The only governor that has done what others have not done in Nigeria is the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Barrister Babatunde Raji Fashola. This grassroots politician while he was being sworn-in never got the people’s support but today he is being described as the best governor in the state. Surprisingly, with the level of development he has brought to the state, he insists that there is still a lot to be done in the state.
Congratulations on the honour bestowed on you by the Silverbird Group as the Silverbird Man of The Year 2013. What does this award mean to you?
Well, it’s just the simplest way to say you have done well in the state. Being a reputable organization, I also feel that they are using this award to reawake the commitment spirit in our government because our government is built on the spirit of commitment. Lots of things we have done, lots of people believe they could not be achieved but the spirit is there. With the spirit of determination, we have gone this far; at this juncture, I must thank the management of Silverbird Group for this single honour bestowed on the good people of Lagos State, the honour is not for me and my family alone but for the entire Lagosians.
Sir, you said you believe in doing what nobody believes will work, what do you actually mean by the statement?
What I mean is that there is nothing that is not possible, I believe in possibility. When we came on board for the first time, we drew a road map of what we wanted to do and we have done our groundwork, we saw that the resources we have would not be enough to embark on such project. Many of my team members also said it would not work but I stood on the fact that it would work, even with our little resources. But today, it is all history, one of the greatest examples was the rebuilt of Oshodi to what it is today, though lots of people were offended, we are able to make our plan work.
How do you feel when you’re commended that you have really transformed Lagos State to greater height, does that mean you are fulfilled as the governor of the state?
Yes, our government is fulfilled to a certain level but I must tell you that we still have a lot to do. People need a lot of development, though no one can do all the job, no one can provide all the needs of the people but ours is to at least satisfy our conscience by doing what is within our capacity to do. Yes, I hear lots of people, saying Gov. Fashola is a good man, he has done this and that. And you will also see some people in one corner saying he has not done anything. Yes, we have to listen to both sides to strike a balance, we have made an impact in road infrastructure, healthcare delivery, sport and education. If you monitor our programme, you will see that we are building houses. So, our government is moving with trends and bearing in mind that we have less than two years, we are rushing all the projects at hand so that there is no carryover to the next government.
What is your plan for your successor?
If I may tell you, commitment to duties does not necessarily mean a party thing, but the ability to work. I think the person that will take over from me must be a person that has a vision that will transform Lagos to a greater height. Well, the people would decide, I mean the power of the electorate but I must tell you that our party, APC has that vision to present a tested and trusted candidate who will honour and follow the party’s manifesto to give dividends of democracy to the people. So, I know the party will present a credible candidate come 2015.
The anti-smoking law in public places has been receiving lots of comments, why did you take such action?
We did not just take that decision but the people wanted it, I think the decision is good. Lots of people refused to know the implication of smoking in the public, we have taken the decision in the interest of the people and there is no going back.