Fashola Faces More Hurdles Over Second Term

Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State appears to be facing more challenges in his second term bid as election year is fast approaching. The lawyer-turned-politician had, for sometime now, been battling forces within the Action Congress (AC) over some of his policies perceived to be against some cabals.
Indications to this emerged few weeks back when Gov. Fashola was said to be at war with his political godfather, ex-governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This was compounded with open criticism from the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Sabit Ikuforiji, during the 2010 budget presentation last year. Though Ikuforiji has denied being at war with the governor, many see the open criticism as a sign of crack in the wall of the party.
Ikuforiji has since then been using every available forum to tell the governor to beware of praise singers and to strive to achieve more than he has done.
questionmarkmag.com also gathered that some commissioners are jostling to take over from Fashola in 2011. Top on the list are Hon. Muiz Banire, Commissioner for the Environment, Hon. Tokunbo Afikuyomi of the Ministry of Tourism and Inter-Governmental Relations and Hon. Tola Kasali of the Special Duties Ministry.
Sources said that the AC has been scouting for a credible candidate for the 2011 governorship election as it is almost certain that Fashola would not be fielded by the party in the election.
The speculation was further confirmed penultimate week when the National Chairman of the AC, Chief Bisi Akande told newsmen that the party could not say categorically if Fashola would be fielded in the 2011 election.
Sources close to AC told questionmarkmag.com exclusively that there was no problem between the governor and the party. He insisted that Gov. Fashola’s efforts are appreciated by the party, and that it is not always automatic for a governor to be given a second term ticket.
“We are not at war. Fashola is a loyal party member. He is not fighting Tinubu or Speaker Adeyemi and nobody is jostling for his job. We will not allow the opposition to capitalize on this fathom of lies and our party is as united as ever in Lagos State,” he offered.

source [questionmarkmag.com]