The governorship candidate of the Peoples
Democratic Party, PDP, in Lagos State, Mr. Jimi
Agbaje, has declared that Lagos is not the private
company or estate of anyone or a chosen few.
He stated that the people of the state want a more
inclusive and more progressive government.
Agbaje in a message on his Facebook page on
Thursday, vowed to ensure that the Centre of
Excellence is “not just for a few elite, but for
ordinary people.”
“For those who have suggested that Lagos is a
company, and should be treated as such, I beg to
differ”, Agbaje said in an apparent reference to the
All Progressives Congress, APC, that has been
controlling Lagos in the last 16 years.
Agbaje promised to be a leader to the people and
not run the affairs of the state as a Chief Executive
Officer, CEO, where the employees are at the mercy
of the employer.
“As Governor, I want to be a Leader. One who leads
by ideas and action and more importantly one who
inspires others to do the same – whether they’re
young or old; artisan or white collar; Christian or
Muslim; indigene or non-indigene.”
Read his full post below:
“Yesterday, our brothers and sisters at Ladipo came
out in their numbers to hear me speak and it was
evident how much the people of Lagos want a more
inclusive and more progressive government.
“I was so inspired by the turn out that I took some
time out today to reflect on why I chose to run.
“If there’s something I sincerely think that we must
achieve as a government, it is that government must
begin work for, not just a few elites, but for ordinary
people. For those who have suggested that Lagos is
a company, and should be treated as such, I beg to
differ.
“You see Lagos is not a company. It shouldn’t be. A
state with so much human capital should not be led
by a “chosen few” who dictate to the rest of us like
a CEO would do to his employees. Lagos is first and
foremost a home – to millions of people who form a
microcosm of the larger country.
“It is a melting-pot that showcases the best in our
people and underscores the inherent power we have
as a people-united irrespective of our tribe, creed or
religion.
“In a company, you hire and fire. When profits look
good, employees get bonuses. When profits are
down, employees lose out. I don’t want to be the
CEO of Lagos.
“As Governor, I want to be a Leader. One who leads
by ideas and action and more importantly one who
inspires others to do the same – whether they’re
young or old; artisan or white collar; Christian or
Muslim; indigene or non-indigene.
“The challenges ahead of us will not be solved
through policy or regulation alone. We will need to
change mindsets and inspire hearts.
“I strongly believe that as government begins to
work for the people, the people in return would begin
to work for their beloved state, so that when we
succeed, it wouldn’t be because of one man, it
would be as a result of our collective effort.
“In closing, let me say that in the course of this
campaign, I have met some of the brightest young
people that you can imagine. I’ve met young men
and women who built multi-million naira businesses
out of nothing running it from their homes.
“I have met professionals, traders, market women
and artisans who make it a habit to give back to
society even when it’s hard to do so sometimes.
And I’m reminded why I’m here and why it’s critical
to have a government that inspires, celebrates and
makes life a little better for these everyday people”.
