The debate which was an
initiative of the Church of Nigeria couldn't have been set up at a better time or better place. Candidates at the beginning were advised to ensure they keep
to the 10 minutes each allotted at the beginning. Professor Dapo Asaju further
instructed that candidates should make it a clean fair debate due to the fact
that they were in the house of God. He advised that they should refrain from
pointing fingers and casting aspersions but only intimate the animated audience
with their various plans for Lagos.
In many people’s
opinion at the end of the debate which began at 11:00AM and ended at 4:30PM, the
caliber of candidates who rolled out to contest are seasoned politicians and
statesmen versed in their various fields and not novices.
Jimi Agbaje of the PDP spoke admirably in the opinion of many people. Some however were overheard saying he
was contesting on the wrong platform and this they allegedly believe is a
unique game changer for him. Keeping to the laid down rules, he displayed
dexterousness that can only have been achieved by a professional. He portrayed
brilliance in his speech and soon had many in the audience on their feet
cheering him on. Agbaje laid figures down proving that he had done ample
research before signing up to become governor. Asides his truly moving vision
for Lagos which he stated in clear terms as recorded earlier in my published candidates' speech, he was able to hit the nail on the
head and answer questions thrown at him during the questions and answers
session.
Akinwunmi Ambode of APC while outlining in clear terms his plans was
seen as a man of few words. Nevertheless, he enviably delivered his mandate
with unique eloquence and a kind of deep set understanding that comes from
truly knowing. When it came to answering questions, he expertly fielded the
posed questions with unique dexterity and succinct expressions of his opinions.
Certainly loved by the audience, what he lacked for in verbosity, he made up
for in clarity and concisely crafted ideas. Of course, his speech was followed by thunderous applause, a sign of his being accepted like
the man whose shoes he’s contesting to step into, Ambode managed to reaffirm
the people’s confidence in his party.
Another candidate who
managed to capture the audience with his enthralling words was the AD candidate,
Bolaji Ogunseye. He stated that the party was formed based on the principles of
Obafemi Awolowo, therefore they do know what they are doing. Asides being well
spoken, Bolaji Ogunseye spoke of
a plan majorly designed for the youths. He had good ideas and the audience
certainly was impressed. A truly adroit man, his brilliance speech ensured he
was seen as a strong contender for the Lagos State Gubernatorial seat.
Michael Abiodun
Popoola, the first candidate to speak was considered another strong contender
in the race even though being the running mate; he was representing Dr. Olulana
of the Labour party. Michael Abiodun Popoola is reported to have worked with
the World Bank as a Senior Specialist General Services, several other banks at
topmost levels and different multinationals. He is the group head, public
sector for an insurance company in Nigeria from Lagos to the South West. He
stated that he is standing to represent a teeming majority of Nigerians who
have been suffering under the yoke of politics. He opined that while many
Nigerians of his generation enjoyed free education, that is no longer the case.
Like a true politician, he rendered a moving tale of the realities of today’s
Nigeria and for certain, Onaola’s blog can state that he lost no votes at the
time. He spoke of dead visions that did not see the light of the day because
people work in darkness. He’s a zonal pastor of MFM. He however must have lost
a couple of votes when asked of his plan for Lagos State University and
funding. He reportedly stated that the professors in LASU should be ‘flogged’
for asking government for money to run their school. A number of people in the
audience allegedly frowned at his statement and considered him insensitive to
have said that especially since professors of the university could have been in
attendance.
Another striking
candidate was Comrade Ayodele Akele of Gani Fawehinmi’s NCP who simply pointed out the
reported mismanagement of Lagos by the ruling party. Due to the fact that he
came on as an activist, his speech and rendition, while entertaining, reminded
many in the audience of their school days. He certainly must have forgotten the
initial instructions by the moderator as he went full out to criticize the
ruling party.
Victor Adegboyega Adeniji of KOWA party
turned things around in the Question and answer session when he countered a
question by the representative of the Chief Imam of Lagos. The Chief Imam
acknowledged Mr. Jimi Agbaje for being at the mosque the day before and also
thanked Mr. Ambode for his acceptance to be in attendance the following Saturday.
Obviously, the remarks irked KOWA Party candidate as he asked in clear terms
why himself and the other 14 candidates were not invited. He went on to state
that they are equally candidates and no one should trivialize their candidacy
by ignoring them. He ended it by stating that he ‘will be’ the next governor of
Lagos State.
This election promises to be as entertaining as well
as competitive judging by the number of candidates and their versatility. In
all Onaola’s blog can categorically tell you that Lagos is and will continue to
be in good hands especially with the present cadre of candidates.
No comments:
Post a Comment