Let’s See If Jega Can Deliver

Mrs. Tolani Animashaun, the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP), candidate for Federal House of Representatives, Eti-Osa Federal Constituency, in this interview with Paul Sanusi unveiled her programmes for the inhabitants of the constituency.

How will you described the cancellation of last Saturday National Assembly election?

It had impact on everybody, having prepared for something and it was cancelled, it is a big disappointment but I believe that every misfortune is a blessing. I’m okay but not that I’m okay with the excuses given by INEC boss. I understand the reason given and I have accepted it.

Some politicians would be counting their losses by now, financially. How did it affect you?

Of course, it is not only the money, but the energy, the preparation and everybody that has put a lot into it. You know when you have the mind to do something and it does not happen, that is disappointment. As is always said that any misfortune is a blessing in disguise, I really do believe in it.

You said you understand the postponement, what is your own understanding of it like?

When there are lapses which need correction, it is better you stop them than allow them to continue, because the election could have continued without anybody realising that there was any mistake. I think the belief that some places were not supplied with materials shows the kind of election it would have been.

People have been calling for Jega’s head since that Saturday. What is your view on this?

We never had anybody taking responsibility for any action; he was bold enough to do this, so let us see if he can deliver; I believe that he believes in a credible election. I want to see that we do this election successfully.

What is your take on the issue of tollgate on Lekki- Ajah axis which falls under your constituency?

It is wrong to have three tollgates on a route, I have never seen that in my life.

What actually would you recommend if you are elected?

The cancellation of the toll gates. Apparently, we have been told there was an approval by the Federal Government. So, I am going to tell the House of Representatives that this is against the wishes of my constituency, and that is what I am going to ask for.

How do you intend to be meeting with the people of your constituency?

There is what I called “constituency clinic,” which is an arena where I can always interact with the residents of my constituency, at least once in two months and whatever we do at the floor of the house would be communicated to them and whatever they want would be heard and taken to the floor of the House.

What do you want to do to empower the people of your constituency if voted to office?

My empowerment is programme will focus on two simple things: to the women and to the the youths. On the aspect of womenwhat I will do is to give them work and trading skill. That is how I think we can actually empower the people. For the youths, there will be bursary for their education. I think that giving them bursary up to university level will be a big empowerment to them.

How do you intend to ensure that the 37 LCDAs in the state are approved and given local government status?

I believe strongly that Lagos State needs more than 57 local governments. I also believe strongly that Lagos State should be on a different level from where we are now. Having 57 local governments cannot be an impossible task if we go about it in the right way with the National Assembly. If I am elected I will ensure that the 37 LCDAs are given the status of local government.

What is your advice to the electorate on the rescheduled National Assembly election?

We have been telling them not to be discouraged and to come out and vote. We have been talking to them and we believe that they will come out and vote.