Hon. Niyi Fabikun is a former member of Lagos State House of Assembly and a politician. The ex-lawmaker is also a Chartered Accountant. In this interview with EJIRO ROMAN-ADIGBO, he spoke on Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode and national issues. Read…  

What is your take on what is going on in the National Assembly?

Well, I think it’s democracy in action and I think the legislators have a way of solving their own problems, those of us outside the chambers might not know. Like I said, they have a way of solving their problem and I believe that it will be sorted out soonest.

What is your candid opinion of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode?

I will boldly say that Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode has passion for Lagos State and I’m very optimistic that he is going to perform, and even surpass other governors because of the passion he has for the state. He is competent, he has the experience, he is the former local government auditor; former accountant general as well. He is a man that understands Lagos very well, I am positive by the time he settles down people will see the difference.

What you are trying to tell us is that Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode will bring change?

I don’t know what you mean by change? Government is all about continuity. What I mean is that whatever achievement other governors have achieved, Gov. Ambode has come to perform and will surpass what others have done.

What are the things you see that is missing that Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode is here to correct?

I am not saying anything is missing from the past governments. But Gov. Ambode is here to continue from where the past governors stopped and he is going to add more to what they have done.

As a former lawmaker, are you contented with the way the Lagos House of Assembly Speaker emerged?  

I was even there during the inauguration; he was nominated, the nomination was seconded and there was no counter nomination.

What is your take on Hon. Obasa?

I know Obasa… you know what it means to be representing your constituency four times, it means he has met all the necessary requirements that his constituency required of him. So, it’s a rare opportunity, hardly could you find a legislator with such record, he must be an extraordinary legislator to have achieve that feat and I am certain he has done a lot for his constituency.

What makes you relevant in politics?

What makes me relevant is because I have not lost touch with the people in my constituency and I keep my profession as well.

What are your plans politically?

My plan is to contribute my quota at any level I have the opportunity to serve.

Are you expecting an appointment from Gov. Ambode?

I never had it in mind that the ultimate reason is to be considered as a commissioner when I served as a campaign organiser. I was there to make my contribution but by the grace of God, the man won the election. However, if there is any opportunity for me to serve further, why not, I will thank God for that.

What is your message to your constituency?  

They should be expecting good things… most of the things they are expecting in our constituency, I am very sure that Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode will do them and will surely make imparts in the lives of the public, particularly, the politicians and those who are not even politicians as well.

What is your take on the recent remark by President Buhari?

People would not want to face reality. The man said at 72 he would have done more but age will affect him somehow. He is just being realistic… is there anything wrong with that? In my 50s what I was able to do in my 20s I will find it very difficult to do in my 50s, so, what are they saying? Is 72years an easy thing; is President Buhari not agile enough? The fact is that the man is 72, he is in his 70s and you don’t expect him to perform like somebody in his 20s and 30s… performance is very relative this time around. I will tell you that his age is even a blessing and an advantage for him, because you don’t expect to see him in parties and some functions.

But when he came out for campaign he never complained about his age?

Then we don’t like the truth in Nigeria. It is a known fact that President Buhari is quite older than Jonathan, Jonathan was in his 50s and Buhari is still in his 70s when they voted for him, so what are we talking about. Are you now telling me that President Buhari cannot preside over a meeting for 10-15hours? He can do it, but he is only making reference that he wished he is younger he would have done wonders. The change we are talking about is around; we will all see it by the grace of God.

Do you think the present administration will perform better than the last administration?

Please don’t let us compare this administration with the last one, they put us in a very serious mess and I am aware Nigerians are expecting much from President Buhari and I can say categorically that the man will not disappoint. Nigerians should try and give him time to study what he is going to do and how he’s going to effect some changes in Nigeria. So far, we have started seeing it. He has started tackling the issue of security, he has been travelling here and there, he has normalise our relationship with the ‘super powers’ to the extent that they now call him for G7 meetings, they have started taking us seriously now, we are considered as one of the serious nations in the world. Meanwhile, he is tackling security, after security he will be tackling corruption. So, it is a gradual process and Nigerians should not expect that these things will happen within weeks, he is not a magician. My advice is that while the President is doing his job, the citizens should also give him rest of mind, we should all contribute our own quota as well so that he will be able to succeed at the end of the day. Particularly, you journalists, you should try and cooperate with him.