The All Progressives Congress gubernatorial candidate in Lagos, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has reiterated that he was conscripted to excel in public service, stating this as the reason why he is taking a step further to serve Lagos as the Governor of the state.
Mr. Ambode stated this at a parley organized by the Lagos APC to formally present the governorship candidate to the Chief Editors and Executives of the media houses in the state.
While presenting the APC governorship candidate, the incumbent governor of the state, Governor Babatunde Fashola stated that while it is true that the party was “spoilt for choice” as regards picking a competent successor for him, he pleaded to be quoted by saying that “Akin has been my choice from the beginning”.
The governor added that Akinwunmi Ambode is the best person to sustain and even surpass the enviable transformation the state has experienced in the past 8 years. He said this while describing Ambode as “someone who has the ability to rigorously ensure that things tally, his accountability is just unmatched”
“The fact that we had many competent candidates that vied during the gubernatorial primaries depicts the wealth of human capital within our party, and I am happy that Akin was the result that transparent process produced”, Governor Fashola added.
In his response, Akinwunmi Ambode was full of appreciation to the incumbent governor for making the parley happen. He also appreciated the media men and women whose expertise contributes a sizable quota to governance.
About his intention, Ambode echoed that despite being an accountant, his love for public service 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, noting that the time now seems right to take it to the next level.
He added 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 know-how, 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 them with well thought-plans on how to give an upgrade to the successes already recorded.
While answering questions, Ambode said he sees a Lagos that is safe, secure, cleaner and more prosperous. 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”.
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 a massive undertaken, it is something no one should experiment with. Getting this government going will not be difficult for an experienced Ambode”.
The state APC party Chairman, Chief Henry Ajomale, capped off the interactive parley by remarking that the forthcoming elections is a “simple choice between experience and experiment, I trust you all to make the wise choice and vote the APC”.