ABIKE DABIRI EYES LAGOS GOVERNORSHIP SEAT

In twos and threes, in some high profile social and political circles, it is being discussed in hushed and sometimes, animated tones that distinguished member of the House of Representatives, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has her eyes on the Lagos governorship seat. The seat becomes vacant after the expiration of the illustrious tenure of the incumbent Governor Babatunde Fashola next year.

For the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, especially the Godfather of southwest politics, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the issue of Fashola’s successor has been a hot-button issue considering the importance of the state on one hand, the continuation of Fashola’s legacies and the need to ensure whoever succeeds him does not lower the bar of governance on the other hand.

Of course, a lot of politicians and technocrats have shown keen interest in succeeding Fashola, however, there are insinuations that Asiwaju Tinubu is more disposed to a Christian technocrat given that only Muslims have ruled the state since the return to democracy.

And this has caused quite an uproar in certain Christian circles in recent time. Abike’s candidacy, according to her supporters and loyalists, looks formidable given her experience in the House of Representatives where she is serving her third term and has headed several committees, notably the media and Diaspora Affairs committees.

Also indisputable is her professional accomplishments. A former staff of the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, Abike was a star reporter and newscaster who rose to anchor the hugely popular Newsline on NTA network. Her candour and gregarious charm made her the darling of Nigerians from 17 to 70 and more in the early to late 90s. Though she is reportedly not openly discussing the option of contesting because such must have the imprimatur of Tinubu, Abike’s body language is favourably disposed to the idea. Pray, who wouldn’t? Apart from being Nigeria’s socio-economic nerve-centre, Lagos State is rich, with an estimated N29billion as monthly Internal Generated Revenue.

This is besides the power and prestige that come with the position and the fact that if things worked out fine for her, history would record her as the first woman to govern Lagos State.

Source: Thisday