5th September, 2013
By Lanre Etti Jr
I watched with awe when the (now emeritus) Governor Bola Tinubu raised a relatively unknown Barrister’s hand and introduced him as his successor to the supporters of their party, during one of ACN’s campaign at Campos Square. To the chagrin of those who disagreed with Asiwaju then, the gentle Fashola has become a symbol and epitome of governance in Nigeria. (Although few people will not agree).
Undoubtedly, but Governor Fashola has been in the news lately for different reasons. First was the news of the ‘deportation’; then came his father’s demise.
From the minute his father’s demise was announced, people started falling over one another to condole with him (trust Nigerians for that) even, Uncle Jona was not left out and this brought to the fore the regard and respect Governor Fashola commands amongst the political and governing class in the country.
But what really wowed Nigerians was when former Heads of State General Ibrahim Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar visited the governor. Tongues wagged and this confirmed Fashola as a force who has endeared himself to the populace through his competence, performance, discipline, determination and administrative acumen. In fact, if I had the opportunity, I would make Fashola the life governor of Lagos (laughter).
On the day of the final burial, I was returning from a business trip to Victoria Island and I decided to pass through TBS, in order to satisfy my insatiable curiosity. I entered the TBS, but until after cooking up lies and forming the swag of the PA to one ‘oga Politician’, did the heavily armed security men allowed me in. I walked in the same time the convoy of Gen Muhammadu Buhari arrived, and I saw GMB smiling and looking relaxed in the SUV, all for Fash.
After staying there for a while and sightseeing. I stood at the designated ‘departure lounge’ and I had the opportunity to see the Speaker House of Reps. Hon Tambuwal, Governors of Osun and Ekiti states, Otunba Subomi Balogun, Hon Rotimi Makinde, Dele Alake, and Bisi Olatilo and some crème de la crème I didn’t recognize. I also saw the grammarian of Africa Hon Patrick Obahiagbon, following Chief Tom Ikimi about. (I later read that 10 State Governors attended the final burial)
However, in spite of the heavy security presence, the people did not stop singing their praises and asking for the usual. It was a wonderful atmosphere indeed and it could not have been better. Good score for Fashola on that.
But on the controversial issue of deportation, which has generated widespread debate over the constitutionality of the act, Governor Fashola has come under heavy criticisms from far and wide, especially from the Igbos, for sending the destitute to their home state of Anambra.
I have observed that Nigeria is a country filled with hypocrites and we tend to blow issues out of proportion. For God’s sake, this is not the first time ‘local deportation’ will be happening in Nigeria and it will not be the last. State governments at different times have sent destitute back to their home states for wandering on the streets. Picking from Femi Falana’s essay in The Punch, he wrote: “It is on record that in December 2011, the Obi administration had deported 29 beggars to their states of origin i.e. Akwa Ibom and Ebonyi states.
“In June 2011, the Federal Capital Territory administration deported 129 beggars to their respective states of origin.”
As a matter of fact, I do not like the way we hurriedly give every sensitive societal issue a tribal and ethnic colouration, simply because, it deepens the schism that exists in our country. Surprisingly, men and women of repute, who should know better often jettison objectivity and embrace sentiments when analysing social matters. Honestly, this is not good for the unity of our country.
Personally, I am never in support of ‘local deportation’. I believe the whole nation should come together to address this ugly and cancerous act, which is fast becoming a norm. But rather, they are singling out Fashola and labelling him ‘anti-Igbo’. Where were this people when Nigerians were ‘deported’ from the FCT? Well, one is easier to see when in flight!
I pray that this issue will not be hijacked by ethnic bigots, who will take it up and begin to cry more than the bereaved in order to achieve their evil and ulterior motives.
Sincerely, I share the opinion that Fashola has been successful because of the political sagacity of his predecessor, Asiwaju Tinubu. Because this has availed him (Fashola) the opportunity to focus solely on governance and not worrying himself about politics. No governor in Nigeria is enjoying this privilege. High five for Asiwaju!
Besides that, people tend to under estimate the challenges of governing a city like Lagos, where almost every household in the country has a representative. Lagos is small in land mass but the population is massive. With no special recognition in form of revenue allocation from the Federal Government, it has become a daunting task to the governor to deliver. Infrastructure have been over-stretched and new ones are required, so Governor Fashola deserves our commendation because, e no easy at all!
Trust Nigerians, we all can’t sleep and face the same direction. I read a report in The Punch newspaper credited to the Executive Chairman, Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, Mr. Debo Adeniran. He claimed the performance of Fashola’s government is overblown. “The Fashola led Lagos State Government is fake, pretentious and partial,” he said, adding that the government has been able to cajole Lagosians through propaganda and they made us believe that Fashola is the best governor in Nigeria.
If not Fashola, then who is better?
•Etti Jr wrote from Lagos. e-mail: [email protected]