•••Says non-Lagosian shouldn’t jostle for control of the state
By John Audu.
In an exclusive interview with News Telegraph, Hon. Lanre Odubote, a member of the seventh National Assembly and representative of Epe Federal Constituency, shared his insights on the current state of Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. While acknowledging the challenges faced by the government, Odubote expressed optimism about the long-term benefits of the ongoing reforms.
On the Government’s Performance
Reflecting on the performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led government, Odubote stated, “The concept of democracy revolves around the welfare of the people. While I recognize that many of the government’s decisions have caused hardship, we must understand that progress often comes with pain.” He emphasized the need for a shift from an oil-dependent economy to one that prioritizes agriculture, arguing that past administrations had neglected critical sectors. “President Tinubu is replicating the developmental agenda of Lagos State at the national level, which is crucial for our economic recovery,” he added.
Timing of Reforms
When asked about the timing of the government’s reforms, Odubote asserted that the current economic adjustments are necessary for long-term stability. He pointed to recent improvements in security and economic activity, citing that for the first time in two decades, Nigerians celebrated Christmas without long queues at filling stations. “The IMF has rated Nigeria as the second-largest economy in Africa, indicating positive movement,” he remarked.
Areas for Improvement
Odubote acknowledged the need for the government to address the immediate suffering caused by reforms, particularly in affordable housing and transportation. He believes that enhancing rail infrastructure could alleviate pressure on road networks and improve overall logistics.
One-Party State Concerns
Addressing concerns about the potential emergence of a one-party state, Odubote argued that unity is essential for development in a diverse society like Nigeria. “I don’t see any political party on the horizon that can challenge the APC in 2027,” he stated confidently. He dismissed reports of a mega party forming to oppose the APC, asserting that the current administration has demonstrated sincerity in addressing the needs of all regions, particularly in the North.
Lagos State Governance
When discussing the political landscape in Lagos State, where the APC has held power for over two decades, Odubote expressed confidence in the party’s continued dominance. “I have no problem with a change of guards if another party can organize itself effectively, but I see no better-organized party than the APC in Lagos,” he said. He attributed the party’s resilience to its ability to accommodate diverse cultures and religions.
Lessons from Past Elections
In light of the APC’s loss in the 2023 presidential election to the Labour Party, Odubote acknowledged the impact of the #ENDSARS protests on voter sentiment. He emphasized the party’s commitment to inclusivity and unity, stating, “We are working towards ensuring that all voices are heard within the Lagos APC. While non-indigenes have the right to contest for positions, they must acknowledge that we are the majority and the indigenes of Lagos have a unique stake in our land.”
