The Lagos state Governor has stated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has always been his choice candidate all through the build up to the APC governorship primaries held over a month ago.
He stated this during a parley organized by the Lagos APC to formally present their gubernatorial candidate and his running mate, Dr. (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule, to media executives in Lagos.
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The governor noted that the party was actually "spoilt for choice" by having a pool of competent aspirants to elect from, but that he was happy that Ambode emerged as the victorious flag bearer.
"It was a healthy problem; that we had many competent and accomplished aspirants to choose from. It clearly demonstrates the rich human capital we have in Lagos, in Lagos APC"
He added, "Our party had a democratic and transparent gubernatorial primaries, and I am proud and happy with the results it has produced. This is because Akin has been my choice from the beginning, and I say this unequivocally"
In his presentation, Governor Fashola described Ambode as "someone who has the ability to rigorously ensure that things tally, his accountability is just unmatched. He has the befitting skill-set needed to build upon the successes we have recorded so far, and that is why I am happy at his candidature".
While reflecting on his 8-year tenure, Fashola noted that Lagos has consistently undergone enviable and noteworthy transformation, adding that Akinwunmi Ambode had the experience to sustain and even better such transformation.
"I have worked with Akin and I can attest to his vast experience. He knows the government and understands governance, and his application of this capacity-enhancing know-how will surely ensure that there is continuity in the tradition of excellence we are now known for in Lagos".
In his response, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, who was full of appreciation to the Governor and the Party for making the parley happen, stated that public service was a form of nobility for him.
"All my life, I have practiced selfless service to humanity in varying capacities. This has enabled me to take public service as a noble one". About his gubernatorial intention, Ambode echoed that despite being an accountant, his love for public service and natural knack for leadership led him to secure a Fullbright Scholarship for Public Leadership in Boston University, Massachusetts. He said such leadership know-how and a diligent skill-set gave productivity to his public service career, reiterating that the time seems right to take it to the next level.
In his words, "the success and productivity that characterized my public service career makes me believe strongly  that I was conscripted to excel in service to the people, and this is the reason why I desire  to serve Lagos as the Governor of the state".
Apart from this leadership capabilities, Ambode intoned  that the very helpful experience secured while he worked with former governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and also Governor Fashola, have equipped him with rich administrative bandwidth that places him in good stead to keep up with the tradition of excellence that the state and the party is known for.
The media parley gave him the opportunity to further intimate his audience with well thought-plans on how to sustain the successes already recorded.
While answering questions, Ambode said he sees a Lagos that is "safe, secure, cleaner and more prosperous, that is driven by qualitative service, equity and justice".
He promised "strong leadership, selfless service, accountability and an excellent governance", adding that "we have proved that governance can work, and I promise you that it will keep working".
Ambode noted further that the party's ideology is an ideology of progressives, and which is responsive and people-oriented.
"This ideology covers the two fundamental responsibilities of any serious government; that is, the protection of its citizens and their welfare. I humbly assure you that these are the two areas my government will also successfully address"
He asked for their support in this election period to achieve it, while also saying there is need to replicate such good at the Federal level.
Governor Fashola corroborated Mr. Ambode's reply by stating that "government is something no one should experiment with. Getting this government going will not be difficult for an experienced Ambode".
Governor Fashola and Ambode both appreciated the media men and women whose expertise in terms of constructive criticisms and ideas, contribute a sizable quota to achieving good governance.
The state APC party Chairman, Chief Henry Ajomale, capped off the interactive parley by remarking that the forthcoming election is a "simple choice between experience and experiment, I trust you all to make the wise choice and vote for the APC".
 

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