‘Fashola administration hasn’t done much for Lagosians’

 

FEMI PEDRO AND GOV. BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA

What is the idea behind your campaign slogan, "Has Your Life Really Changed?"

After the 2007 elections, I completely withdrew from the public eye and embarked on a personal quest that entailed traversing the length and breadth of the great state of Lagos. In July 2010, I decided to put together a team of young professionals to help collate data, conduct research, and analyse the effect of the government's policies on the everyday Lagosians. This gave rise to the idea of asking Lagosians the most novel of questions: "Has Your Life Really Changed?"

Interestingly, we observed that the responses by Lagosians were relatively similar, by-and-large. On a superficial level, they felt that the administration was performing well, as it had beautified some parts of Lagos, integrated the BRT buses, and fixed a number of high-brow roads.

However, when we asked for success stories in their individual lives and local communities - stories of how the state government had equipped, empowered and impacted families in ways that led them to be more prosperous - our inquires only drew blank stares and general platitudes.

We finally decided to open the debate up online (on my website www.hasyourlifechanged.com and on my personal Facebook page). We also put up billboards and posters all across Lagos to pursue a more aggressive strategy in getting Lagosians to open up about the challenges they faced on a daily basis by uploading pictures, videos, and comments about the positive and negative effects the administration has had on their lives to the website.

Astonishingly, my campaign team has collated up to 17,500 responses from Lagosians online and offline, and the overriding view is that there is room for improvement.

What, specifically, are the shortcomings you have identified in this present administration?

The administration has had very little impact on the lives of average Lagosians in the overall context of development and in improving the living condition of majority of the people. The critical element to rate this government on is the state's Human Development Index (HDI), which is unfortunately low.

While the government has rehabilitated some roads, beautified the environment, and given the state the closest semblance to tranquility, law and order, the more pertinent questions are: Has my quality of life improved since this administration came in? Has this government impacted positively on my life in the areas of poverty reduction, decent housing and sanitation system, quality education for my children, good roads in and around where I live or work, good health care system, among others?

As the BBC documentaries recently exposed, there is still wide-spread poverty. Very few areas have clean public water supply. Sanitation and proper drainage are still lacking; local inner network of roads are still generally bad; many Lagos schools remain sub-standard; the public health care system is totally inadequate, particularly in low income areas, and the standard and quality of life continue to deteriorate.

You may put all this in proper perspective when you consider that the present state government earns an average of N14 billion naira per-month and in 32 months has earned over N450 billion. This is more than my administration earned in its 96 months in office. The current administration earned over N209 billion in IGR (Internally Generated Revenue) in 2009 and budgeted over N420 billion for this year. In addition, in barely three years, it has borrowed heavily from the bond market and drawn down on loans from the World Bank and others. The question is: Where is all the money? The taxpayers deserve to know how the huge revenue is being spent.

What are you promising Lagosians if elected?

I believe I can create a Lagos environment where the possibilities are endless and the power of ideas and ideals supersede the ‘powers that be'. If I am elected as the governor of Lagos in 2011, a new culture of transparency and accountability to the people will become the order of the day.

Lagosians will not have to worry about their governor mortgaging their future away to some dictate in a back alley somewhere. I will set up a website called the Pedrometer (which) will give Lagosians the opportunity to track the implementation of every single campaign promise I make, and to rate whether or not a promised policy has been implemented.

There will also be monthly publications of how every kobo of government money is expended. This will eliminate the current culture of secrecy-shrouded spending in its entirety.

Which sector of the electorate are you especially hoping to capture?

Although Lagos is cosmopolitan and diverse, it is also interconnected. The middle-aged teacher in Alimosho is invariably affected by the working conditions of the market women in Tejuosho, and the statewide doctors' strike negatively affected the young LASU graduate from Epetedo. I think it is difficult to focus on one particular group of voters without neglecting another sector, so the most important thing is to have a consistent message that can resonate with everyone.

What is your definition of a credible leader?

First and foremost, a credible leader must have the legitimate mandate of the people, which invariably means his emergence as a leader must be the end-product of credible elections. Beyond this, I think a credible leader is one who is willing to accept responsibility for his shortcomings and who inspires people to be the best they can possibly be.

A credible leader is one who submits himself to being held accountable for every single proclamation or promise he makes. Honesty, integrity and humility are some of the qualities of a credible leader in my opinion.

You were once in AC, then Labour Party, and now PDP. Don't you see yourself as a politician who is more interested in power rather than building a credible party base?

It is impossible to live in isolation from other politicians, especially when many of you share the same vision for a greater Lagos. After my debacle with AC, the PDP welcomed me with open arms. There is no question that the perception of the party may not be the greatest in the world, but I can tell you, hand on heart, that there are many within the party who are totally committed to a thriving and prosperous Lagos. This is what informed my decision to join ranks with the party, and I have no regrets whatsoever.

Unfortunately, our politics has not matured to the point where parties are defined ideologically. At the moment, our politicians (at all levels) are either pro-current administration or anti-current administration. It is as simple as that. There is enough blame to go around for this problem, but I firmly believe that it starts and stops with our leaders being held accountable by the electorate for the promises they make.

If you fail to capture the primaries in PDP, do we see you moving to another party?

I have been a card-carrying member of the PDP for about three years. The party welcomed me with open arms and has treated me cordially. I have no reason to pitch my tent elsewhere, and I am committed to contributing my little quota to the growth of the party in Lagos State, the south west, and beyond.

Notwithstanding, I am confident and hopeful that I will be given the opportunity to represent this great party as its governorship candidate in the upcoming general elections.

If you once again fail to capture the governorship seat in 2011, will you recontest in 2015?

After the last elections in 2007, I honestly did not see myself running in 2011. Our politics is very unpredictable and throws a lot of curveballs at you, so I cannot look beyond the current elections. I will present my manifesto and vision for a greater Lagos to the people, and I have no doubt in my mind that our state will be better off for the debate I will engage them in over the next few months.

How close are you to former president Olusegun Obasanjo?

I have a great relationship with Olusegun Obasanjo. Unfortunately, the former president does not get enough credit for his wisdom, foresight, and honesty. He has been very supportive of my ambition, and he is considered a father-figure by quite a number of people - politicians and non-politicians alike.

Who has/have been your mentor(s) in life, especially politics?

Politically, I have always admired the courage, vision, and integrity of the likes of the late Awolowo, Enahoro, and Tafawa Balewa. Their contributions to a united Nigeria cannot be over-emphasised. I continue to nourish and mentor myself with their writings, speeches, and opines because many of the ideals they propagated in the 40s, 50s, and 60s are still relevant in our quest for the attainment of a more prosperous and united Nigeria today.

I am also a big fan of John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama because they represented change agents in times of political uncertainty. They challenged all stereotypes about their electability and impressively won against all odds.

Source:http://234next.com

Read more...

ACN has a case to prove with re-election of Fashola’

WITH  the April general polls fast approaching, several candidates including incumbent governors have been declaring their interest in the polls.

Lagos State is one of the states which is believed to be a benchmark for good governance and where dividends of democracy seem to be working.
However, the  silence of Governor Babatunde Fashola  over his second term ambition this year has been a source of  concern to  Lagosians. In this interview, Mr. Olukayode Salako, the president of Fasholamania Support Movement Worldwide, speaks on Lagos ACN, Fashola, the new governments in Ekiti and Osun states,  among other national issues.
As the leader of one of the groups  campaigning for Fashola’s re-election, do you think he stands any chance of making it at the primary, considering his silence on second term?
The palpable silence  in the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), as well as  in the opposition, especially the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State now, is a clear indication that the re-election issue of Gov. Fashola is a strong factor. Never in the history of Lagos State has this happened  politically! By now, in the Lagos that I know, with barely 14 days to January 15 when the  submission of the names of the parties’ flagbearers to INEC  would  be closing, a lot of things should have been happening politically, but nothing serious is yet happening!
This is not good. And, this is not really palatable for the  image of the party the majority of Nigerians have been looking up to as the saviour of  Nigeria. This is not good for the progressive party in Nigeria in these elections.
The best that can happen to ACN now is to prove it to Nigerians that it is truly a ‘progressive’  party and not a deception or confusion! Fashola has governed Lagos well and  deserves everybody’s  support and co-operation including that of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.We cannot entertain any disappointment from any quarters in ACN. Many of us are not really interested in the politics in  Fashola, but the governance in him!
In about 1,300 days, he has proved it to us, in fact, to the world, that we deserve his kind of leadership and its continuity. His government within an amazing period of  time has given Lagos security, sanity, peace, law and order, cleanliness, environmental sanitation and aesthetics and, above all, much improved socio_ economic prosperity.
What else would one bargain for in a leadership and governance? Fashola deserves continuity and must be compensated by his party, unless that party wants to disappoint Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora! Governor Fashola is the one majority of Lagosians want to continue to govern them. I am not sure they want anybody else now!
What gives you and your people the assurance that all these efforts will pay off at the end of the day?
We are very sure  Fashola will go for second term. It is Asiwaju that gave us that assurance. He is the one that said that BRF is the best man for the job in 2007 and the man has proved it convincingly, beyond reasonable doubt.
What  will your movement do  should Governor Fashola be denied second term ticket by ACN?
I don’t pray it happens. Honestly, I don’t believe so, because ACN is  a progressive party that promises to deliver Nigeria from misrule; socio-economic darkness and sufferings in the midst of plenty! ACN should represent a total positive opposite of PDP and a saving alternative according to their crusade.
So, it is expected that ACN should join or encourage Nigerians to celebrate one of, in fact, their best governor in Nigeria and not do anything that will make Nigerians start doubting the sincerity of their party. Fashola is the present glory of ACN.
His performance, achievements, leadership style, personality and characteristic values and virtues have combined to make the party  popular and accepted by not only Lagosians, but Nigerians in and outside Nigeria. That name, Fashola,  is a positive appeal for the present widespread acceptance of ACN in Nigeria today. It is a strong attraction and a pleasant appeal to the judiciary, the opposition parties, foreign investors, Nigerians in the Diaspora, politicians from other countries and people from other  states.
You claim not to be a politician and you are not an activist. Why are you at the vanguard of this agitation and where do you anticipate it will end or lead you to?
I have always been passionate and concerned  about the unenviable state of our society. I had always been looking forward to a period in the life of our nation or a period in my life when I can really witness an acceptable, outstanding and rewarding leadership or governance and contribute to encourage and celebrate it.
Honestly, the first time I got to the U.K and Johannesburg in South Africa, I was emotionally sick because of the man-made wonders I saw, flowing amazingly everywhere. Everything was organised, beautiful, perfect, and modern- just name it! But here, the reverse is the case.
We have been enjoying and priding in the giant of Africa status inside environmental, infrastructural and economic decadence, chaos and darkness. But, today, Fashola’s  government  impressed me so much, hence I  decided to be part of the people  celebrating it and it will be on record that I am really satisfying myself doing what I am doing.
ACN has about five states under  its control, including Ekiti and Osun recently added. What do you think is the implication of this trend for the elections.?
I have always said it that ACN is about the only progressive  party in Nigeria today, because of the  composition of its leadership; the quality programmes on its manifesto and the outstanding performance of its governors. The best set of decent and progressively-minded politicians today in Nigeria are in ACN.  Any state ACN is governing today is very lucky.
So, my states, Ekiti and Osun ( I am from both places), are very lucky and I can only welcome them to the league of the  progressive states in Nigeria. Governors Fayemi and Aregbesola like Fashola and Oshiomhole of Edo  are two decent people that will develop their states. I know it and I believe their governments will change the stories of those states — they will contribute to the development their states deserve.
I wish them best of luck. As to what the victories portend for ACN in the elections, I see the party winning more states, because already, people from other states are yearning for the kind of rapid transformation Lagos and Edo are enjoying. People now want ACN of Fashola to come and govern their states.
The name Fashola and his governing style  and ideals are very popular even among the northen Almajiris and the nursery and primary school pupils in the eastern part of the country.
I strongly believe that the influence of positive appeal and acceptance  Fashola has built now is so strong it can win many more states for the party in the next elections. Already, I see Ogun and Oyo states being captured by ACN this year, unless their people are not yet serious about the positive and tangible change they deserve. I see ACN forming the Federal Government after President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure in  2015. I see an ACN  that will cripple the dominant influence of PDP with the like of Gov. Fashola still doing the party proud in governance soon.
What advice do you have for  the party leadership as they take decisions towards the primary elections in ACN before January 15?
I want Asiwaju and ACN to accept the fact that Fashola is the governor of the generality of Lagosians and the people love him so much. The people do not see any reason he should be replaced as their governor when he has performed very well.
They still want him to continue to govern them till 2015. How will ACN convince us that BRF does not deserve continuity? What tenable reason will they give us that will be tenable to the people? Lagosians want him; Nigerians in the Diaspora want him; members of the opposition political parties all desire him to spend his constitutionally allowed eight  years – the first of its kind in the history of Nigeria!
What ACN should realise today is that Nigerians are yearning for the development of their society, the people are tired of living in socio-economic darkness and frustration! Today, it is only very few people that are interested in the politics they are playing, almost everybody is very much interested in good governance.
The electorate are now very much interested in the way they are being governed or the quality of governance they get from their leaders and not the quality of politics the leaders can play. My advice to the leadership and followership of ACN is to continue to be on the side of the love and acceptance of the people.

Source:http://www.vanguardngr.com

Read more...

Opposition parties plot to oust ACN in Lagos

FASHOLA
A coalition of 26 opposition political parties in Lagos State on Tuesday said it had concluded plans to present a common candidate that will overrun the governorship candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria in the state during the 2011 elections.

The coalition said all its candidates will campaign and contest under the same name, logo and emblem of the adopted political party, which would be made public soon.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Coalition of Lagos State Opposition Political Parties, Dr. Adegbola Dominic, said the group took the decision after it discovered that the resources available to the state in the last 12 years under the Action Congress of Nigeria-led administrations were not commensurate with the level of development.

But reacting swiftly, the Publicity Secretary of the Lagos ACN, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, said the coalition was made up of political jokers who did not have grass roots base, adding that the ACN-led government in the state had become a template that other states copy for development.

Read more: http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art201010131183518 Read more...