Celebrated publisher, Chief Dele Momodu, has described former governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, as a great leader; one worthy of emulation.
Momodu gave the commendation in an interview with The PUNCH, coming on the heels of his joining opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to him, Ambode, a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) remains one of the productive leaders that Nigeria has produced.
“For me, former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode remains one of the most productive leaders of this republic that is worthy of emulation.
“Like all human beings, he has his failings, but overall, I will say he was very successful. I always try to be as objective as possible.
“I was a big fan of his infrastructure revolution in Lagos. His brief stint of four years only revealed a great leader,” Momodu applauded.
On Ambode’s scathing criticism of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the wake of 2019 APC’s primary election campaigns, the publisher of OVATION magazine said, “I can only imagine the pressure that he was under; but you have to ask him what informed his decision to do so. It is personal to him.”
He said his decision to join the PDP was to help the party in contributing to its resolve to rebuild Nigeria.
Momodu sneered at insinuations that he joined the party to make political gains or contest again, for President.
“No one joins a political party simply to contest elections, and certainly not one as massive as the PDP.
“It would be foolish and foolhardy of me to enter the political arena and join a party, not to mention PDP for the sole purpose of contesting presidential election or any other election for that matter.
“The PDP parades some of the most experienced politicians as well as many of the brightest technocrats in Nigeria.
“It would be preposterous and premature to assume you are the messiah and would be welcomed as such instantly, as soon as you join the party.
“You must know that you have to demonstrate your ability and capability before you can offer yourself for any position.
“All I am doing now is making myself available to assist the party in the gargantuan task of rebuilding and uniting our dear country,” he disclosed.
He lamented that “Nigeria is sinking deeper and deeper” under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, noting that the PDP is a credible alternative.
He expressed the conviction that the PDP had learned its lesson arising from leadership failing, adding that the party would bring about the needed turnaround.
“I do not believe that only the PDP can salvage Nigeria but I’m certain that PDP has learnt useful lessons from the past unlike APC that continues to sink deeper and deeper in the abyss under the supervision of (the President).”
He said his coming to the PDP had attracted attentions, including that of former Vice President Atiku Abubarkar, but remarked that it was much more, as his entry to the party was predicated on principle and conviction