One of the gubernatorial aspirants in Lagos State, Adetokunbo Philip Wahab, has pledged to increase the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the state if voted into power in 2015.
Wahab, who spoke with BD SUNDAY on his aspiration and programmes, commended the incumbent governor of the state, Babatunde Fashola, for his doggedness and industry, saying that it takes a man driven by mission and vision to achieve what he (Fashola) has done in the state.
He said he would increase the state’s IGR, not necessarily by being burdensome on the people and residents of Lagos.
Wahab, who described himself as a strong advocate of Equity and Justice and passionately hates injustice, a principle that has spurred him in providing countless Pro-Bono Legal Services to the poor and under-privileged right from his post-Law School days, recently opened his campaign office at Ogudu area of the state.
Explaining why he entered the race when others had since done so, he said he needed to consult with God.
“I believe in consulting with God before embarking on projects. This time around, I did just that. Again, don’t forget that the electoral umpire has a time table when electioneering should start. So, we must have to abide by the rules. But the important thing is that I have picked the form, and we are in the race,” he said.
The aspirant, who said he was a student union leader, who led numerous anti-military government protests, fighting to reclaim the MKO Abiola Hope-93 mandate, insisted that the experience of those days really equipped him for the job he is currently applying for.
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Against the backdrop of allegations that LASTMA, KAI, and some other agencies of the state government are high-handed in their dealings with residents, Wahab said he would always respect the rule of law by ensuring that agencies of government such as LASTMA, KAI etc do not unnecessarily infringe on people’s rights, he said: “In the first instance, I do not agree with the insinuation that LASTMA or KAI are ill-treating people. There may be a few bad eggs, but you do not throw away the baby with bath water. The incumbent governor is a man that believes in the rule of law. You are aware that some of the officers that went beyond their brief were punished. LASTMA is a very good agency; without their efforts, there would have been more chaos in terms of traffic management in Lagos. What I think they need is constant training and orientation. And that is what my government will be doing when we get into office.”
On why he considers himself the most suitable for the job, he said: “I am the youngest among the aspirants; the 21st Century Lagos demands a man that has the energy and zest to stand the rigors of office. I stand at a better stead to continue from where the incumbent will stop.”
Zebulon Agomuo
