Connect with us

Politics

2019: Agbaje, Sanwo-olu Unveils Agenda For Lagos

Published

on

Standard bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Jimi Agbaje, has pledged to build a better Lagos, if elected in 2019.In a statement yesterday, Agbaje promised to empower the local government system to make it deliver necessary service to people at the grassroots.According to him, the third-tier of government has been bastardised, and needs to be revamped to make the people determine who to elect at the local council level.

He condemned existing approach by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), where individuals handpick council chairmen and councilors, while promising to unveil proposals that would make up his vision and plans for the state.

Agbaje, who promised to do his best in meeting all stakeholders to explain these plans, beliefs and convictions, stressed that he would not build another government from the scratch, because his vision is a going concern and would remain so. He also promised to run a working government that would reduce wastes, while focusing on areas that are critical to the welfare of the citizens.

The PDP candidate pledged to address the unpopular issue of a few vested interests in the state, who act against the will of the people to determine who becomes the state governor.According to him: “Who is to be imposed as governor of Lagos State isn’t important, but what is very important is who the people desire to rule them.

“My government will be a government of minimal interference and influence. This would enable the free market to operate and flourish on the forces of demand and supply.

Agbaje said he would empower all arms of government from the local governments upward. “The Local government is crucial and must be the first point of call for the people. We will promote a Lagos State that is accountable to the people,” he added.

Also, his counterpart in the APC, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed his areas of interest, if he wins the governorship poll in 2019.He said he would solidify the symbol of unity among the critical stakeholders across the state.Sanwo-Olu promised to take Lagos to a greater height of development, along the paths that his predecessors had laid.Both candidates agreed that there was no need to re-invent the wheel, but run government that would be people-oriented and inclusive in nature.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Foreign

China Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Nigeria’s Fight Against Terrorism

Published

on

China has restated its readiness to continue supporting Nigeria in the ongoing fight against terrorism and efforts to maintain national stability.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, gave the assurance after a meeting with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Thursday.

In a statement shared via X, the ambassador said China “firmly supports” the Nigerian government’s development strategies that align with the country’s realities and long-term goals.

Dunhai also emphasized that China remains opposed to any external interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs “under the pretext of religion and human rights.”

The meeting further strengthened diplomatic ties between both nations, with discussions centered on security collaboration and sustainable development.

Continue Reading

News

U.S. Revokes Wole Soyinka’s Visa, Restricting His Entry Into the Country

Published

on

Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has disclosed that the United States government has revoked his visa, effectively barring him from entering the country for now.

Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday at Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park, Lagos Island, Soyinka said he was notified of the development through an official letter from the U.S. Consulate dated October 23, 2025.

He explained that he decided to make the matter public to inform organizations and individuals expecting him in the U.S. not to proceed with any travel-related plans.

> “I have no visa; I am banned, obviously, from the United States. And if you want to see me, you know where to find me,” Soyinka said, expressing shock at the decision. “I don’t have any criminal record or even a misdemeanour that could warrant such an action. I keep asking myself—have I ever misbehaved toward the United States?”

According to Soyinka, the letter from the Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) Section of the U.S. Consulate stated that the revocation was in accordance with U.S. Department of State regulations but gave no specific reason for the decision.

His revoked visa was a B1/B2 category, typically granted for business and tourism purposes.

Earlier in September, PM News reported that Soyinka had declined a request from the U.S. Consulate to attend a visa re-interview, saying he initially believed the notification letter was fake or a scam.

Despite the development, Soyinka emphasized that he bears no animosity toward U.S. authorities, adding that his previous interactions with American diplomats had always been cordial.

He concluded by noting that he would continue to seek clarification on the matter but does not regard the revocation as a personal attack.

Continue Reading

Politics

“Successive Governments Abandoned My Projects” — Jonathan

Published

on

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed regret over the abandonment of projects he initiated as governor of Bayelsa State after assuming office as Vice President in 2007.

Jonathan, who spoke on Wednesday at the inauguration of the Best Western Plus Hotel in Yenagoa, said he had begun the construction of one five-star and two three-star hotels during his tenure as governor, but the projects were neglected by succeeding administrations.

He lamented that many state governments waste public funds because new leaders often refuse to continue with projects started by their predecessors.

Recalling his administration’s efforts to develop the hospitality sector, Jonathan said the idea was to promote tourism and attract international visitors to Bayelsa State.

“When I took over as governor, there were no quality hotels to accommodate guests. We awarded contracts for the Tower Hotel and two three-star hotels to encourage tourism and improve the local economy,” he said. “Unfortunately, when I left office, those projects were abandoned.”

The former president said the development hindered Bayelsa’s growth and deprived the state of opportunities to generate revenue and jobs through tourism and investment.

Governor Douye Diri, who also spoke at the event, commended the hotel’s owner, Dr. Harcourt Adukeh, for his vision and contribution to the state’s economic development, describing the project as a major boost to Bayelsa’s hospitality industry.

The newly inaugurated Best Western Plus Hotel, an affiliate of the global Best Western brand, features modern facilities and overlooks the scenic Oxbow Lake, positioning Yenagoa as an emerging destination for tourism and business in the Niger Delta.

Continue Reading

Trending