The President’s role does not affect water supply, sanitation, getting a business permit, paying rent – Fashola

Former Minister of Power and Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola recently sparked controversy by questioning Nigerians’ expectations of the President.

During an interview on “Untold Stories with Adesuwa,” Fashola argued that it is not within the president’s purview to provide basic amenities such as water, housing, business permits, and environmental sanitation.

He stated, “Are we expecting so much from the president?

“What constitutional role does the president have about things that affect most people – water supply, sanitation, getting a business permit, paying rent?

“Those are things that are not the responsibilities of the Nigerian president.”

This remark incited backlash on social media, with some criticizing it as invalidating citizens’ concerns, while others found it offensive, as reactions ranged from annoyance to disbelief.

Most notably, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the LP governorship candidate in the 2023 election, reacted, questioning the ability of a political party to bring prosperity to Nigeria if it denies the impact of its policies on the cost of living and disregards the president’s role in fostering a conducive business environment. He said:

“Honestly, I want to ask you this question: do you genuinely think that a party that believes its policies have no impact on the cost of living, or that a president has no role to play in the ease of doing business, can deliver progress and prosperity to the Nigerian people?

And if this is the best among them, you have to be terrified at how worse things are likely to get for Nigerians.

No wonder they don’t care that millions of Nigerians are on the brink of starvation. No wonder they don’t care that millions will die because they cannot afford their drugs.

Since 2015, their scorecard has been clear: High Poverty, High unemployment, Insecurity, and propaganda.”

Another X-handler, @ayansoladare, reacted, saying:

“The more I watch this video, the more angry I become. If you’re a business person, trader, or landlord Fashola is coming after your life. He’s basically blaming you for the inflation and disastrous economy. This is some Joseph Goebbels level of propaganda.”

Another said:

“Is this man for real? What does he mean by expecting too much from Tinubu? Why did Tinubu steal the mandate if he doesn’t want us to expect too much from him.”

Another argued that Fashola’s statement would hold water if Nigeria were practising true federalism, where local governments can manage their resources, including oil revenues and provision of security.

While another concluded that his statement was “just pure madness!”

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