Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, the Lagos State governor, on Monday officially declared his intention to seek re-election in 2019 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he remains undaunted and resolutely committed to achieve more for the state.
Ambode, who addressed scores of residents and party faithful, who defied the heavy downpour to witness the declaration in Alausa, recalled how the journey began four years ago when he called on the people of Lagos to join him in a journey of selfless service to build a secure and prosperous state driven by a vibrant economy and supported by quality service, equity and justice.
He said it was gratifying that the people believed in him and gave him their support.
Ambode said: “In the last three and a half years, I have fulfilled my promises to you to make Lagos work for all. With your support, we have made Lagos a better place and changed the face of our state. I did not do it alone; we did it together, because you believed.
“Our state has remained steadily prosperous because of your positive outlook. I urge you to always stay positive in your personal and communal lives and continue to aspire to great things.”
While thanking all the people of the state for believing in his administration and for the support so far, Ambode, who had earlier picked up his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, appreciated APC members and leaders in the state, especially Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the party’s national leader, for giving him the platform to contribute to the further growth and development of the state.
The governor said though a lot had been achieved, he was not tired to achieve more for the state, hence was humbly seeking the people’s support to achieve more.
“In these three and a half years as your governor, I have seen visible proof that we can achieve unbelievable things when we all come together with no more than our belief in our dreams.
“We achieved because you believed. But, there is still a lot more to be done. But, I am not daunted. I am not tired. And I am sure, you feel the same way, because, we all envision a better Lagos, a Lagos of our dreams.
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“So, I humbly call you again to give me your support as I seek to continue with your mandate to steer the affairs of our state. I ask you to believe again and together, let’s achieve more,” Ambode said.
Gbenga Ashafa, Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District at the upper legislative chamber, said that Ambode was endorsed by Tinubu for a second term on account of his sterling performance in office.
According to him, “We are so proud to have Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as our governor.
“As the Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, which produced him even though he is for the whole of Lagos State and Nigeria, we are saying we are very happy to endorse him (Ambode) for a second term on the instruction of our leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Ashafa said.
Among scores of APC leaders and members present at the declaration include Ambode’s wife, Bolanle; Deputy Governor, Mrs. Idiat Adebule; Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tunji Bello; Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; Senator Gbenga Ashafa; Senator Ganiyu Solomon; House of Assembly members; State Executive Council (SEC) members, all 57 local government chairmen.
