Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni, representing Lagos Central District, has expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's reforms, stating they are laying a solid foundation for the future. In an interview with The Nation, Eshinlokun-Sanni discussed various issues, including the National Assembly's handling of budget projects and Tinubu's impact on Lagos State. He emphasized that the National Assembly had tried to harmonize budget projects, with unfinished projects carried over to the 2025 budget.
Eshinlokun-Sanni compared his experiences as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, council chairman, party secretary, and now senator at the federal level. He noted that each position has different directions, flavors, and expectations. As a lawmaker at the state level, he legislated on a smaller scale, while at the federal level, the scope is wider, with a much larger budget. He mentioned that the Lagos State budget was around N1 trillion, whereas the federal budget is now over N50 trillion.
The senator highlighted Tinubu's achievements in Lagos State, citing several ongoing projects, including the rehabilitation of the Carter Bridge, the coastal road, and the Badagry-Sokoto road. He also mentioned the expansion of the Lagos-Oyo road and the construction of a new airport in Lagos. Eshinlokun-Sanni described Tinubu's presence as a blessing, with significant impacts on Lagos State.
Eshinlokun-Sanni addressed the agitation for special status for Lagos State, which his predecessor championed in the Senate. He stated that the issue has been taken up on the floor of the National Assembly and that they are seeking a derivation of 13% from all revenue accrued to Lagos State from the Federal Government. He argued that Lagos State deserves special status, citing its commercial and administrative importance.
The senator emphasized that most nations treat their major cities specially, citing examples such as Dubai, New York, and London. He noted that giving Lagos State special status would lead to more developmental growth and increased economic activity. Eshinlokun-Sanni expressed optimism that something would give, and that most colleagues do not have issues with granting special status to Lagos.
Eshinlokun-Sanni responded to opposition claims that people are suffering due to the subsidy issue. He described their claims as mischievous, recalling that major presidential candidates, including Atiku and Obi, agreed that subsidy must go. He noted that the National Assembly had not budgeted for subsidy beyond June and that the previous administration had expended all provided funds.
Finally, Eshinlokun-Sanni expressed confidence that Tinubu would be re-elected in the next year's poll, citing his achievements and ongoing projects. He emphasized that the senator's role is to contribute to the nation's service, and that Tinubu's reforms are laying a solid foundation for the future.
Key points
- - Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni defends Tinubu's reforms and projects in Lagos State. - Eshinlokun-Sanni highlights Tinubu's achievements in Lagos, including several ongoing infrastructure projects. - The senator addresses the agitation for special status for Lagos State, citing its commercial and administrative importance.
