Lagos deserves special status, says Abiru

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Editor

Lagos East All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate Tokunbo Abiru has said Lagos State deserves a special status as a former federal capital.

He noted that Lagos occupied a special historic, economic and political position as a rallying point for Nigeria, even after the capital was relocated to Abuja.

Abiru, former Finance Commissioner and ex-Polaris Bank Managing Director, spoke with reporters at the weekend in Ibeshe, Ikorodu Division about his vision for Lagos East Senatorial District.

He was accompanied by his campaign chairman, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, APC Publicity Secretary Seye Oladejo, former House of Assembly member Segun Olulade, Igbogbo/Bayeku Council Chairman Sesan Daini and his Bariga counterpart, Kolade Alabi.

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Noting that the clamour for special status for Lagos was not his own creation, but a necessity, the standard-bearer said the former federal capital and host to the airport, seaport and other infrastructure cannot be ignored in national life.

Abiru said the infrastructure that has been put in place by the government in Lagos will continue to attract people and investment.

He said in every former federal capital, there would always be immigration, despite the relocation of the seat of the central government.

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The eminent banker recalled that the late military Head of State, Gen. Murtala Mohammed, who recognised the realities, also acknowledged that Lagos could not be abandoned.

Abiru said: “Lagos is doing a great job, but we need the federal support.”

Reflecting on his emergence as APC candidate, Abiru described himself as a product of consensus, which has fostered cohesion, peace and unity in the ruling party.

He described himself as part and parcel of the Lagos East District, having been weaned at Ikorodu, saying he is popular with the stakeholders, including monarchs, community leaders, women and youths.

Abiru said he had ploughed back to the district through intervention programmes, which he had organised silently.

He acknowledged that he had aspired to be senator at a time of grave economic situation when economic and financial experts, who are members of the National Assembly, will assist the executive in the course of policy formulation.

He said: “I have ideas about poverty eradication and empowerment programme, which I will do through a foundation.

“I am not a special person. I’m just one of the people. I will contribute discipline, competence and understanding of how things will work.”