Hon. Jude Idimogu, an Igbo, is a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member of the Lagos State House of Assembly. He represents Oshodi/Isolo Constituency II. The lawmaker spoke with Oziegbe Okoeki on his experience, the PDP crisis and the relationship between him and the All Progressives Congress (APC) legislators, who are in the majority.
How do you cope being only Igbo speaking member of the Lagos State House of Assembly?
It has not been easy. its like for you when you are dinning with people that are totally different in tribe, different in style. Forget about party affiliation, you can see that you are one. I call myself minority among minority. I must tell you, at least, I have lived in Lagos for over 35 years now. Most of my friends are Yorubas, at least in my environment where I live. So, I am a bit conversant with the tradition. I did part of my schooling here in Lagos. However, speaking the language fluently is the problem. I can pick and understand few words when they speak. My wife is Yoruba. She is from Ijebu Ode. She was also born and bred in Lagos and had all my kids in Lagos. So, apart from being an in-law, I see myself as a Lagosian.
Have you at anytime experienced any form of discrimination on the floor of the House as a result of your being a minority lawmaker?
Not at all. In the House, I have always had opportunity to express myself and the truth is that when they look at other PDP members, they say the real PDP they know is me. I think I have been enjoying myself. I appreciate them; for me, no discrimination. I always believe in relationship because what matters is relating well with people whether you are from the same place or not.
Despite having eight PDP members in the House, the party has not been playing the role of a formidable opposition. What do you think is responsible for this?
Well, to a certain extent, you are right. You should remember that the House is made up of two strong parties, the PDP and the APC. We are eight. I think there is a general apathy among PDP members in particular. I think it has to do with the problem the party is facing nationwide. The division in the party is also extended to the members in the House. So, one is also careful because you don’t know the opinion of the other group on issues.
But, apart from that, I think what I have observed in the House is when we are all here, we play down on party issue. We see ourselves as colleagues whose motive is to ensure that Lagosians get dividends of democracy. Again, you know that the majority will always have their way and minority will have their say. For now, I think we have always worked harmoniously, irrespective of party affiliation. The leadership of the House is helping because he doesn’t see us as opposition. he takes everybody together. There is no basis to cause commotion, but cooperate andlegislate on matters that will improve the lots of the people of Lagos State.
Would you say Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has been discriminating against the constituencies that didn’t vote for him?
I was even surprised that Ambode actually started work from my own constituency (Oshodi/Isolo 2). Today the major roads are far better than what they were before he assumed office. So, it is a big plus for him. I believe my colleagues too must also have felt the impact of the governor in their respective constituencies. He is a listening governor and for me I think what he is also trying to do is to ensure that all areas, irrespective of the party that represents them in the Assembly, are evenly developed. The governor, is running an all-inclusive government. that is the way I see it from my own point of view. He has done a lot for my constituency and I believe he will do more.
What do they demand from you?
Of course, if you look at Lagos, most people that are always crying foul are non-indigenes, either in terms of road traffic laws, LASTMA problem, police, a lot of issues, they believe government is always trying to work against them. And from my own side, a typical Yoruba man always believes an Ibo man is PDP, that whatever you say, it is PDP. Naturally, the party in power is the APC. so, there is always that conflict. No matter the good intention of the government, they will always believe the government is trying to discriminate against them, probably because they did not vote for the APC. But, I know some other non-indigenes also voted for the party in power. some are even members. But, I believe once you get into power every body is your constituent, your people.
How have you made impact on your constituency in the last one and half years?
The truth is that I am giving it the best shot, but I know I could have done better, if the resources are there. Yes, my primary assignment here is making of laws, but it goes beyond that, because that is not what the constituents will be asking you. They want to see infrastructure like good roads, transformers etc. in place and where is the money. But, you as a legislator you earn your allowances, no special project or constituency project money or allocation and all that which you will want to use to finance some of this needs. Right now, the executive would want to pay major attention to areas of priority, aress of priority which might not fall within your constituency. But, as a legislator, you must do one or two things, empowerment and other things like providing some amenities for them. The challenge is there, but sincerely I must tell you, I think I am not doing badly. I thought I could have done better. But, in terms of having a voice, my people know I am a voice for them. I keep on talking about them. So, my constituency is well represented.
What do think is the way out of the crisis in the PDP?
I look at it that it is normal because when you are used to the good life, which the PDP has been used to for years and of course, I can add cheap funds coming from the center and every body having his or her way and suddenly after about 15 years unexpectedly something happens to cut it short, now there is trouble. Because he who pays the piper dictates the tune, there is no one controller who dictates any longer. Because whether you like it or not, for you to effectively lead others you must also be able to pay, carry the bill. You can not say you are a leader and you can not contribute financially, nobody will listen to you.
I think that is the problem and that is the big challenge PDP has right now. Another issue is that we have very few democrats here, what we have are sycophants, that is why nobody wants to sincerely stay and contribute to rebuild the party, every body wants an easy way out, not to join in building. I think we, the PDP are architect of our own problem.
It will take a little while, because until our leaders begin to sacrifice their personal interest for the party not to die; but who is willing to commit resources. Maybe if the party can make it mandatory for members to contribute to the party, nobody will want the party to die when you are financially committed. We need prayers, and I think our leaders should look at the general interest of the party not their personal interest.
