BY GBENGA OKE
AFTER weeks of consultation, Finance and Management czar, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, has finally declared to contest the Lagos 2015 governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ambode, who served in several capacities in Lagos for 27 years, including as permanent secretary, Ministry of Finance and auditor-general  and voluntarily retired in 2012, said  his mission to govern the state is to secure and create a prosperous Lagos with vibrant economy and quality service.

Declaring to his ambition to succeed Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) in style at Onikan Stadium, yesterday, he vowed to protect the interests of all Lagosians irrespective of tribe or tongue, if elected.

Lagos State Governorship Aspirant Mr Akinwumi Ambode (second right), flanked by All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Alhaji Safiriyu Abiodun Sunmola (third right) and others during Ambode declaration for Governor of Lagos at Onikan Stadium yesterday

As a measure of his popularity, the stadium was packed as various artistes and actors sang the praises of the man considered to enjoy the backing of APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

A host of federal and state legislators from Lagos, local government chairmen and the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu and virtually all the first class Obas in the state attended the event.

As early as 9am, thousands of party supporters had thronged the venue singing and dancing in support of the man they see as the next governor of Lagos.

At exactly 11.37am, Ambode arrived with his wife and hordes of supporters.

Clad in a white Agbada with a blue cap to match, he marched majestically around the stadium to thank jubilant supporters, who raised and waved brooms in salute.

Why I’m running

Speaking on why he wants the number one seat in Lagos, Ambode said:  “I have resolved to offer you genuine leadership that will be accountable with all the principles of good governance, a government of inclusion that will not leave any race or gender behind.”

He continued:  “We will work to create opportunities for all and offer selfless service. As we proceed we will leave no one behind. What our great party stands for is change, positive change. We will create wealth. We will create new jobs. We will challenge ourselves to make Lagos a better place. We will take Lagos to the next level. We are going to do it together.

“I call on all Muslims, Christians, and people of other religious persuasions to come out en masse and ensure we vote a candidate that has the interest of Lagos and Lagosians at heart. A candidate that is passionate about Lagos, A candidate that truly understands the needs of the ordinary people. I am that candidate,” he said.

Lagos is the most cosmopolitan state in Nigeria and there is no room for discrimination. Whether you are Igbo, Efik, Ijaw, Hausa, Fulani, a foreigner, whoever you are, so far you live or work in Lagos, our government will work for you and you will be adequately represented.

“We want a Lagos that will protect Abdullahi, that will address the issues of Chukwuma and uphold the well-being of Yewande. We want a Lagos that will not deny any Nigerian citizen the right of political participation and access to services. It is not about sectionalism. This is the new Nigeria that we want to build and Lagos is the focal point from where we would build the Nigeria of our dreams.”