Chief of Staff to the president, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Saturday empowered about 5,000 residents of Surulere with cash, vehicles and other items under his Mega Empowerment Programme in Lagos.
Mr Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, also used the occasion to speak on recent allegations against him around the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
He said the empowerment programme included the provision of N1.15 billion in cash support, 279 vehicles, including minibuses, electric cars and electric tricycles, as well as laptops and other items to beneficiaries.
The chief of staff said 3,905 beneficiaries received N250,000 each, while 348 others received N500,000 each.
He said that under the programme, 61 beneficiaries were presented with electric vehicles, 40 with minibuses and 100 beneficiaries with laptops.
Mr Gbajabiamila said four Toyota Hiace 18-seater buses, two security patrol vehicles, a medical ambulance and a special T2 jeep were also included in the empowerment package.
He said Surulere and Lagos had remained supportive of him throughout his political career, including during his difficult period.
“Lagos has also stood by me in good and difficult times. The past few months have tested me in ways I never expected. Stories were written, strange accusations were made, lies were told and my integrity was questioned.
“Through it all, the people of Surulere and Lagos, and many well-meaning Nigerians kept me in their prayers and spoke up for me when it mattered. I will never forget that. I thank you all.
“The allegations came ferociously, but I am grateful that my people and those who know me understood that the allegations were false and malicious,” he said.
Mr Gbajabiamila said investigations into the allegations had cleared him, while thanking President Bola Tinubu for insisting on due process.
“At the end of the investigations, the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) cleared me of any wrongdoing, and the investigative reports are in the public domain.
“For those who seek high office, especially our young people, sometimes this is a high price you have to pay and a sacrifice you have to make. Do not be discouraged.
“I must thank my principal, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Many people wanted him to rush to judgment and give a verdict before the investigations were concluded. He refused and insisted on due process.
“Let me also say that Mr President knows his Chief of Staff very well. Having worked closely with me for many years, he was therefore confident that I was not in any way involved in those malicious stories,” he said.
The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee investigating the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) reported that it found no evidence that Mr Gbajabiamila authorised, approved, established or participated in the activities of the organisation.
Mr Gbajabiamila said he remained focused on his responsibilities and warned those allegedly using his name to defraud members of the public.
“So, let me speak plainly and directly to all those behind the attacks: no amount of money, blackmail or lies, whether sponsored from within or outside, will distract me from my work and the responsibility Mr President has given me to discharge.
“And to anyone using my name to defraud people or misrepresent me, know that the law will always catch up with you.
“I must say here that, at this moment, he remains one of us and part of the family. What is wrong is wrong, but what is right is right. In politics, loyalty is the currency we spend the most,” Mr Gbajabiamila added.
He said his loyalty to Mr Tinubu had remained consistent despite occasions when the President’s political decisions did not align with his personal wishes.
“I have been with Mr President for many years, and there have been times when his political decisions did not align with my wishes. I did not question his leadership, and I never betrayed the trust he placed in me.
“I stayed loyal then, and I remain loyal now. My commitment to his Renewed Hope Agenda remains unwavering.”
Speaking further on the empowerment programme, Mr Gbajabiamila said the event had earlier been shifted to allow proper verification of beneficiaries nominated through community development associations and trade associations.
“Earlier this year, in June, we shifted this event. It was not an easy decision, but I wanted to ensure that everything submitted by our CDAs and trade associations was properly checked.
“This is not a token gesture. It is one of the largest single empowerment programmes this community has ever witnessed,” he said.
Mr Gbajabiamila said the Gbaja transportation service was still operational, moving students within Surulere at no cost and offering discounted rates for the elderly.
He said electric cars had also been provided for e-hailing businesses, alongside electric bicycles and electric bikes.
“Step by step, this administration is keeping to its commitment to renewable energy and environmentally friendly initiatives.
“We will also be installing electric vehicle charging stations in Surulere.
“We will continue to provide meaningful empowerment opportunities for our people and ensure that the benefits of government reach our communities.”
Speaking, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the APC had demonstrated its commitment to the people through various empowerment programmes and interventions across the state.
Mr Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, said the party’s senators, members of the House of Representatives, the speaker, chief of staff and other political leaders had been engaging with constituents and supporting communities within their respective constituencies.
According to him, the APC’s strength lies in its connection with the people, stressing that politics should not be limited to making promises but should involve regular interaction with citizens and addressing their needs.
“Our party understands that a political party was formed to take care of our people, and that is what we are doing. There are so many things laid out there for people to benefit from today,” he said.
Mr Hamzat also expressed appreciation to those supporting the empowerment initiative, saying the administration was proud of its achievements and remained committed to doing more for the people of Lagos.
Cornelius Ojelabi, chairman of APC in the state, commended Mr Gbajabiamila on the empowerment programme, saying the party was proud of him.
Represented by a former minister of state for defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, Mr Ojelabi said Mr Gbajabiamila’s gestures were a reflection that APC was a caring party.
Also, chairman of Surulere Local Government, Suleiman Yusuf and chairman of Surulere Local Government Education Authority, Sheriff Folami, praised Mr Gbajabiamila for sustaining empowerment programmes in Surulere, describing him as a leader who had consistently impacted lives.
Dignitaries at the event included a former special adviser to the governor on housing, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, member representing Surulere Federal Constituency I, Fouad Laguda, and member of Governance Advisory Council, Tajudeen Olusi, among others.
One of the beneficiaries, Aisha Bello, who received N250,000 cash support, expressed gratitude to Gbajabiamila, saying the gesture would boost her petty trading business.
“I thank Mr Gbajabiamila for this support. This money will help me expand my business and support my family. God will continue to bless him,” she said.
(NAN)
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