I have read a lot of reactions and media reports on the engagement between the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the residents/property owners in Magodo Phase II Estate and a certain Chief Superintendent of Police, Abimbola Oyewole, who was sent from Abuja to lead the supposed execution/enforcement of the Supreme Court judgment on the embattled plots of land. First, we must appreciate the leadership style of the present governor, as a man who listens. A man of peace, down-to-earth and one who takes all shades of opinion before making decisions on any matter. Second, Sanwo-Olu, apart from building structures and keeping his promise across his administration’s themes agenda, always prioritises peace and security in the state above many other interests.
He recognises that it is in the atmosphere of peace and security that sustainable development can be achieved. Furthermore, this governor cares for the wellbeing of all the citizens of Lagos, irrespective of their social level, age or gender. This is why you see him engaging publicly with residents in Ajah over the menace of Okada riders who ride against the traffic. He has also had several other interactions with market men and women in Yaba, Oyingbo, Ikorodu, Badagry and other areas over plans of the state. This action is only easy for humble and people-oriented leaders, who would not simply sit back in their opulent offices and issue orders. Governor Sanwo Olu sets out to get the job done, even if it means meeting with the people in their various area of residence.
The Magodo issue is a bit complicated because it is legal. But, regardless of the causes that led to the current scenario, the governor, under whose watch the seeming catastrophe happened, must rise up to the occasion to handle it frontally. After all, when one is elected to government, they inherit both assets and liabilities. My principle is well aware of and understands this, and in accordance with the oath he took to safeguard the lives and property of all citizens, he felt compelled to intervene in the Magodo land dispute before it escalated into a full-blown crisis.
Several opinion writers took to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to paint a picture of what appeared to be a “weak” governor. In reality, I saw some laughable comparisons of Sanwo-Olu with Nyesom Wike, his River State counterpart. What would the latter have done under such circumstances? Would he have slapped the CSP for answering his question, no matter how arrogant, or ordered his arrest? Which arm of security would carry out the order? Does River State, like Lagos, have its own police force, DSS, or Army? The writer who made this analogy should be informed that all security apparatus are controlled by the Federal administration in Abuja, and its officers are not accountable to any state administration. In Nigeria, we have seen collaboration between the state and federal administrations. The structure is weak and lopsided, and it is detrimental to Nigeria’s federal system of government. To be clear, Governor Sanwo-Olu is not weak. He is a democrat and a gentleman who will always follow due process, and what happened between him and the CSP at Magodo should be a good reason for well-meaning Nigerians to step up the call for true federalism, in which all federating units have their own security arrangements and do not rely on the Federal Police to carry out many duties in their domains.
Some suggested that the governor should have worked behind the scenes rather than visiting Magodo. This train of reasoning is at its finest humorous. Do you fall asleep when your roof is on fire? I don’t believe anyone will do it. Refers to the “invasion” of Magodo by a huge number of mean-looking, gun-wielding police officers who besieged the estate on December 21, causing panic and terror among landlords and inhabitants. It took the governor’s involvement for those police officers to step down the next day. He did not have to go to Magodo before the matter was under control. He continued to interact with law enforcement in Abuja on the topic until Tuesday am, when another round of crisis arose. This time, the governor could not and would not sit back in his office and let certain people disrupt the peace that exists in his state. That, to me, represents leadership.
I sympathize with people who voiced the following views, particularly those who are concerned about the governor’s interaction with the police officer. I understand their plight, and rightfully so, because Nigerians are unaccustomed to civil contacts between elected officials, who are often Lords, and their constituents. We apologize for disappointing you, but Sanwo-Olu will continue to engage folks, who he considers the major stakeholders in his bid to take Lagos to her El dorado.
The governors of Nigeria’s South-West have come out loud. They understand that one person’s injury affects everyone else. Nobody is safe unless everyone is safe.
Aside from condemning the exchange between Governor Sanwo-Olu and the police officer, the Forum made it abundantly clear in a statement signed by the Forum’s Chairman, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, that the current structure will require state governors, who are elected representatives of the people, to seek help and approval from an appointed federal officer in some security matters in their individual domains. He stated, “The content of the film is quite disturbing, and this is being charitable. The sheer disdain that underpins the officer’s rejoinder to the Governor proves beyond doubt the impracticality of the current system, dubiously called “Federalism”. An arrangement that requires the Governor of a State to seek clarification on security concerns in his jurisdiction from completely external agencies or persons is a clear prescription for anarchy.”
“We strongly deplore this brazen assault on decency. We urge the IG to explain the reason for this incursion. This is unacceptable. Any prospects of rapprochement between so-called federating units and federal security agencies are gradually becoming futile, due to premeditated activities that mock our very avowal to ethics and professionalism.”
“We condemn, in very clear terms, the role of the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami SAN in this act of gross moral turpitude.”
“We will continue to question the current system, which treats elected representatives of the people as mere prefects while appointed office holders ride roughshod over them as Lords of the Manor.” If the putative Chief Security Officers of the States of the Federation require permission from the office of the Inspector General on topics within their areas of jurisdiction, only hypocrites will wonder why the current security crisis intensifies and there appears to be no solution in the near future.”
Overall, Lagosians have begun to admire their governor for his interventions in numerous life-threatening circumstances. They have demonstrated his real love and concern for the people he governs. Magodo people can now fall asleep with their eyes closed. The judgment creditors are also pleased with Mr Governor’s leadership style, and Abuja may be confident that Lagos, under Governor Sanwo-Olu, will continue to rise above all challenges.
Clearly, Nigerians must demand genuine Federalism. A system in which the Federating units and the Federal government will reach mutually acceptable arrangements on the Exclusive and Concurrent List for internal security, particularly the Police.
