Fashola performed better than I did, Tinubu admits

Bola Tinubu, the immediate past governor of Lagos state, has admitted that the record of Babatunde Fashola, his successor, is better than his.

Tinubu said this on Wednesday during the flag-off of the party’s campaign for the forthcoming general election in the state.

“In the year 2007, I handed over to one young man, brought him to you and said he would perform better,” he said.

“A man with sound brain and sound mind; that person is Babatunde Fashola. He did not disgrace us.

“I thank God for eight years of excellent performance, unbroken promises, sound experience and constructive government. I am proud that I am the father of successors. Our prayer is that our children should live and perform better than us.”

He said that Fashola performed well in construction of roads and school buildings, employment, healthcare delivery, among others.

He urged Lagos residents to vote en masse for Akinwunmi Ambode, the party’s governorship candidate in the state during February 28 election, adding that Ambode would build on Fashola’s achievements.

In his address, Fashola urged Lagos residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to enable them to vote.

He also appealed to them to vote for Ambode in order to sustain the development efforts of the state.

“Go to your wards and INEC offices in your various local government areas and obtain your PVCs,” he said.

“You have till January 31 to do so if you want Ambode to win. Your right to vote is not the gift of any government.

“It is a right you have as a citizen in any part of the world where democracy is practised.”

He also said that he would continue to honour past governors for sacrificing for the development of the state and hailed Tinubu for his services to the state and the party.

“You built the pillar and foundation upon which we stand,’’ the governor said.

On his part, Ambode promised to build on Fashola’s achievements, if elected. He said that he would make the state’s economy more viable.

“I will build on the legacy of Fashola’s administration and will not disappoint you,” he promised.

“I have been an accountant all my life; so, I shall be accountable to all of you.”

Henry Ajomale, the chairman of the party in the state, boasted that the PDP was no threat to its retaining the control of government in Lagos.

James Odunmbaku, the vice chairman of APC in Lagos, commended the party members for their support, adding that the crowd at the rally was encouraging.