History is often written by champions, it is said. If this assertion is true, then Lagos State is at the threshold of what could be its sweetest epoch of statesmanship and politics. Following the declaration of man of the people, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, that he is returning for another term in the Senate, the nooks, crannies and political circuits of the state are ecstatic with joy and has literally thrown the Lagos East Senatorial District into euphoric fits of pleasure and expectation.
There is no gainsaying Ashafa, the Senator representing Lagos East senatorial District, is the sweetest thing that ever happened to his constituency. Pundits ascribe this to Ashafa’s brilliance, humility, generosity and earnestness in dealings with the electorate, associates and rivals on the political turf.
Yes, Ashafa measures equal to any man in every arena where intellect, industry and grit are measured with the character of a man. And every time he is subjected to appraisal, he emerges spick and span; flawless to the bones. Which makes him a darling of a man and a perfect epitome of the quintessential politician.
However, in a recent interview with Gloomme Tv, Senator Gbenga Ashafa expressed confidence in his achievements as a senator both in legislative activities and the citing of meaningful projects in his constituency.
Well, It is not uncommon for pubic office holders to seek re-election particularly in the legislature, which has no term limits, but we will all agree that not all of them are worth being voted back into office especially due to under performance. However, there are those who stand out. Those whom their achievements speak for them and ought to have a smooth ride back into office to continue the work they have begun. This is the case with Senator Gbenga Ashafa.
In his words, Ashafa who hails from Ibeju – Lekki stated that “My constituents have shown me tremendous support and are offering to pick up my party’s nomination form to recontest the election on my behalf. Who then am I to say otherwise or to put down the faith they have in me by not running for another term”.
Speaking further, the Senator Stated that “The work I have been able to do speaks for itself. Whether it is by the way of legislative interventions like the Nigerian Railway Bill/various railway projects that are directly beneficial to Lagos State, the NIPOST bill, topical motions, or the various constituency intervention projects including ICT/skill acquisition programs, renovation of schools, portable water projects, upgrading of facilities at healthcare centres, several other scholarships and women empowerment programs amongst others; It is this understandable why they want me to run again”.
Senator Ashafa also praised Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his vision and leadership by taking the bold and unpopular step of nudging the party towards adopting an open primary system where every card carrying member of the party will have a stake in deciding to bears the flag of the party and not just a few delegates.
Asked about how he fancies his chances in the coming primaries against other tough contestants from Lagos East, Ashafa responded with confidence stating that “the mandate remains with the people. I have remained with them by ensuring that I deliver on the mandate I was given by my people. Their unyielding clamour that I return for another term, makes it clear that they have kept faith with me. I am confident of victory.”
Ashafa’s interview which has since gone viral on the social media, has generated a lot of positive reviews across board. It shows that he has maintained a connection with the younger demographic who have identified him as a transparent, engaging and model Senator.
