In Nigeria, Lagos state holds the distinction of being a megacity of commerce, culture and commotion. Touted as “Center of Excellence”, this state of aquatic splendour, to me, represents a jungle where anything can happen! It accommodates all sorts: robbers, ritualists, rapists, the good, the bad and the ugly. As the popular saying goes “Eko gba ole, o gba ole” roughly translated to mean Lagos accommodates thieves as well as indolent. But this doesn’t mean the entire state is full of bad people.
There are millions of decent people in Lagos eking out legitimate livelihood.
This writer spent close to 15 years in Lagos, moving through its length and breadth while practising journalism before relocating to the present place of abode. I must confess that, with the benefit of hindsight, I fear Lagos with its stress and distress! To say the least, it is a state with problems of profound proportions. For example, commuting from one place to another in those days was hellish. You could spend the whole day in traffic gridlock. To underscore my fear of Lagos, uptill now, I hardly drive to Lagos. Honestly, I respect Lagos residents. They are industrious. They hardly sleep. They are special breeds as the city is complex.
However, governing a state like Lagos, in my opinion, is similar to sailing in a turbulent sea. Clearly, only the bold and the brilliant can dare to throw their hats in the ring. Turning Lagos that I used to know to be chaotic into a magnificent modern society, replete with all the glittering and dazzling paraphernalia of a megacity is indeed a herculean task. It is against this backdrop that one is compelled to evaluate the leadership style of the incumbent governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu whose steady strides are really impacting lives and building legacies.
Interestingly, Lagos seems to be getting it rightly with its leadership recruitment process since 1999 when Asiwaju Bola Tinubu became governor when the country returned to democracy. Asiwaju Tinubu did not only perform well in office from 1999 to 2007, he also succeeded in raising a worthy successor who was hitherto unknown, but eventually dazzled the pundits with his excellent leadership style. That was Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola whose nomination generated a lot of political furore at that time . The credit goes to Asiwaju Tinubu whose proclivity for identifying and raising quality leaders has been generally acknowledged. Fashola was succeeded by Akinwunmi Ambode who later handed over the baton to the incumbent. All of these men have contributed immensely to the development of Lagos.
The governors in succession appear to be patterned after the pioneer (Tinubu), with similitude in conduct and carriage. They are passionate about the development of Lagos. And, Lagos is getting better by the day. Surprisingly, this writer, like many observers, had his skepticism about the capacity of Mr. Sanwo-Olu to handle Lagos when he was thrown up. Perhaps because there was scanty information about him at that time. Perhaps because of his simple and humble carriage and disposition. Like many Lagosians, one erroneously thought he might not be able to deliver! Contrary to this wrong notion, however, the way he has handled concatenation of various circumstances in the last two years has shown that it is not always good to judge a book by its cover.
In the last two years of his reign in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu whose physical frame disguises the giant he is made of, has literally smashed to smithereens all the public cynicism and skepticism about his capacity to move Lagos to higher heights. Using a decisive, yet consensual leadership style along with his cabinet members, he has been able to tackle many Lagos Gordian Knots with precision. His is not a laissez faire leadership style. Rather, as a leader, he portrays himself as a rare embodiment of courage, charisma and credibility.
Analyzing him on account of his words and actions, Sanwo-Olu sounds modernist and progressive. He is a man of deep convictions, and a sophisticated politician, driven by concrete principles rather than situational ethics. His equanimity of spirit makes a profound positive impression. He is dialogical, conversational and discussive. These are hallmarks of a good leader. This governor is vivacious, warm and full of innate dignity without a bulk of ego. More importantly, he has not been delinquent in his duty. I wish to state with unmistakable exactitude that he is charting a future rich in promise and possibilities. As his Information and Strategy Commissioner, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso describes him, “Gov. Sanwo-Olu is a humble man of modesty who believes so much in the betterment of the people and the society”.
Moving round Lagos recently without the usual attendant traffic snarl, one is compelled to salute the dexterity of Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s doggedness. There are appreciable testaments of rapid and unprecedented physical growth. One of the major concerns of the visitors to Lagos is transportation system. It is therefore delightful to know that Gov. Sanwo-Olu has done a lot in this regard. For instance, he has completed road projects including Oniru network of roads, Ojokoro network of roads- 31 in number- the Pen Cinema fly-over, Agege, Oshodi/Abule-Egba BRT corridor, Phases 1 & 2 of Badagry expressway, Lagos-Ogun boundary roads, six major junction improvements at Lekki 1 & 2 , Ajah, Maryland, Ikotun and Allen Avenue. Also, he has touched Jide Oki / Ade Adedina/ Olugbani streets in Iru/ Victoria Island, Ijegun-Egbe road and Ishuti road in Igando. St. Finbarrs road/Diya street in Yaba Iwaya road among others. This is commendable. It makes life in Lagos more bearable.
However, the major challenge remains the issue of security. There is no doubting the fact that the preponderance of poverty in the midst of plenty has fertilised criminalities across the country. Insecurity is not peculiar to Lagos, but the rate and audacity with which it is perpetrated calls for concern. The robbers in Lagos are so daring and brazen. They terrorize people with mayhem and murder, pillaging and plundering people’s poverty at will. It will be desirable if the governor can intensify efforts in this regard. Whatever, a leader encourages grows, and what he discourages dies. Gov. Sanwo-Olu has the capacity to reduce the level of criminality in Lagos. He can do it. Glad to know that he has promised to tackle the problem headlong .
Hear him: “We are currently working with the various state security operatives to determine additional operational and infrastructure needs that the state can support with. In this regard, I shall, in the coming week, be handing over operational vehicles, communication gadgets, ballistic vests and helmets, anti-riot water cannon vehicles and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to our various security operatives to further enhance and improve their operations which will ultimately have a positive impact on the security status in the state. We will also be recruiting additional men in the coming weeks, into our Neighbourhood Security Watch to complement the efforts of our existing security personnel.”
Leadership is a burden. Leaders, particularly those who display capacity like Gov. Sanwo-Olu should be encouraged and supported with applause wherever they have done well. This governor with uncommon largeness of heart has done well in the last two years. His performance during the COVID-19 pandemic was sterling. He indeed displayed a quality leadership style. He earned my respect. The scabs he recorded during the ENDSARS protest which have turned to scars for his lessons and remembrance are certainly parts of the badges of leadership. History will be kind to him for his sacrifices. By and large, he should be commended and supported in the overall interest of Lagos.
Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s leadership style is developmental . The governor seems to have mastered how to blend radicalism with conservatism. Like him or loathe him, his modesty, graceful airs, and rich mind must have earned him the confidence of the majority of Lagosians. In the last two years, his strength has been tested and his performance has been proven. Indeed, he is a man of amazing self-restraint, always acting in a fashion of a gentleman. It appears whatever is for the benefit of the people becomes his priority. I simply admire his carriage and conduct.
Above all, no matter how good Lagos gets, the state can always get better. But the betterment of Lagos cannot be left for an individual or government alone. All stakeholders must work together and support the government.
Sunday Saanu, is with the University of Ibadan.
E-mail: sundaysaanu@gmail.com, 08034073427
