The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has objected to the recent rating by African Leadership magazine which graded Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as the best performing governor in the country.
According to the PDP, “the poll conducted by the magazine has been investigated to be of no credible value as the exercise was sponsored and compromised by the propaganda team in the government of Ambode with the deliberate aim of misleading the public to see Governor Ambode as performing.
“It is indeed laughable that a so-called assessment doesn’t have specific areas of ratings and voting pattern.
“They have just released a percentage figure generic. We would like to know whether the poll also took into consideration the monumental wealth of the state and the small size contrary to other states.
“Lagos presently gets over N45 billion from its internally generated revenue, federal allocations and other areas. Yet it remains the most indebted state in the whole of the federation”.
In the statement signed by Taofik Gani, the party added that “For sake of clarity we challenge the governor and the magazine to defend this administration’s policies in the: Housing sector: where rents continue to soar for lack of affordable government housing. House rents in the country are highest in lagos state. Instead of starting housing for the poor masses the governor is focussed on the prodigal, inexpedient and bourgeoisie project of Eko Atlantic Estate;
“Transportation: the so called land transportation is now moribund. There is traffic gridlock everywhere. The state’s investments in the BRT, LAGBUS are not with any declared profits to the state, yet the state continue to use public funds to buy buses and give to cronies as operators. The collapsed land transportation has led many into water transportation.
“Unfortunately, this has caused the death of many commuters because of boats capsizing; Civil Service: where the civil servants do not collect minimum wage. Their pay slips are not specific of their wages and salaries. They are working with no due promotions;
“Education sector: where parents now prefer to enrol their children in private schools and not into public schools. The public school teachers are being owed salaries. Many of the public schools are so dilapidated. The interventions of philanthropists and corporate bodies who renovate, donate books and materials are the solace in the state public schools today;
“Agriculture Sector: the recent tomato scarcity exposed this administration’s claim to have invested huge sums in this sector. There was no tomato produce from any of the purported farmlands within the state or the ones bought outside the states. Lagos state is where food stuffs are most expensive in the country;
“Security: where kidnapping, Armed robbery, Cultism, gangsterism, communal clashes have become part of life in the state. Royal fathers, students, workers are now attacked in their homes and on the roads at will with no prompt security response in spite the huge amount purportedly sunk in that sector;
“Sports Sector: where the state government recently sabotaged the hosting of the international badminton tournament slated for the state. The last minute cancellation will cost the state penalty. This is just as the state’s sports associations are now going cap in hand to beg for sponsorship from individuals and corporate bodies;
“Democracy and Human Rights: where the governor has refused to allow democracy at the third tier of government under his watch. Rather he is illegally controlling the councils with his cronies as appointees.
“Lagosians are also at the mercy of State agencies like the LASTMA, KAI and task force who many atimes violate their Rights in the name of enforcing state laws. The detention camp along badagry should be closed down.”
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