•Ex-AGEGE LG Boss, ENOCK AJIBOSO
In Lagos APC today, this gentleman needs no introduction. He has been a prominent politician in the state for a couple of decades running. Chief Enock Ajiboso was a two term chairman of Agege local government and a former Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives under Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, now Minister for Power, Works and Housing. The former banker who spent a fruitful twenty years of his life with First Bank of Nigeria has made a mark for himself within the political landscape in Lagos State. He has a reputation for transparency and integrity. And he had also done impressively well in his previous appointments. Little wonder he was appointed the Director in Charge of Community Affairs for all communities for the APC gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s campaign. You only need to spend a few minutes talking with Chief Enock Ajiboso to know how much he believes in Sanwo-Olu. He has no doubts about Sanwo-Olu’s competence and capability to deliver if elected as governor of Lagos state come next year, having worked closely with him when they were both commissioners under the tenure of former governor Babatunde Raji Fashola. In this interview with City People’s Senior Editor, WALE LAWAL, Chief Enock Ajiboso opened up on reasons why a lot of people who know Sanwo-Olu closely are rooting for him and putting their trust in him to succeed.
I am particularly excited to see you again, sir, because you were my chairman in Agege local government for good eight years and we really appreciated all that you did. I understand that you’re now very actively involved in the campaign of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the APC gubernatorial candidate, what position are you holding, sir, and what are some of your responsibilities?
By the grace of God I’m the Director in Charge of Community Affairs for all communities. That means you’re talking about CDAs, CDCs and all. It is my responsibility to coordinate our campaign activities in all the communities.
Knowing you, sir, as a man of ideals and principles, I know that beyond the fact that you’re a loyal member of the party, you would probably not be sticking out your neck for a candidate you do not believe in because of your integrity and reputation. So, what is it about the new APC governorship candidate, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, that has made you come out and go all the way to support him like you’re doing?
Babajide Sanwo-Olu and I have been together for a long period of time. The two of us were lucky to have served in the same cabinet. He was Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions while I was Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives under the tenure of former governor, now Minister for Works, Power and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola. So, he’s somebody I know very well. We’ve worked together. We used to sit side by side each other. He’s somebody I can vouch for.
Can you tell us specifically a few things about him that many people don’t know about? Things that few people like you know about him, which is why you’re throwing your full weight behind him?
Well, I can tell you that the man is a very responsible person. He’s extremely forthright and a man of competence. He’s the type of person you can have an agreement with and go to sleep without any fear because his word is his bond. Another thing is that he’s a very straightforward person and extremely intelligent too. He’s somebody Lagosians will be proud of. That is why you can see me, the big masquerade, coming out.
Sir, Lagosians were surprised when the news broke that your party, APC, wanted a new candidate for next year’s governorship elections and the fear of a lot of people is that this could boomerang on APC. Do you honestly think APC handled the situation well enough?
As far there are positive results coming out from it, then, you can say, yes, the party has handled the situation well. What is important is the interest of Lagosians, not the individual. And if you look at democracy, politics is about democracy and democracy is business of consensus building. When you have a consensus candidate coming out regardless of a proceeding, that is democracy, it brings the best out of the people. APC has adopted Sanwo-Olu and given him the mandate to represent the party next year, and believe me, he will deliver. He will not disappoint. Lagosians will be very proud of him.
What should we expect, sir, from Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu? What difference will he be bringing to governance in Lagos state?
A lot of difference. Babajide Sanwo-Olu will bring a lot of difference to governance in Lagos state and shock those who doubt his capabilities. Let’s be honest with ourselves, in terms of experience, can you even question his credentials in governance? He will come good. Everyone should expect the best from him because only the best is good enough for Lagos State.
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