Ambode, LSHA, Leadership And Integrity

 By Usman Muhammed

Watch out; a scenario is being played out by the Lagos State House of Assembly. All the seeming media hype about improper purchase of buses, the mention of eye popping billons of money supposedly spent, the summons, threats of arrest and the spates of denials that have followed.  Clearly, something is amiss; whatever it is, cannot be normal judging from the persistence in the pursuit of the personality involved.  And who is that anyway?  Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, the immediate past Governor of the bristling Lagos State of Nigeria! Since then, writers have been feeding members of the public with sensational “stories” of how certain “wrong doings” have been unearthed leading to Ambode’s administration.      

Nevertheless, as it would seem, there appears to be no end in sight with, as usual – typical of our nature – those who are supposed to mediate have suddenly gone underground!

The speed and the haste,  the Lagos State House of Assembly have attached to eroding the prolific achievements of the former Governor are indicative of something sinister brewing – rather disappointing.  Never before has a single individual with such excellent track record as Ambode    been so vilified during committee sittings where members took their turns to speak crudely about his character, as if to say Ambode was no longer a Yoruba man-or their son.

The reckless manner in which the 820 buses are mentioned and the so-called N10b allegedly traced to his Administration, you would think Ambode spent his days in government steep in immorality.  But the serial harassment has only given credence to the now wildly held notion of selective application of rules!  Unfortunately this is happening under a cherished democratic setting, where the lingo is supposed to be – government by the people, for the people and through the people!  Definitely, the message coming out from the Assembly is anything but democratic.  You could actually feel the “autocratic” or if you like – “monocratic” style on display.

What is the goal of this latest gambit?  This question becomes apt at this point because the former Governor is a card carrying member of the All Progressive Congress (APC) same as the entire membership of the House of Assembly and the Party apparatchik.  Why would such “distraction” be allowed to go unabated?  Recall, Ambode was denied second term in office; denied from spending the 2019 Appropriation package; subjected to threats of impeachment; branded as not a “party man” – and even out of office, haunted with threat of arrest!  This is getting like a handshake below the elbow!  If there is such rancour within the APC in Lagos as in Edo State, is it not time to ask questions about the integrity, character and leadership abilities of those in charge?  And even the structure of their mindset!

Because, what is playing out in both Lagos and Edo States undeniably boils down to a serious lacuna in leadership direction.  There can be no strong leadership in the absence of equally strong character and    integrity.  For example, “character” is defined as the “total quality of a person, behavior as revealed in his habits and expression; his attitudes and interest; this includes actions and his personal philosophies about life.  A strong character “sustains” and “propels”.  The same as leadership.  Strategic leadership entails “strong mentality”, “vision”, “potentials” and “spirituality, all of which leads to a healthy mindset filled with “hope”, “desire” “confidence”, “belief” and even “confession”.  You will agree with me that it is the absence or lack of these that results to confusion or if you like weak leadership. Seen from this angle, it is easier to conclude that the action of the Lagos State House of Assembly in the matter of Ambode falls far short of normal expectations.  They can’t be doing the bidding of the general public!

But right now, they have a chance to retrace their steps; Lagos State needs purposeful direction, especially now that the current administration is working on “Greater Lagos” project. Ambode is never an issue. If they worked with him in harmony in his days in office, they should be able to –the lucky ones that returned—move forward. History beckons on them to deliver, at least produce laws to guide the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration right. There are better things to do with their precious time than waste it in negative ventures.

Many great countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and nearer home – Rwanda were rebuilt by leaders with healthy minds.  When the mind is fully developed, intelligence, and wisdom follows. Part of the requirements for strong leadership is the rejection of being tele-guided.  Leadership is a journey, supported by definite vision – for a definite destination – for the people – the members of the public. Strong leadership and character like the type Ambode possess does not allow you to occupy public office and abuse public funds.

You cannot be a true leader if your goals and aspirations are driven by greed, avarice and thirst for subversion of the laws.  This is common logic.  And even more embarrassing is when – as evidenced in the LSHA vs. Ambode issue – the chase is everything but normal!

Take a look at the Chagouries who were able to  get beyond the previously notorious bar beach level and put up the Eko Atlantic City; certainly the Obasa led House of Assembly can get past the Ambode saga.  Though, not enough compassion, but the similarity here is the possession of the will – to achieve; to pursue a set purpose and arrive at a reasonable destination.

Those who are in public office should always strive to make things happen.  In our democratic setting, they should not allow themselves to be “restricted” to functions unhelpful to members of the public or the tax payers!

But you may want to ask: what is the worth of pursuing Ambode?  And what is his alleged offence?

As far as we know – from records – Ambode spent all his entire working career in Lagos from LAWMA to the Local Councils, to Audit, and then Accounts before becoming the Governor.  As Governor, he shunned negative associations, maintained his strict regime, and spent time to produce viable infrastructure in the State.  Clearly, Lagos wears a new look with the magnificent Oshodi Terminal; the 10 lane MMA reconstructed highway, the light up Lagos scheme, the Ayinke Hospital and many more: Ambode left indelible marks for   generations to come.

These landmarks – if the truth be told – couldn’t have been achieved without the cooperation of the Lagos State House of Assembly and the entire executive.  They couldn’t have come cheaper!  Nothing good comes cheap including the 820 buses now in question.

With a background like Ambode’s it would tantamount to mischief for anyone to insinuate or ascribe corrupt practices or shady deals to him.  Ambode has strong character, integrity and he possess strong leadership qualities.

A technocrat by all standards it is like begging the issue to suggest Ambode has some “billions” statched away!  Ambode, as Executive Governor of Lagos State had all the powers to form a splinter APC and sponsor a parallel congress during the primary.  He could have jeopardized the procedure in the House of Assembly and forcibly gain control of the Party machinery.  Instead, what did he do?  He allowed peace to reign and left majestically.  This very astonishing credentials cannot be expected to suddenly become something else at this time of his life!  And above all, Ambode is modest – unless you want to be economical with the truth.

The All Progressive Congress (APC) must find alternative ways to settle their perceived-if not contrived disputes. The all Yoruba House of Assembly must find better ways of settling disputes. There is need for them to be united.

As human beings, there are limits we must go.  John Pepper Clerk said: “We are all casualties”.  If after 59 years we are still battling with erratic power supplies bad roads even in major highways, it means we all have work to do. We cannot be having anarchy all the time and pretend that all is well.

We need to take a strong look at our attitudes. Our culture is faulty; we lack maintenance in every capacity.  Ironically, “change” is the mantra of the APC Government.   If private individuals can construct skyscrapers, mansions, chateaus, why not spend a “fraction” of that to repair roads directly in front of their house?  Why wait for Government?  If private investors, wealthy families abroad can get concessions to construct and maintain roads as well as collect tolls, why not our Government toe the same path?  We are too far gone in ethnic and religious considerations.

To be honest, we are all casualties – including the Obasa led Lagos House of Assembly; they should rise above pettiness and join hands with the humble Babajide Sanwo-Olu government to clear drainages, repair roads, fill the potholes and find lasting solutions to the perennial traffic jams.  That’s how to legislate – not the circus show of pursuing a worthy achiever like Ambode!

With all sense and purpose, the Obasa led House of Assembly can go on study trips and capacity building overseas to learn more on how to construct underground channels for train transportation.  They can speed up the completion of the overhead Train routes; fan out in the inner areas and create new cities; there is no end to what they can do before their tenure expires.  They can even organize Lagos drainage clean- up campaign, you know.  It is not all about sitting in the comfort of offices.  Let’s do more to uphold character ethics and the principles of integrity.  Lagos needs good leadership; Lagos needs to show unity;  no quarrel should be allowed to degenerate to this level of witch hunting achievers like Ambode who, they say “actually” performed but hot a “party man”. Should they heed this advice, they would realize that even contemplating warrant of arrest for Ambode is nothing but an untidy path to follow.

 Alhaji Usman Muhammed writes from Kogi State

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