Lagos residents have urged their representatives at the state and national assemblies to do more in the delivery of dividends of democracy to their constituents in 2025.
The residents,from different constituencies ,made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday.
They spoke on the impact state and federal legislators have had on constituents in the state in the last two years.
NAN reports that some political stakeholders are of the view that many lawmakers have not justified the confidence reposed in them by their constituents .
Dr Abdul- Jelil Tafawa-Balewa ,a politician and former presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP),in a recent interview with NAN, expressed disappointment with the performance of many state and federal legislators.
According to him, in spite of the huge funds allocated for the running of the various legislative houses and execution of constituency projects annually,many lawmakers have not lived up to the expectations of their constituents.
NAN reports that the state has three representatives in the Senate, 24 members in the House of Representatives and 40 lawmakers at the State House of Assembly.
A member of Alimosho Federal Constituency, Dr Ahmed Lawal, said lawmakers across the different constituencies in the state had not done enough representing the people in the last two years.
Lawal, who said he had not enjoyed the dividends of democracy from any of his representatives in Alimosho, noted that good laws,empowerment of constituents and genuine oversight must be given priority.
“I personally have not benefitted anything. I believe they (lawmakers) can work with the executive to provide all our needs, especially in the areas of primary health service delivery and provision of public infrastructure.
“Also, most of the government primary schools are not in good condition.We need lawmakers to intervene and work with relevant authorities to make things better.
“The people of the state are expecting better representation from both the federal and state lawmakers. They should also come up with more bills that will make our society a better place ” Lawal, a medical practitioner , said.
Also Speaking, Mr Olanrewaju Dunmiji, an artist at Iyana-Ipaja area of Lagos, said that not much had been done by lawmakers in terms of delivery of dividends of democracy in the area.
Dunmiji said that the people deserved good representation and governance from their various representatives.
“I don’t think politicians represent the people, maybe themselves and few of their party members,” he said.
Dunmiji said that lawmakers must go the extra mile in their oversights to ensure executive budgetary allocations have the desired impacts on lives in the state.
Also speaking, Mr Gift Wejem, a furniture maker in Aboru area said that people in the area had not been well represented and had not received value for their votes.
Wejem said that for many years, the area had battled perennial flooding with no intervention from legislators .
“Also, palliatives and other empowerment items distributed by lawmakers only get to party members”,he added.
Also speaking , Mr Sunday Ademola, a tricycle operator in Ifako-Ijaiye area, also demanded effective representation and delivery of more democratic dividends from lawmakers.
According to him, representatives do not connect with the people to know their needs ,but only come to them only when they are looking for votes.
Mrs Adeyinka Akilla, a civil servant ,urged federal and state lawmakers to be alive to their constitutional responsibilities to their constituents.
Akilla said that if the lawmakers represent the people well and carry out their constitutional duties, more dividends of democracy would get to the people
“A legislator that is alive to hie primary roles and constitutional responsibilities is a symbol of hope, a shield and a voice for the people.
“Legislative duty is marked by robust debates, strict commitment to checks and balances, with transparency and accountability to the people,” she said.
However,Mrs Adijat Kashamu, a resident of Surulere ,said lawmakers representing the area had exceeded the expectations of the people .
“I do not agree that lawmakers are not doing their best for the people of the state.Some of them are actually living up to expectations.
“In Surulere 1 Federal Constituency, roads ,hospitals ,empowerment and others are clear signs that our lawmakers have our interest at heart.
“The Chief of Staff to the President,Femi Gbajabiamila,did exceptionally well as our former lawmaker.His successor at the House of Representatives,Mr Fouad Laguda,is also doing his best.
“We are just fine here in Surulere;our lawmakers have exceeded expectations”,she said.
Speaking ,a former Chairman, State House of Assembly Committee on Information, Mr Stephen Ogundipe, said that the House was committed to good representation,
He said the House would continue to make the people its priority and that members of the different constituencies in the state should expect a better deal under the new Speaker,Mrs Mojisola Meranda.
“Please be assured that the present Lagos State House of Assembly leadership will run an open-door policy and we are ready to receive advice to improve the well-being of the people.
“Also know that our door is open for constructive criticisms and suggestions on how we can serve better.
“We want you to join hands with us to succeed in the interest of the state,” Ogundipe said,declining to speak on how legislators have fared. (NAN)
