

A: I will wait till December. I have been telling you about the need to build trust. They have made a promise and I am prepared to wait. There is a Timeframe. It is when they do not meet that timeframe that one can say that I do not have any confidence in their ability to get anything done.
[b]
Q: Your personal style of moving around Lagos is unique, as you don't use blaring sirens to push your way through traffic, unlike your fellow governors. Why? Secondly, will you seek a second term of office and what legacy do you want to bequeath to Lagosians by the time you leave?

A: I'll start with the second question first. It is premature to decide the question of reelection [which takes place in 2011 ] when I'm busy implementing the programmes and policies that form the core of my contract with the people of Lagos.

Regarding your first question, I have always abhorred noise. I like to operate in a tranquil and peaceful environment. But more importantly, I have always asked myself, what is a siren? It is a loud horn used in an emergency. Therefore the question I have asked myself is, are we in perpetual emergency?

If the citizens elect me to serve them, the car that I drive and the fuel I use comes from their taxes. And one of the things that irritate them has been traffic congestion. What moral tight have I got to drive past them, using a siren to bully my way through? It is my responsibility to solve that problem and the only way that I can show commitment and leadership in dealing with this problem is to share it with them.[/b]

One of the things that we have tackled headlong, in diverse ways, is the problem of traffic in Lagos--by building new roads, enforcing traffic rules, having a rapid bus transport system, and accelerating the completion of the design on the Lagos rail project. I am happy and proud to say that we have made some but it is not a finished job. Regarding my legacy, you cannot control what historians will say but I genuinely hope that by the time I leave office, I would have set Lagos on an irreversible path to prosperity by securing the future for the generation behind me.

A rare breed of governor.

Babatunde Raji Fashola.



[b]
[b]Q: Let's move on to national questions. Lagos was attacked by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) [/b]weeks after President Yar'Adua offered the Niger Delta militants an amnesty in June. Several legal experts have questioned the validity of Yar'Adua's offer. As a senior lawyer yourself, do you share their concerns?

A: I have to say that the burden of leadership is not a light one. My sense of it is to say that there is a genuine intention to find peace. In looking for peace, there is a willingness to try whatever method that will work. 1 genuinely and truly hope that it works. I say this because I have too much at stake in this country. It is a matter of personal pride, as I decided to remain in this country after graduating nearly 20 years ago, while my mates were leaving this country. I believe this country can and will work, and anything that has the capacity to bring peace and the development of the people of the Niger Delta, I would encourage us to try. It is not for me at this point to say whether issues of process have been followed. If we look at process, then there are a lot of things that we probably won't do.

Q: But for there to be a negotiated settlement, the parties must be able to trust one another to honour any agreement they mutually enter into. How can this happen when both the militants and the people of the Niger Delta have very little trust in the government keeping its word?

A: We should not dwell too much on trust or the lack of it. It would needlessly fester a gaping wound. Whether you trust or don't trust, the way to go about resolving the problem is by dealing with the issues. To develop the Niger Delta, both sides must reappraise their positions. If people say they want development and the government is prepared to carry out development projects, the officials to carry out these projects need to be given access to the area, if development is what the people want.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Q: But don't you think that the onus is on the federal government to prove that it is really serious about resolving this problem, after the people of the Niger Delta have been given false promises and disappointed time and time again?

A: But the problem did not start today. It has been there for three or four decades. The point I am making here is that there has to be a level of restraint if there is going to be progress. No development will take place in an atmosphere of crisis. It is a chicken and egg thing. You want development, but it can't be done in a crisis. When the government comes into the area with experts, so that they can draw up a plan to tackle various issues, they must also be allowed to come up with a timetable within which to deal with these issues. But can the issues of the Niger Delta be tackled if the oil pipelines are not running and the country has no income?

Q: Do you think that an end to the Niger Delta problem is in sight?

A: I am an optimist and I remain willing to participate in any process that will bring about peace. The history of human civilisation shows that no one really benefits from a crisis. When a crisis ends, when all of the energies are spent and burnt, a new period of redevelopment will start. I believe all the stakeholders are aware of the potential consequences of postponing or delaying the resolution of this crisis.[/b]


www.thefreelibrary.com/A">http://74.125.155.132/search?q=cache:LEaF2aB7Eg4J:www.thefreelibrary.com/A%2Brare%2Bbreed%2Bof%2Bgovernor.-a0206404344+fund+lekki+airport&cd=16&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a

I believe the federal govt gave a directive that states should undertake repair and maintenance of the federal roads within their jurisdiction as they would be reimbursed thereafter!

Sounds gullible and naive. Pigs go begin fly before PDP throw money at lagos to fix roads before or after.

You guys need to quit, do you know how many roads under construction in Lagos state sef ?


http://happylagosian..com/search?q=lagos+on+the+move

http://happylagosian..com/search?q=new+roads

http://happylagosian..com/2009/05/yaba-glory-regained-with-upgraded-roads.html

http://happylagosian..com/2008/06/ozumba-mbadiwe-road-in-victoria-island.html


Lekki/epe is still under construction

10 Lagos/badagry is under construction

178 Roads Under Construction In Lagos


178 Roads Under Construction In Lagos - Govt.
Design For Lagos-Badagry Express Way Ready Mid-July

Apr 17, 2008 - A total of 178 roads are currently under construction or rehabilitation across the 20 local government areas of Lagos State, Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Works and Infrastructure, Engineer Ganiyu Johnson revealed on Thursday.

Engineer Johnson also disclosed that the design for the planned 10-lane Lagos-Badagry Expressway is to be ready for use in mid-July this year.

Engineer Johnson who spoke at the Ministerial Press Briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa to mark the one year anniversary of the Governor Fashola-led administration, said the roads which amounted to 258.396 kilometres, were at various stages of completion.

Addressing the audience which included Government House Correspondents and officials of the Works and Infrastructure Ministry, Engineer Johnson said each of the two sides of the Lagos Badagry Expressway was being expanded by 100 metres to ensure convenience and safe driving.

According to the Special Adviser, structures which fall within the 100 metre extension of the road on both sides would have to give way, adding, however, that owners of structures found to be legitimately built on the affected areas would be adequately compensated.

Other features of the Expressway, Engnr. Johnson said, would include specific corridor for light rails and bus transit lanes, adding that the design of the road was in progress while actual construction would commence as soon as the working drawings were ready.

He listed the Local Government areas where constructions and rehabilitation of roads are currently going on to include Agege where six roads are currently under construction, Ajeromi/Ifelodun where seven roads are under construction and rehabilitation, Alimosho with 26 roads, Amuwo-Odofin with 14 and Apapa with seven roads under construction/rehabilitation.

Also under construction or rehabilitation are two roads in Badagry, three roads in Epe, 15 roads in Eti-Osa, five roads in Ibeju-Lekki, nine roads in Ifako-Ijaiye nine roads in Ikeja, 13 roads in Ikorodu, 15 roads in Kosofe, six roads in Lagos Island and 14 roads in Lagos Mainland.

Others are three roads in Mushin, five roads in Ojo five roads in Oshodi-Isolo, six roads in Somolu and six roads in Surulere.

Giving further details of the major road projects currently being undertaken by the Ministry, Engineer Johnson said in the Mainland Local Government area, a total of 33 roads and six pedestrian bridges have been identified to be carried out in phases, adding that the reconstruction of Murtala Way from Yaba to Iddo, which falls within the first phase, has reached 40 per cent completion while Messrs P.W. Limited has been mobilized to commence work on Herbert Macaulay Way, Aje Street, Commercial Avenue, Commercial Road, Montgomery Street and Old Yaba Road which make up the second phase of the project.

The Special Adviser said the State Government has also recognized 11 strategic roads for redevelopment in the Apapa Central Business District, adding that the project which is to be handled by Messrs Julius Berger would be done in four phases involving Aerodrome Road, Calcutta Crescent, Duala Road, Kofo Abayomi Street e.t.c.

According to him, the phase 111 of the Lagos Island Business District awarded by the immediate past administration has reached 85 per cent completion, adding that the project involves the extension of Brook Street, Adeniji-Adele Outer Ring Road, extension of Odunlami Street, extension of Ereko-Martins Street.

The Special Adviser said a total 49,439.520 tonnes of Asphalt was produced by the State’s Public Works Corporation from June 2007 to March this year adding that the rate of production has enhanced the progress of work in all the construction and rehabilitation sites.

Pledging continued progress in all fields of the Ministry’s responsibilities, Engineer Johnson said so far the Ministry has kept to the electoral promises of the administration of Governor Fashola.

its only a blind man that will say fashola is not doing anything,most especially on road construction.he cant possibly do everything at once.so please let him be o!

We all know it's not about roads. Lagos fit turn to America abi Dubai tomorrow and these numskulls go still have hate and bad bele flowing out of their veins.

In the scheme of things, these NL clowns no matter because even a day old baby sabi the difference between federal and state roads, but the only way for some people to feel good about their villages and hamlets is to trash other people.

Unfortunately for them, they'll always follow follow Lagos.