Press Releases

Lagos Govt Refutes Reports Of Rift Between Fashola And Tinubu, Says Relationship Is On Sound Footing

Dec 11, 2009 - Lagos State Government on Friday refuted reports in certain sections of the media about the relationship between Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and his predecessor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing that the relationship is on a sound footing.

In a Press statement signed by the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Barrister Opeyemi Bamidele, the State Government stated categorically that: “Contrary to the reports, innuendos and speculations about a rift between Governor Fashola and his illustrious predecessor, Asiwaju Tinubu, the relationship between both men is on sound footing”.

Mr Opeyemi Bamidele added that: “Asiwaju Tinubu has never mounted any pressure on the State Governor and Government and any such report is mischievous, wicked and malicious”.

He added that it is also not true that Governor Fashola had twice nearly resigned following illicit demands and indecent pressure and harassment on him, saying: “This is totally baseless, unfounded and a figment of warped imagination”.

He said Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) would like to dissociate himself from these ugly speculations and this diabolic scheme of dreaming up conflicts where there are none.

Said he: “Governor Fashola claims no exclusive credit for any achievement. Whatever credits he claims are to the extent that he was lucky among other talents to have been chosen to continue whatever schemes and programmes his illustrious predecessor started – and that is about everything, including the BRT and Waste-to-Wealth programme, which meticulous planning and clinical execution could not have been a product of less than six years”.

The statement also reiterated that the Lagos State Government is not aware of any move to impeach Governor Fashola by the members of the State Assembly and which the State House of Assembly has also denied.

In his words: “Those who are bent on creating a conflict where none exists have their own agenda. But Governor Fashola will not be party to such plots. As he told the media on Tuesday 8 December 2009, there is nothing to these ugly rumours.

“For emphasis there is no, and there will never be any, conflict between the Governor and his predecessor. While the Governor gives Asiwaju Tinubu his due regards, the former Governor has treated his successor and protégée with utmost courtesy, befitting his exalted office”, Mr Bamidele explained.

Mr Opeyemi Bamidele on behalf of the State Government urged everyone to disregard the wicked and ugly rumours, adding that they are distractions which Lagosians cannot afford in the march to build a new Lagos.