The Precipitates Of Continuity In Lagos Governance

Since 1999, Lagos State has subscribed to continuity of governmental ideologies and this has paid off in many respects. Standard and style are the constant characteristics of governments in the state. Since Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu who laid the foundation for seamless transmission of power on the premise of continuity.

From administration to administration  the standard of developmental strides in Lagos State have continued to soar. The style of every administration has been distinct and reflective of the unique panache of the governor in charge but long-term focused within the context overall developmental agenda.

One of the hallmarks of good governance is continuity in policies, programmes and projects; especially those that are progressive and developmental. Therefore, continuity ensures effective resource management. This not only encourages development, growth and productivity, it also promotes the execution and completion of capital projects that are usually abandoned by subsequent governments who discard the ideologies of the previous government as they take up new ones. This has continued to be a source of wastage.

Continuity is not just about a particular political party being in power over a long period. Rather, it’s about the ability of a government to have unity of purpose, focus and clear cut direction. It is about subsequent governments operating within and upon the same ideology and political principle which are ultimately beneficial to the people.

Presently, in Nigeria, Lagos state represents a shining example of the dividends of continuity in governance as it has enjoyed and is still experiencing tremendous growth and development which make it a leading economic and industrial hub in the country. In the current political dispensation, the foundation for Lagos’ current political and economic development was laid by the then administration of Asiwaju  Bola Ahmed Tinubu which actually set the pace and put in place the development template which subsequent governments in the state has continued to build on. The legacy of good governance enshrined in the state continues to grow as the baton of leadership and authority pass from Tinubu to Fashola and now to Ambode.

Subsequent governments have continued to work within the frame work of the Lagos Development Master-plan for a mega city since 1999. This was made possible because there is a genuine unity of purpose and agenda which breeds accountability. Past and present leaders in the state have been able to deliver on their mandates as they measure their performances against the backdrop of their unanimous vision and purpose and also gauge the pulse of the people for feedbacks on their performance through their various medium of feedbacks such as the Town Hall meeting, community interaction programmes among others.

The state is gradually being weaned from depending or waiting on the Federal Government for financial derivation, a point that has been proven once by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 1999 when former President Obasanjo refused to release Lagos State Local Governments allocation. Through sheer administrative, financial and economic prowess, the state government was able to meet its financial responsibilities to the 20 Local Government Councils and 37 Local Council Development Areas, without any financial support from the then Federal Government.  It is noteworthy to say that the ground work and foundation for the Lagos that we now enjoy was laid at that trying time in the political history of the state, and a legacy of good governance, true leadership, exemplary service and sacrifice was established. All these are truly the beauty of continuity in a democracy.

There should be continuity in government in order to make appreciable progress. Lack of continuity is the blight of governance in Nigeria. If succeeding governments had continued with the plans and programmes of their predecessors, Nigeria would have been a better place.

On the note of continuity of the efforts of our past heroes, Lagos Panorama launched the Iyaloja Play Book which is part of the Immortalization of Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji Programme which will progress into the stage performance of the play in Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ogun and Abuja as the first phase.