The 10th Lagos assembly not for minnows, By Omoluabi Ademola

As the race to various elective positions in the coming general poll draws closer, numerous personalities are springing up to test their competence, influence and popularity by indicating willingness to join the contest.

While it is the constitutional right of every Nigerian who are 18 years upward and fulfils the prerequisite mental and academic capacity to contest, it is necessary to know the pros and cons of these posts.

Executive office holders usually get electorate’s fiat to carryout projects and implement laws with full support of deputy, commissioners, permanent secretaries and relevant stakeholders at the state level. This makes executive work to be delegative, assistive, target driving and specific.

Legislature on the other hand can not function by proxy or assistance. A man voted to represent a constituency must not just appear in the chamber regularly but makes impactful submissions and lobby for the people he represents.

The same man must on regular basis give feedback to his constituents through various means. The constituents will still expect the same man to give back to them as a way of projects through facilitation and direct funding from his personal remuneration. All these and more can only be done by one man, the elected legislator.

To be impactful as a lawmaker, one needs thorough mentoring, comprehensive studying of house proceedings and ultimately God’s grace. No wonder first timers in any legislative chamber are usually not allowed to hold sensitive post because they are counted as observers and learners.

As a resident of Kosofe Constituency 2, I have seen numerous personalities via various platforms (especially on social media) raising interest in the contest of representatives of the constituency at the state assembly. While they are all eminently qualified, I made a quality check at who is best to represent a large population of Kosofe 2.

The 10th Assembly is most likely to be filled with a lot of returning lawmakers so as to have enough experience to take the house beyond the common standard of excellence. More so, with Mr Governor almost assured of returning, an experienced executive arm will requires a vast legislature.

Looking at the list coming out so far, no one has legislative experience especially at the state level except Hon Obafemi Saheed who is completing the tenure of the late Hon Tunde Buraimoh, may his soul continue to rest in peace.

The impact Hon Femi Saheed had made in just one year in office further widen his gap when compared with others. It is largely expected that the lawmaker would still be learning at this time but he wowed every body as he started making quick contributions to plenary businesses.

Just from when to when he had lobbied for Mini-Stadium to be constructed in his constituency. Agboyi link bridge and Agiliti-Magodo Road are already being solicited for. Free School Bus Ride, Cash grants to over 600 constituents, donation of writing furniture, provision of 6 boreholes, sponsoring of eye cataract surgery, provision of scholarship fund to brilliant pupils and many more are achieved in just one year in office.

With the Lawmaker returning to the 10th Assembly, our representative is no more an observer but a ranking legislator whose presence would make a better deal for Kosofe 2 in the house.

I would like to urge other interested gladiators in this contest to conserve their resources and support Hon Femi Saheed to emerge in the best interest of the people of Kosofe Constituency 2.

Ademola is a Public Affairs Analyst residing in Kosofe constituency 2, Lagos state