The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, has quashed rumours making the rounds that he was fired from the Lagos State Civil Service. He stated this at a reception held in his honour by the Eko Club, one of the most prominent and premier clubs in Lagos State.

Ambode made this remark in response to a question on the reasons for his exit from the service at a relatively young age of 49. He stated that he served the state meritoriously for 27 years and was specially commended by the State Governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN). He added that he was issued a Certificate of Service by the Lagos State Civil Service in recognition of the service he rendered to the state and stated that the rumours being peddled by the opposition that he was forced out of office were totally baseless and untrue.

Mr. Ambode also clarified the issue of leave bonus of Lagos State workers, stating that leave bonus has not been removed from workers remuneration but spread across 12 months into their monthly salary.

Mr. Ambode was received by a large gathering of members of the club which included the Chairman of the Club, Alhaji Farouk Grillo, Omoba Murphy Adetoro, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Alhaji Razak Muse, Chief Lanre Razak, Prince Adrmola Dada and Alhaji Muritala Ashorobi.

Akinwunmi Ambode took the members through his programme for Lagos State and urged them to support him in the forthcoming governorship elections.

He answered many questions from members of the club on different topics ranging from education to healthcare to traffic congestion. At the end of the event he was granted an Honorary membership of the club and an assurance of the complete support of the club in the elections.

The President of the club, Mr. Babatunde Grillo, stated that the APC governorship hopeful earned their endorsement based on what he described has “his tested and trusted servitude, leadership acumen and an unmatched experience in matters of good governance”.

The Chairman of the interactive session, Chief Murphy Adetoro, reiterated the club’s stance by introducing Ambode as the best candidate for the Lagos top job, while giving reference to his rare competence and landmark achievements in the Lagos mainstream civil service.

He added that, “Ambode is an accomplished administrator who has served in different capacities and consistently worked to ensure that our state thrives as the true state of excellence. All these, combined with his experience and integrity, gives one the confidence that he is the right man to take Lagos to higher heights”.