A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Ogun State, Otunba Jimi Lawal, on Thursday, declared his readiness to restore good governance if elected as the governor of the state.

Lawal, who formally declared his intention to contest the 2023 gubernatorial election, averred that the current administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun in the state had failed and needed to be replaced at the polls.

His formal declaration held at the Ake Palace Ground, Abeokuta, was attended by a mammoth crowd of PDP members and supporters from across the 20 local government areas of the state as well as other South West states.

Lawal, who was the former Special Adviser to Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Investment Promotion, unveiled a five-point agenda which, he stated, would eliminate prevalent poverty and rising unemployment in the state.

He noted that with his good character, sound academic qualifications, political exposure and public service experience, he remained the most qualified aspirant to confront the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State.

He said: “At the moment, there is lack of good governance under the present government in the state. I have come to rescue our dear state from misgovernance and lackluster leadership.

“If given the mandate in the next gubernatorial election, I have five priority programmes to focus on towards making the lives of our people better. These include economic development, human capital development, infrastructure, good governance and improved security of lives and property in the state.”

The British-trained banker observed that given the proximity of Ogun State to the nation’s commercial centre, Lagos, there ought to be a marked improvement in the revenue generation of his home state which, according to him, was non-existent.

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“After Lagos, Ogun State should be the next in terms of revenue drive. Our state has great potential and my administration would do everything possible to revitalize the revenue management of the state and also develop human capital to eliminate poverty and unemployment,” he added.

Lawal also promised free and compulsory education from primary up to secondary school level if elected, adding that his government would bear the cost of terminal examinations, including WAEC and JAMB for qualified students.

While bemoaning rising infant and maternal mortality rates in the state, the governorship aspirant vowed to revamp primary health care by ensuring health centres are functioning to optimal capacity across the local government areas.

Lawal, who recently defected to the PDP from the APC, further promised to address the plight of workers and pensioners in the state just as he vowed that civil servants would receive their salaries on every 24th day of the month if elected as governor.

In his remarks, the PDP Chairman in Ogun State, Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele, said the party would provide a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the 2023 general election.

Ogundele said the PDP has become a “beautiful bride” and cannot afford to betray the hopes and aspirations of Nigerians.

Ogundele also debunked insinuations that the party leadership in the state had been pocketed, stressing that the party exists for all and sundry.

Ogundele appealed to PDP members to be united, promote healthy rivalry and abide by whatever decision reached by the party in respect to the 2023 general election.

The Star