Raji Rasaki
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General Raji Alagbe Rasaki, Nigerian Army (Rtd.) (born January 7, 1947 in Ibadan) attended the elite Nigerian Military School, Zaria after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Defense Academy. A professional soldier for many decades, he had a glowing and meteoritic military career, during which he held many command and staff positions. He was Adjutant, Lagos Garrison Signal Regiment (1970-1971), Commanding Officer Second Signal Regiment, Commander Signal Support Brigade (1978-1979), Commander Army Signal Corps, Commander Army Headquarters Garrison & Signal Group.
Raji Rasaki was a one time military governor of Ogun State, 1986-87 before his re-deployment to the nation's economic nerve center, Lagos State, becoming that state’s military governor in 1988. Soon after, he embarked on a massive demolition exercise of illegal structures to rid the State of shanties. That singular act resulted in the re-vitalization of Lagos, and a boom in the real estate market. A member of the armed forces ruling council; he gained national prominence during the April 22, 1990 unsuccessful coup against the Ibrahim Babangida regime. The plotters led by the late Major Gideon Orkar had attempted to overrun the then seat of the Federal Government; Dodan Barracks, and in that process killing Babangida’s Aide de Camp, Major U.K.Bello. Late Major Orkar had announced many far-reaching declarations, which included radical restructuring of the federation bordering on the excision of five core northern States until the coup was foiled by officers loyal to Babangida. The first announcement to this effect came from the then military governor of Lagos state, Col. Raji Rasaki who declared in a radio broadcast that the rebellion was already being contained.
Raji Rasaki’s moderate stance on military matters and vast experience in project management made him a very popular figure in Lagos and Ogun States. He became known as the “action governor” and he is credited with introducing transparency into the contract bidding process in Lagos state. Following his retirement from the army, Rasaki wrote several policy papers and memoirs. In addition he pursued a career as a statesman; participating in numerous conferences and forums. As a public speaker, he addressed audiences across the country and abroad. In 2005 he joined the Nigerian Peoples Democratic Party PDP, and is one of the front runners in the 2007 Oyo State gubernatorial race.
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