Amidst jubilations following his victory at the polls, Lagos State Governor-elect, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has pledged to bring greater prosperity, growth and development to the state to further expand the legacy of good governance and progress bequeathed by his predecessors.
Ambode, who spoke to jubilant party supporters, friends and relations as well as newsmen at the Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Acme Road, Ogba, said he would build on the legacy and progress of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babatunde Fashola, to bring the best out of the state in the next four years.
Noting that Lagosians have demonstrated that Lagos is not about ethnicity or religion but about a common desire to enthrone good governance, the Governor-elect also pledged not to discriminate either on grounds of ethnicity or religion adding that such discrimination has neither happened in the past nor would it happen at the present or in the future.
He thanked Lagosians for demonstrating their confidence in him by voting him in as their next Governor pointing out that although he won at the polls, the victory belonged to the people of Lagos who, according to him, braved the elements and other anomalies to register their preference.
“I may have won your votes but it is you, the people, who won the election. The true winners are the people of Lagos State. I accept the victory on your behalf”, the Governor-elect said adding, “The people of Lagos have spoken; with one voice they have chosen continuity over an uncertain future”.
Commending the resilience of the residents, Ambode told the people, “You came out peacefully to cast your votes. Not even the threats of our opponents to unleash mayhem could keep you from having a date with destiny”.
The Governor–elect continued, “Because you have answered our call to come out and vote and handed your party, the APC, the victory at the polls, you have sealed a pact with democracy and good government. Our common belief in what we can accomplish, in what the State already is and in what it is destined to be binds us together in a social and moral contract of high purpose. I shall honour that contract with every fibre in my being”.
Pledging that his administration would not engage in any political victimization, Ambode, who also thanked both those who did not vote for him and those who did not vote at all, told Lagosians, “In your collective wisdom you refused to reward a party that failed at the national level by not giving that party the stewardship of our beloved Lagos. Continuity of progress shall govern the State in the next four years under the banner of the APC”.
“History has been made this day”, an obviously elated Governor-elect said, adding, “You have achieved an outstanding feat. By affirming your faith in the APC and in me, you have, for the first time in 16 years, married progressive governance at the national level with progressive government at the State level”.
He noted, with joy, that the joint infrastructural and employment projects and collaboration between the State and the Federal Government would quicken the improvement of roads, schools, power generation and the array of social services in the State adding that the era of cooperation between the two governments would usher in great opportunities for Lagosians.
“Lagos will enjoy optimal development and growth through APC governance working in tandem at the State and Federal levels”, he said adding that the cooperation and enhanced policy harmony would “surely pay handsome dividends”.
The Governor-elect congratulated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “for a job well done and keeping alive Nigeria’s hope for a brighter democracy adding, “To my main opponent, Mr. Jimi Agaje of the PDP, thank you for a keen contest and I invite you, alongside other gubernatorial candidates, to join hands with me in moving Lagos forward”.
He thanked his predecessors, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babatunde Fashola, for the excellent job they have done adding, “You have taught me a lot. Moreover, you have been a tireless selfless and inspiring campaigner for this cause”.
The Governor-elect also thanked the Deputy Governor-elect, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluranti Adebule “for her steadfast and strong support”, adding, “She will surely be an excellent Deputy Governor”.
Noting that the party has run a campaign devoid of hatred and concentrated on key issues affecting the people, Ambode, who declared himself the servant of the people, said, “The task ahead is not an easy one nor is it impossible. With wisdom, creativity and strength of purpose, we can accomplish great things for this great State. By God’s grace we shall make this our way, the only sure way to achieve change”.
Highlight of the occasion, which was also attended by the Chairman of the State Chapter of the APC, Otunba Oladele Ajomale, Deputy Governor-elect, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluranti Adebule, wife of the Governor-elect, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, party chieftains and supporters and other stakeholders, was the handover of the Certificate of Return to the Governor-elect by Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi.
