We Still Have A Lot Of Challenges
Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Abdurrazaq Balogun,tells ASSEMBLY MATTERS why Nigeria does not need a part-time legislative arm of government now
How would you assess the sixth Assembly of Lagos State?
It is often said that you cannot be a judge in your own case, but in my view, we have performed creditably well within the confines and of our jurisdiction. We represent our people effectively, make laws for good governance and ensure that people feel the impact of government. The budget of the state has been very, very reflective of the infrastructural development of the state.
Nigerians have been described as people in a hurry for development. Is this a challenge to you?
It is a challenge. Nigeria is a country that has been ruled by the military for a very long time, and with the advent of democratic rule, people expect so much from us and they have a right to feel that way, but again people must always remember that over 35 years of misrule in our country has brought a lot of decay in and the nascent democracy is just trying to bring us out of the old way that we are used to. In Lagos State, the political class know that the primary purpose of being in government is the welfare of the people. So this challenge is one which we have all resolved to stand up and face. Though we have done very well in this aspect, but the expectations are still very high. Again, our people are used to the mindset where they don’t pay taxes and the police was very ill-equiped, but we are gradually moving out of that old ways and in Lagos, you can see a system that works.
I recall when I was doing my Housemanship as a medical student under the military rule, it was not unusual for you to just watch patients die because we couldn’t even get gloves to wear, but again, there is a lot the people can do. They should not just think it is all about the government. We are all part of government and people must keep utilities working and pay their taxes. The voters’ registration is going on right now and some people would say it is not their business. If you want good leadership, you must come out and vote.
Some people are already hijacking the INEC DDC machines. What does this portend for the forthcoming election?
I really do not know what use the machines would be to those who would steal them, but again this is part of the characteristics of a country where people do not know that their tasks include taking care of government property. But again, I see this as one of the teething challenges you experience when you have a new innovation going on. I am of the opinion that INEC should have carried out a pilot scheme where they would test run the equipment before putting them to use. In my constituency, we found out that even the corps members used for the exercise do not know what the machines are about. This just shows you the problem we have in the society, where at the last minute, we rush to do things. People are very enthusiastic about it and they are coming out. I am sure within few days, the bottlenecks would be a thing of the past.
People are suggesting that we return to part-time legislative arm of government since the full time is expensive…
I respect people’s views, but for me, it won’t work in a country like ours. Even in America, where you have everything on automatic, even if they have a president that is not too enlightened, the system is there to assist him. But here in Nigeria is a legislature where apart from your primary duties, if you do not attend a person’s naming ceremony, it is used against you. People call you daily for things not related to your job. It cannot work until people understand the role of a legislator and not where you accuse him of not building your school or roads when we are not part of the executive arm of government. Don’t forget that we still have a high level of illiteracy. We should not be using Lagos as a yardstick, because the situation is worse in the hinterlands. I will not be surprised to hear that in some places, lawmakers are still battling to have wells dug in their constituencies. We are still evolving and it is only when people are very well educated that this can happen.
You are seeking for a third term in office. Why sir?
Ever since I was in the university, I have always wanted to be a legislator since it is where you can actualise the dream of actually getting close to the people and serving them the best. I know I would one day leave meritoriously, but there are a lot that needs to be done in my constituency. In 2003 when I came in, my constituency was very, very backward in terms of development. In 2003, there was decay even though they had started some renewals. The canals were blocked, everywhere was flooded whenever it rained, schools were in bad shapes and the health sector was nothing to write home about. So I started by touring the entire constituency and reaching out to the governor about the challenges. Despite the turbulent administration where the federal government seized allocations to the state, Governor Bola Tinubu was still able to touch the area positively and now 18 roads are being done simultaneously, including the Badagry Expressway which is a world class road. All schools in my area have been refurbished; two mini water works of two million gallons per day and a medical centre have been built. I am looking at the 2011 budget proposal now and I can see 15 outstanding projects that need to be completed. I will be most satisfied if after leaving, I can look back and smile that I have achieved this much in the constituency. In the legislative arm of government, the older you get the more experienced you become.
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