The constitutional four-year term for all elective political offices which started in 2015 will be expiring early next year, 2019. Thus, in the next few months the country’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will be organising elections into various political offices.
As such, some politicians will be seeking re-election, if still permissible by the constitution, whether or not their performances are truly deserving of another term in office. There will also be some new faces especially with the force of the #NotTooYoungToRun advocacy.
Generally, the atmosphere will be filled with mighty promises which too often, going by the nation’s track record, eventually do not see the light of day.
Going by the myriad of failed promises and absence of commitment to deliver on their words, some public officers are supposed to be perpetually confined to the back seats in the affairs of the nation should we be magnanimous enough to offer them any seat in the first place.
Similarly, to improve on the delivery of good governance and inspire quality leadership in the country, those who have acquitted themselves creditably in various offices should be rewarded with fresh mandates.
And that’s the distinguished league the governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, belongs to. It’s a circle of a few excellent performers in public service which, without fear of contradictions, Ambode presently leads.
Like a heir that is alive to and proud of the tradition of excellence bequeathed to him by his forebears, Ambo, as the governor is fondly called by legions of admirers, is not just sustaining the standards but has continued to take it higher.
On that basis, not a few public commentators have made brilliant references to the leadership process that operates in Lagos and the strategic leadership recruitment plan that has continued to produce hands capable of sustaining growth and development in the state.
Similarly, political scholars and policy analysts with interests in the politics of sub-national economies and developing democracies are citing the political sagacity and leadership skills of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the first governor of Lagos state after Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999, for his amazing vision and for delivering a remarkable road map for the development of the state. And also for strategising and insisting that great minds and passionate citizens are handed the mantle of leadership to run the state after the expiration of his (Asiwaju’s) 8-year tenure.
As such, the evidence of well thought-out, long-term goals and viable immediate interventions for the management of a promising state and economy were commendably proven by Governor Babatunde Fashola who Asiwaju passed the baton to.
So it’s not surprising that since Ambode took the baton from Fashola in 2015, the respected accountant and public administrator has been increasing the speed of progress to the admiration of Lagosians and Nigerians in general even including our foreign friends.
From building enduring infrastructure to improving security and safety in Lagos state, governor Ambode has simply kept his eyes on the ball with the determination to keep scoring spectacular goals.
The Light Up Lagos initiative of the administration has helped to illuminate all dark corners around the state and chase workers of darkness out of their hidden places.
Public transportation has become more popular with all categories of people now getting on Lagos public commuting means due to innovations, oversight, better management and improvement of infrastructure to strengthen the sector.
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) is by all descriptions living up to its name and job details. The reduction of traffic on major roads in Lagos and prompt responses to emergency situations across the state are to the credit of this purpose-driven agency. And all thanks to governor Ambode for ensuring that the agency, like others, is provided with modern equipment and managed by competent hands to boost its performance.
Similarly, there’s renewed hope and promise of novel ideas to reinvigorate the tourism and culture sector amonsgt other areas that are getting new lease of life and which will help to deepen the renenue base of Lagos state.
Of course, the current waste management crisis in the state is as discomforting to the governor as the majority of the residents are feeling terribly uncomfortable on the matter. But the governor has not ceased to assure all on finding a lasting solution to the menace and has been working assiduously to win the war on the waste matter like other development challenges he successfully put in check.
Above all, Ambo (he’s coming – as that abridged version of his name implies) has come and has so far proven himself beyond the expectations of all and sundry.
So the call for Ambo – one more time – by stakeholders and development enthusiasts for the governor to be given another term in 2019 election to complete his remarkable works is indeed a worthy call. And that needs to be amplified!
*Written by Lekan Fatodu
