IT’S TIME FOR ESHINLOKUN TO REPRESENT LAGOS CENTRAL AT THE RED CHAMBER By: Fashina Shakiru

Since Senator Oluremi Tinubu, current occupier of the Lagos Central Senatorial seat has decided to join his hubby and national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in pursuing his presidential ambition, different political movers and shakers have been eyeing the venerated seat. Three among these politicians are Hon Wasiu Eshinlokun Sanni, Ambassador Demola Seriki and Hon Oyinlomo Danmole.

Largely ahead of the Senatorial primary election, the delegates will queue behind their preferred candidate and the election will be based on the aspirants’ track record which means there’ll be no room for inexperienced politicians most especially with small clout.

However, after I carefully perused the credentials and antecedents of the aspirants who are jostling for the seat, I realized that the Deputy Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Wasiu Sanni Eshilokun, is the most experienced and qualified to take the baton of leadership and represent the good people of Lagos of Lagos Central at the Red Chamber come 2023.

Eshinlokun is the current Deputy Speaker of LAHA. He’s served as the Council Chairman, Party Secretary and Ward C Vice Chairman in Isale-Eko area of Lagos Island, Lagos State.

Being a bonafide Lagosian and having known Hon Eshilokun for over 10 years, I wish to inform my readers that this piece isn’t meant to review his rich and long curriculum vitae. Instead, it’s to let you know why I preferred to other aspirants on the list. Eshilokun is a man of the people. His accomplishments are abound. He upholds principles of participatory democracy and commands large following. Eshilokun’s knowledge of the world is encyclopedic. He is nothing short of like his political master, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Like Jagaban, Eshinlokun makes leaders. He’s facilitated appointments and job opportunities for teeming Lagosians; Federal agencies, State parastatals, Local governments and corporate organisations. For instance, In LASTMA, LASIEF, teaching job, Neighborhood Watch, FERMA, NCDC, KAI and other ministries. Hon Eshilokun has used his influence to get over 1000 people employed.

Eshinlokun laid down many foundations of massive education support in Lagos, renovated primary schools especially My Complete student and over 50, 000 pupils of public schools benefited from school uniforms, school bags, sandals, text books and exercise books. Also, he gave students GCE and JAMB forms with free special classes for the examinations. Recently, he gave over 50 students scholarship into any university of their choice in Nigeria.

The relevancy of Eshinlokun in Lagos State’s politics today is as a result of his massive empowerment programmes for the youths and the aged, social intervention, community engagement, distribution of mini buses, tricycles, sewing machines, hair dryers, generators and other items, all for his constituents. Not less than 2500 youths were drawn across the length and breadth of Lagos and each had comprehensive training in various vocational skills with start up cash support to empower the less privileged.

Like Helen Keller said, “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” It’s not gainsaying to say that Eshinlokun has shown capability in his political journey so far. With this, I’m confident that he’ll deliver his campaign promises if given the privilege to serve his constituency come 2023.

The party leadership and delegates should consider Hon. Eshinlokun for the Lagos Central Senatorial seat. Like I said, he has shown capability and he’s aware of the challenges facing the entire Lagos Central, and solving the problems will be his first assignment when elected. Let’s not forget that in the floor of the house, most active legislator with credible legislative and executive experience made him serve on different house committees initiate and implement many developmental programs and projects for Lagos State.

Fashina Shakiru writes from Lagos.
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