TheCable

Bola Tinubu, national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he has no doubt that Babatunde Fashola will excel in his new ministerial assignment.

Referring to the minister as his political product, Tinubu recalled how he was antagonised over the choice of Fashola as his successor.

Tinubu was speaking at the launch of the Mile 12-Ikorodu road widening and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) operation.

“We conquered the enemy when they said it was impossible through Babatunde Raji Fashola,” he said.

“You saw what happened when he was made minister yesterday. Lagos took the front seat. I am now a proud grandfather and I have no doubt he will succeed in that assignment.

“Leadership is about how many people you are able to bring up, build up and develop. I have many of them who are extremely gifted and talented.”

He also commended Akinwunmi Ambode, governor of the state, whom he said was “sought out” to lead the state.

The APC leader described the governor as “very creative” and commended him for his contribution towards making Lagos a model city.

Tinubu expressed optimism that Nigeria would succeed beyond people’s imaginations.

“We are in the front row now and we will ensure that Nigeria is turned around and succeeds beyond your imagination,” he said.

On his part, Ambode reassured the people of Lagos that he would address the issue of traffic congestion and improve road networks in the state.

He also pledged his government’s commitment to the infrastructural renewal and development of the state.

“Today’s commissioning is a milestone in public transportation system in the state,” he said.

“It is a delivery of world class transport infrastructure that will bring comfort and convenience to commuters, particularly Ikorodu residents.”

He said that the BRT system was initiated as part of strategies to modernise the public transport, like other major city states in the around.

“It is intended to provide efficient service that will encourage patronage by the middle-class thereby reducing the number of private vehicles on our roads,” he said.

“Today, the BRT system has to a large extent lived up to that expectation.”

Rauf Aregbesola, governor of Osun, was also present at the occasion.