The 2023 gubernatorial candidate of Accord Party in Lagos, Hon. Hakeem Dickson says “greed, political godfathers and uncanny leadership” have prevented the state from reaching its true potential.
Dickson stated this in his manifesto for the 2023 election, a copy of which was obtained by The Herald on Thursday.
The former Chairman of Surulere Local Government Area said that as “the backbone of Africa’s biggest economy”, Lagos has no business being ranked “as one of the worst cities to live in the world”.
Dickson blamed mismanagement of the state’s resources “under the shackles and strongholds of “Masters” and “Lords” whose actions and inactions continue to sink it aground” for the state’s abysmal infrastructure.
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“The intention to be the governor of Lagos arose as a result of my experiences with the mismanagement going on in the system.
“Lagos state, as strong as it is, has been put under the shackles and strongholds of “Masters” and “Lords” whose actions and inactions continue to sink it aground.
“Lagos state is more or less a quintessential example of how to run an economy without oil, but greed, political godfathers, and uncanny leadership have led to where it is today.
“Lagos state is rated as one of the worst cities to live in the world. Why? One would wonder that, as the backbone of Africa’s biggest economy, it should not be; however, it is – sadly.
“Lagos is the centerpiece of Nigeria’s economy, but what happens to Lagosians afterward? What benefit does a Lagosian have from being a Lagosian? What rights do they enjoy? Nothing; you would agree with me,” the gubernatorial candidate said.
Dickson, who is a former Director General of the Lagos State Safety Commission (LSC), said that if elected governor in 2023, he would implement an ’11-tier wheel’ hinged on health and safety, freedom, education, youth, local government and security.
The others are electricity, standard of living, gender equality, tourism and art, and technology.
He also said would launch programs that offer practical skill-building for social change, leadership coaching, and small-group support for Lagosians.
“These programs would focus on mobilizing mentors, reducing thug-war violence, and improving life outcomes for Lagosians. We will make it a personal mission to make basic education more affordable, tackle rising costs, real reforms and improve value for students through access to financial aid.
“We would make quality, affordable healthcare not a privilege but instead a fundamental human right,” Dickson said.
He also promised to reduce healthcare costs, and provide free medical care for pregnant women and children in
general.
Read full here: Hakeem Dickson’s Manifesto