“National, State Assemblies not for jobseekers” – Olusi

Chairman of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Tajudeen Olusi, has cautioned against what he described as a growing trend of treating elective offices as opportunities for job seekers, urging political actors to prioritise competence, integrity and preparedness in governance.

Olusi said the increasing scramble for positions in both the National and State Assemblies reflects a shift from genuine public service to personal ambition, warning that such a trend could undermine effective governance.

Speaking at the 19th Executive–Legislative Parley in Lagos, themed “Equal Participation in Governance,” he stressed that leadership roles require individuals with intellectual depth, sound judgment and the ability to contribute meaningfully to policy formulation.

“The legislature is not designed for just anyone,” he said, adding that it demands individuals capable of coherent, informed and impactful contributions to national development.

He noted that mature democracies place a premium on experience and institutional memory, urging Nigeria to rethink its approach to political tenure in order to strengthen governance outcomes.

Drawing comparisons with the United States, Olusi referenced long-serving lawmakers who built expertise over decades, arguing that sustained service, when anchored on performance, can deepen institutional knowledge and public trust.

While acknowledging that the desire to serve is commendable, he maintained that such ambition must be matched with adequate preparation and self-assessment, as not all individuals are suited for the rigours of legislative or executive responsibilities.

He emphasised that effective governance depends on the calibre of individuals elected or appointed into office, calling for introspection within political parties to ensure only capable and committed candidates emerge.

Earlier, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the theme of the parley as timely, noting that governance in Lagos is built on inclusivity and collaboration rather than dominance by any arm of government.

Sanwo-Olu said the state’s progress over the past two decades has been driven by synergy between the executive and the legislature, with each playing complementary roles in policy execution and oversight.

He added that the administration’s THEMES+ agenda is anchored on collective participation, where all stakeholders contribute to achieving shared developmental goals.

The governor also commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for laying the foundation for Lagos’ growth, noting that the state continues to benefit from his leadership and vision at the national level.

The parley brought together key stakeholders to strengthen executive-legislative relations and promote inclusive governance in the state.