Senatorial aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Lagos central, Dr Tokunbo Pearse, on Thursday, said, for the first time in 20 years, the political climate in the state is more favourable for the party to secure victory come 2023 general elections, as he disclosed that the party was right now developing a winning attitude.
Pearse said this while speaking at a formal declaration of his intention to contest the Lagos central district, which took place at the PDP mainland local government area secretariat, Alago Meji, Yaba, pointing out that this was so because things were falling apart for All Progressives Congress (APC) while, according to him, Lagosians irrespective of party affiliation were ready to get rid of the ruling party in the state.
The party chieftain, who was a former governorship candidate, further said that the political climate ahead of the 2023 polls could hardly be more favourable for Lagos PDP, noting that the party despite lingering issues, was united under the Philip Ivoji- led leadership.
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Besides, Pearse, who spoke at the event attended by the party chairman, Hon Molomo Adelabi; other PDP exco members, including deputy chairman, Adeniji Lawanson; secretary, Taylor Olajide; treasurer, Mrs Ronke Akande; Mr Effiong Nyong, among others, said Lagos PDP, for the first time in history, had the tacit encouragement of the party at the national level and the unwavering support of the Oyo State governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, who is also the PDP leader in South-West.
“And the path of PDP to victory in Lagos State has never been clearer than now. Our main opposition, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is in disarray. Many members of the factions within the party are ready to cross over to PDP, following the example of Lagos4Lagos.”
“Lagos State PDP is developing a new attitude. It is an ambitious attitude. It is a winning attitude. I align myself with that attitude completely. With this winning mentality, and with your support, by the grace of God, I will win this senatorial race to become the senator representing Lagos central, come 2023,” he added.
Pearse, while speaking on his chances at the poll, said party delegates had assured him that they would never again vote for aspirants whose strategy was to win the primaries, collect election day funding and go to sleep on the day of elections.
Speaking on his mission if finally elected into the Senate, Pearse said he was resolved to ensure that Lagos state was granted a special Mega-City status, positing that this would help the state in handling the pressures placed on her by the mass migration of population into the state, as well as the Federal Government pressures on state infrastructure, including roads and bridges.
He said he would also work with his other colleagues to ensure that full autonomy was granted to Lagos state over Inland Waterways, pointing out that the Federal Government must not be allowed to usurp marine assets of the state.
“The main policies which I will pursue at the National Assembly as a Lagos Senator are as follows: Reinvigorate abandoned Federal Government projects such as Apapa Port Community Infrastructure, Lekki- Epe Coaster Road, and Badagry Deep Seaport Project.
“Press for restructuring of the Nigerian Federation, decentralization of Federal offices to states for ease of access.”
“Diversification of the economy to include state control over their mineral resources, (this will reduce the country’s over-dependence on oil) and state control over Local Taxes such as VAT.”
Pearse, while pledging that he would devote himself to the service of residents of Lagos Central and not to any leader or private interest, said that his efforts on behalf of the district would be communicated to the residents through regular Town Hall meetings, amongst others.
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