Tag: ‘Lagos House of Assembly

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.

Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Otunba Morakinyo Hanson, in this interview with Musa Odoshimokhe, explains why the Federal Government’s transition committee should cooperate with the incoming administration. He also says that the next Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly should be a woman.

What are the expectations of Lagosians after elections?

It is not a surprise that the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the election, going by its track records. This started from the period when Asiwaju Bola Tinubu laid the foundation for the socio-economic and political development of the state. The same model is being developed and built upon by Governor Babatunde Fashola. The people are enjoying it and they believe there should not be any gap in between. They believe there should be continuity, so that the foundation laid and built is taken over by another APC pragmatic leader. That is one of the reasons they voted enmasse for the continuity of the APC government in the state.

Unlike previous elections, between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APC, this one was keenly contested…

It shows the level of political awareness and sophistication in the state. If you want good democracy which is anchored on democratic principles, what happened is not unexpected. In that case, people should have choices. Things should not tend toward a one party state, opinion should differ. In fact, the beauty of the elections is that people should have different shades of opinion, such that it makes the elections healthier. This really made the election more democratic, it was not won on a platter of gold; people actually fought hard to get whatever positions they were elected for. Campaigns were based on issues and not on personalities. People actually voted for the APC because of its campaign programme. That does not actually mean that those who did not vote for APC will not enjoy the benefit of democracy or good governance. Nigeria is not a one party state, democracy is about competition. It is about the choice among various options that are available. It shows that there is alternative platform, if you don’t perform. The fact that there is an alternative will make you to perform better.

It was speculated that the APC may lose Lagos, but that was not the case…

Those who believe in the efficacy of prayer, like the Christians, Muslims and traditionalists embarked on prayers to help the situation. Beyond that, I think that there was a kind of political development in this part of the country, where they have to discuss issues and get the best candidate. The level of enlightenment, political development, development of democracy is very encouraging. People are politically conscious; they know the benefit they will derive, if they vote the right candidates. They are aware of the benefits of square pegs in square holes. They have all enjoyed democracy for about 16 years; they have enjoyed a process of continued development. Lagos State has witnessed rapid growth, security and peace. Lagos is a modest example of good governance, projected by the APC. So, they do not want anything that will thwart the efforts. They don’t want anything that will stop what they have been enjoying since the 1999. They are satisfied, but that does not mean there cannot be alternative. Those who thought in this line, voted otherwise. At the end of the day, majority carried the day.

Now that Lagos is aligning with the Federal Government, what advantage will this provide for the people?

Looking back, politics in Nigeria was not played according to the rule. It became a game of winner-takes-all. In the developed world, party politics is people centred. For instance, in Britain, there is a basic minimum, where Labour or Conservatives cannot go below. The people determined what their party should do. Before now, especially during the years of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rule, they believe a state that is being governed by a party that is different from the PDP that is at the centre doing well should not be commended. They became jealous and would do everything possible to stifle the progressive politics. That was what brought the delay in the take off of the Lagos State BRT, Light Rail and so many other programmes pursued by the APC.  The refusal by the Federal Government to allow the Lagos State government to make use of Ikorodu Road for its transports programme delayed the take off of the BRT. So, the 250 buses procured for the purpose were just laying there for over two years or more. That is politics of bitterness. So, in reverse, now that we have a friendly party at the centre, Lagos State and others will now benefit maximally. Lagos State for instance is spending huge sum of money on providing the security which is directly under the Federal Government for the people of Lagos. Now, Lagos may be spending less on security matter. All that the state needs to do is to let the Federal Government understand the enormity the security situation. More equipment and facilities will have to be deployed to combat crime in the state.

State police has been supported by the APC. Will it work out this time?

The manifesto of the party and summary of the whole thing is that the party is committed to true federalism. This is not just federalism on paper, but as it should be practised. The Nigeria constitution is tailored along the pattern of the American constitution. They have state police and even community police. There are various security outfits that control traffic. I am of the opinion now that we have a progressive, serious and committed party at the centre, the National Assembly should have a look at the matter again. They tend to scare people away, that chief executives of the states will use the state police to harass or oppress opponents. The statement is unfounded. Even now, are you telling me that the government at the centre cannot use the police to harass their opponents? They can. So, what are we talking about? I think democracy is growing, we will get there. There are institutions that can check the excesses of chief executives.

There has been lack of cooperation between the transition committees of the outgoing and the incoming governments…

In other climes, when elections are held at that level, there is what is call a shadow government. For every ministry, there is a shadow minister. The shadow cabinet would be in existence for one year or more before the election. Now, you want to have a smooth, seamless transition without the cooperation of the parties involved. The APC is trying to get a detailed record and want a seamless transition. They have a committee that will engage the Federal Government, so that they can take off properly. If they don’t know what is on ground, how can they take off properly? Let me tell you, the APC does not have that kind of time on its hands. So, they must know exactly what is on ground to enable them take off properly. You must give them adequate information, to enable them to plan ahead. They should be able to take off on good ground, such that within six months, the people will be able to see the difference. That change can only be effected if you have your facts. If you don’t have adequate data and facts, how do you effect a change? The current Federal Government should try to understand. The postponement of the elections actually limited the time available for them to have the understandings. They have to rush virtually everything. They cannot just fold their arms and wait till the day of the handover, when those who should do the explanation would have gone. They need to compare notes to enable them take off properly.

The race to the Lagos State Speakership is on the front burner, how should it be handled?

Lagos State is the Centre of Excellence, the first condition that a person must meet to become the Speaker in a state like Lagos is competence. That person must be eminently qualified to occupy the position. The real competence should be in term of education and experience. That means the person must have served long enough, to enable him function in that capacity. He should be in a better position to lead a Lagos Assembly that is virile and fluid. These conditions are very critical, but when you also view party decision on zoning this can take a second or third in term position. So, for me, it is competence, education and experience before zoning.  

Some people are tipping Hon. Funmilayo Tejuoso for the post; being a woman does she stand any chance?

As at today, she is the most qualified, but I don’t know what will happen tomorrow. I don’t think that there is anybody who has the experience in the House that matches the one of Tejuoso. In terms of experience, qualification and even when you talk about zoning, there is none in the House that can match her. You are talking about a person that was elected into the House in 2003. When she got there, she was the only female member of the House. She is going there now as a fourth termer. I don’t think in this country, there is any female that has such an enviable record. I remember she was made the Deputy Chief Whip in 2003, she was Deputy Speaker in 2011, but after two years, she was illegally and wrongly removed. The House did not follow due process in her removal. I was a Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State service when the matter happened. They told us that the lady was arrogant and proud. The lady is from my constituency, I have known her for a very long time now. This is a very humble lady, but a lady must be a lady. You don’t expect a married woman to be relating with people without her preserving her dignity and self respect. Even as a man, I don’t relate with just everybody. I know that I’m not proud but there is a limit I can relate with people. I don’t just jump on people, just like I don’t expect people to jump on me. I must know who I’m dealing with. Given your background there are companies that you should not keep. She comes from a very noble family in Lagos and you don’t expect her not comport herself in that disposition. She must keep her head high.

What stands her out in the race?

She has been very active in the House; she sponsored some bills that have made impact in the society. As a private member bill, she sponsored a bill against domestic violence. She sponsored and packaged the Child Right laws in Lagos State. Currently, she is packing the gender equality bills; I think it is one of the bills she will like to push when the House resumes. She presented the case of the Lady that was abused in the Ejigbo saga on the floor of the House and she saw to its fruitful result. Don’t forget again, that they speak Yoruba in the House on Thursday; I think she initiated and sponsored the bill. There are so many other things she has done. But, I don’t want to talk about them here. If you go to her constituency now, she has carried out many projects I may not be able enumerate in this interview in her constituency. This is one of the reasons; they love her in her constituency. As a matter of fact, I don’t think anybody is contesting the position with her. Lagos is the Centre of Excellence and it deserves a female Speaker now because it will confirm the change that the APC is calling for. She is well lettered and presently pursuing her Ph.D in law.