Jimi Agbaje, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship candidate for Lagos State, has pledged to empower the local government system in the state to deliver service for the people if elected as the next governor of the state.
Agbaje in a statement promised to empower all arms of the government from the local government up, stressing that the third tier of governance is crucial and must be the first point of call for Lagosians.
According to him, rather than a few people with vested interests determining who governed the state, Agbaje said the onus to elect leaders should rest on the people, adding that he will preside over a Lagos State that is accountable to the people.
“In the months ahead, I will present a number of proposals which make up my vision and plans for Lagos State and I will also do my best to meet as many of you as possible and explain these plans, beliefs and convictions. On any occasion I will welcome your questions and do my best to answer them, so you will have no doubt of where I stand on issues that are important to you.
“In the meantime, here are some of these beliefs, plans and convictions. As Governor, what I will do is to use that exalted office to make sure the government of Lagos State works for the people of Lagos State, minimize wastages and focus on areas critical to the welfare of all Lagosians.
“A few vested interests should and must not determine the persons occupying Alausa. The fate and direction of everyone living in Lagos should be determined by all who live in this great state.
“Who is to be imposed as governor of Lagos State isn’t important. What is very important is who the people of Lagos would want to be their governor.
“My government will be a government of minimal interference or influence so as to enable the free market to flourish and run based on the forces of demand and supply.
“Most of the job qualifications we attain from our higher education institutions are not the jobs needed today in Lagos State. There has to be a shift to Lagos specific requirements determining what is being encouraged as job qualifications in Lagos State.
He added: “Thus, we must have a state that recognises what it needs and a Lagos that encourages qualifications in those areas, driven right through the educational system.”
