A pro-democracy and human right organization, Campaign for Dignity in Governance (CDG), has said that, former Lagos State Governor and immediate past Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), needs not lobby for any ministerial appointment under the government of his former boss and political godfather, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Convener and National President of the organization, Comrade Razaq Olokoba told the Nigerian Express in an interview weekend in Ilorin, Kwara State capital that, “it is not a surprise that, Fashola’s name was never mentioned among those desperately searching for lobbyists to present his case before President Tinubu for consideration for a cabinet slot,” saying, “his signature all over the place will speak and lobby for him.”
Olokoba hinged his conviction on the antecedents and pedigree of the 60 year old Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), vis a vis his performance and achievement in all the offices he has worked which he described as meritorious and creditably, adding that, “Tinubu himself on whose table stops the bulk of the appointment list knows Fashola, his godson more than any would be lobbyists because both the godfather and godson have been coming a long way.”
The CDG boss, who is a Chartered Public Administrator (CPA), and member, Nigeria Institute of Management (MNIM), traced the father/son relationship between Tinubu and Fashola from when the latter was Chief of Staff (CoS) to the former when he (former) was governor of Lagos State, saying, “it was the outcome of Tinubu’s critical study of Fashola that he threw him up as his successor in 2007.”
Olokoba recalled that, the choice of Fashola over others considered to be better materials aspiring to succeed Tinubu that raised some eyebrows so much that Tinubu had to invite Media Executives to Marina Government House where he laid the dossiers of every aspirant bare on the table, saying at the end of the parley, the media executives concurred with him and supported him to go on with Fashola.
Continuing, the Ilorin, Kwara State born renowned activist pointed out that, “The assurance Tinubu gave to his distinguished visitors that, ‘Tunde will not disappoint you,’ which came to pass is permanently engraved in the subconscious mind of the good people of Nigeria,” adding that, “Fashola’s superlative performance as governor of Lagos for two terms must have informed his appointment by former president, Muhammadu Buhari to handle, firstly three ministries of Works, Housing and Power and secondly to oversee two critical aspects of the economy, Works and Housing where he bequeathed an enduring legacy to the nation in terms of infrastructure development.”
According to him, with Fashola’s steps dogged with successes and achievements, it would be an irony of fate if such a born administrator now searches for lobbyists to re-present him to his own boss who knows him inside out for appointment!
He added that, “if Fashola is not seen going up and down looking for someone to say him well to President Tinubu with a view to lobbying for an appointment, it is not out of arrogance because Fashola is known for humility and contentment,” reminding that, “the hardship working egg head has reached the zenith of his career as a Senior Advocate which has automatically placed him at a comfort zone where he can be confortable and make others comfortable too.”
Having said all this, Olokoba said, “That does not mean that, he will reject an offer to serve the country more because he is still a bundle of energy and agility,” assuring however that, “if the teeming members of my organization across the globe observe that there is the need to advise President Tinubu appropriately as regards Fashola, we would not hesitate to do so in the general interest of the generality of the good people of Nigeria.”
Concluding, the vocal political observer and social analyst seized the opportunity of the interactive session to urge Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliations, religious beliefs and ethnic leanings to rally round President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to succeed, reminding that, “his success is our success.”
