National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu came under fire on Friday for his comments against former governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode during the commissioning of the 1.4km Agege Pen Cinema Flyover.
Tinubu, who was present at the commissioning of the project, initiated by Ambode in 2017, said the ship of state, under Ambode was heading in the wrong direction.
According to him, the drift became noticeable between 2017-2018, alleging that it was the reason political leaders in the state decided to bring Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Obafemi Hamzat, on board to steady the ship.
But it would be recalled that Tinubu had hailed Ambode in March 2017 during the commissioning of Aboru Abesan Link Bridge, where he precisely commended him for improving the fortunes of the State despite the huge debt profile his predecessor in office (Fashola) left behind.
Residents of the State, especially direct beneficiaries of the project did not hesitate to disagree with Tinubu, insisting that Ambode deserves commendation not just for the Pen Cinema project, but for other major capital projects his administration initiated and completed within a short time.
Micro-blogging site, twitter went agog, as residents expressed their displeasure that Ambode, who conceived and started the Pen Cinema Flyover, was neither invited to the event nor acknowledged during the inauguration of the project.
@NejeebBello said, “Bola Tinubu carried his two legs to meet Sanwo-Olu at the inauguration of Agege Pen Cinema Flyover Bridge built by Ambode whom they both ganged up to victimize and chase away.”Does Sanwoolu himself not have any project in the last 2 years that he can show his “National Leader”?
Anuoluwa23 said, “ Tinubu is nothing but a politician. Same way he praised Ambode to the highest heavens in 2017 when he was commissioning Aboru Abesan Link Bridge and today he is vilifying him. Get ready Sanwo-Olu, he will still deny you before 2023.”
@LaWills_ said, “According to Tinubu, Oshodi World-class Transport Interchange, Agege Flyover, Abule Egba Flyover, Ajah Flyover, Airport Road project and many other Ambode’s projects are not part of Lagos Masterplan. But today, he went to commission one of the projects.”
@Mmanua_p said, “Former Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos should please come back & contest for his 2nd term he was denied of by APC Chieftains. I don’t like this idea of someone claiming his glory. Since 2019, I haven’t seen a project initiated & completed in Lagos till date.”
Official Oluwakorede, MPA (PHD soon) wrote: “All I can is God bless Ambode, the navigator. I’m sad that Gov Sanwoolu invited everybody, but not Ambode who initiated and mobilised the project and several others across the State. Agege motorists, congrats.”
@SodiqTade said, “Ambode’s projects are everywhere even two years after he left office. The Agege flyover that Sanwoolu is commissioning today with funfair is part of Ambode’s projects. Tinubu that went against Ambo is also there dancing while commissioning the supposed ‘failure’ project.”
Alex Teflondon said, “I think we should give credit to ambode for the agege bridge ..he started that project but unfortunately wasn’t there to finish it …now fagba will be free again.”
@iamkennethcole wrote, “Thank you Ambode @AkinwunmiAmbode, the navigator & initiator. You did only start this project but several others across the State,in 3 yrs you constructed & rehabilitated 450 major roads & 50 other impactful projects. Notably is the Agric-Ishawo dual carriageway.”
@pastorchristob1 said, “Anyone who lived in Lagos for the period of Ambode’s 4 years regime would know that he was a true governor with good intentions. He wanted to liberate Lagos and redefine the face of Lagos. His project during the 4 years can never be forgotten even till beautifying under bridges.”
@iamteju4real, “All accolades as regards the #AgegePenCinemaBridge should be given to Ambode who started the project in 2017, Sanwoolu only had the honor of completing it in 2021.”