The upper legislative chambers of the national assembly ought to be the best in law-making in the country, as those supposed to be elected there should be men and women of integrity, with passion for the development of the country, and above all, agile men and women who can engage in serious legislative activities. During the return to democratic governance in 1999, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was populated by experienced, old and energetic young men and women.
However, with the completion of the cycle in 2003, while some of them got reelected, others were not so lucky to be back. From year 2007, former governors who have completed their four or eight years of mandatory
terms have turned the upper legislative chambers into their “retirement home,” where most of them just go for the sake of being in government without any commensurate contribution to their pay.
Most of them are passive members who hardly attend sessions, move motions, or sponsor bills. Contributing to debate has become a herculean task for them.
But from 1999 until now, Lagos is the only state in the country whose former governor has not been in the Senate.
In 1999, when Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was elected, he got the second term through dint of hard work and perseverance, as the then government at the center, led by Obasanjo, wanted him disgraced out of office. Though, information has it that he nursed the ambition, but he couldn’t fulfill it as Senator Ganiyu Olarewanju Solomon got the seat of Lagos West.
In 2007, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola was elected governor of the state, he continued with the idea of a new Lagos by following the laid-out plans for the development of the state. In 2015, Mr. Fashola bowed out and never contemplated running for a Senate seat, even when he was the darling of the people of the state by his delivery in projects and programs that are pro-people.
Mr. Akinwumi Ambode was elected in 2015 and ran the race for the Governor in his way, but the powers that be, in 2019, didn’t support him for second term and in the primary election he lost to the incumbent.
Even when in 2020, the senator representing Lagos East, Senator Bayo Osinowo died and all eyes were on former Governor Ambode to step in, he politely turned down such offer.
Some months ago, Governor Sanwo-Olu won a second term ticket, maybe he will change the narrative, we are waiting. But till now, Lago’s former governors have not been elected to the Senate. Asiwaju was elected in the 1990s before becoming governor.
That’s why Lagos is different from other states, it’s a state of aquatic splendor, the most populated state in the country, and the fifth largest economy in the whole of Africa, this is a functioning state, not one on “life support’s, gasping for breath.
