Five Most Important Thoughts On Fashola’s Travail

Editor’s note: “The month of August has been an interesting one for Babatunde Fashola,” writes the Naij.com columnist Joachim MacEbong, “as details of certain contracts awarded during his administration were published on the website of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency. The publication of those contract awards, from a website to boreholes, for what may appear to be inflated prices, has led to a media storm around Fashola, with persistent speculation that he is in the frame to be given an appointment in the Buhari administration.”

In his latest column, Mr MacEbong dwells on five important politics, ethics and lawmaking questions prompted by Fashola’s case.

Does the APC really want to do this?

As the APC made their case to the Nigerian people during the campaign season, Fashola’s eloquence and his record in Lagos was a big part of that case. For the presidential elections, the narrative went if the APC could do so well in Lagos, they should be given a chance at the center. In the governorship elections, the narrative became one of continuity and “alignment with the center”. Fashola was central to shaping both messages, going out to bat on the campaign trail for Buhari and Ambode.

Now, with the dust settling, it appears he is being thrown under the bus. Speaking from a purely APC point of view, one would have thought that they would protect the reputation of someone who remains one of their brightest stars. Whoever is behind this series of “exposes,” and whatever the reason for them is, it must be very serious.

Will there be any lasting effect on Fashola?

If there appears to be a lack of outrage over the revelations, it is because many believe that Fashola did well for Lagos, despite an over-bearing godfather, and all these allegations are the result of a witch hunt. It will take a lot to change that perception.

Things could have been better, obviously, but it was that huge reservoir of goodwill that the APC tapped into to make their case during the elections, goodwill that was evident when Fashola launched his books last week. If there is evidence of wrongdoing, the correct thing to do is to bring him up on charges. This attempt to damage him by a media trial is cowardly and further persuades those who feel it is political.

Don’t build shrines to any politician

It is tempting to put people on a pedestal when we admire them or the work they do, but politicians in general and Nigerian politicians in particular are very ill-suited for this kind of treatment. It is much better to simply appreciate the good work of the few decent public servants we have and encourage them to do more, without becoming too attached to them personally or our perception of them. This detachment is healthy because it preserves perspective and enables a person not to feel too disillusioned in the event of scandals.

Being dirtier than most, most of the people who get involved in running for elective office in Nigeria end up dirty to varying degrees. If you are the type to look for saints among public figures, Nigerian politics is not the place.

Can corruption and competence co-exist?

Let’s assume that Fashola is indeed guilty of misconduct. It would be proof that, indeed, corruption and competence can coexist. In most places in the world, corruption is the 10 or 20% added on top of contracts, and so on, but the work gets done properly and on time. It is predictable.

In Nigeria, the norm is to collect 200 or 300% on a contract that is awarded, re-awarded, and often effected in a shoddy manner. It is unpredictable. It is one big reason why this country is the way it is, and, given the choice, Nigerians prefer someone who will “work” and “chop”.

But, what is the real issue here?

Nigerian politics is still defined by personalities, not institutions, and the real issue in this whole saga is a lack of transparency by the Lagos state government – and other institutions, mind – regarding documents that should be in the public domain about how public money is spent. As of Tuesday morning, the documents have been removed from the website of the Lagos Public Procurement Agency. Whatever could have been learned from making those documents available online has been lost.

Ultimately, this is a step back for the building of institutions in Lagos and even beyond. Politicians come and go, but the “barracks” remain. A more open government will enable citizens to question those they entrust with their votes, and get answers. A more open government will enable better public discourse based on fact, not conjecture.

Without this, a government that serves the people better is not possible.

Joachim MacEbong for Naij.com

Joachim MacEbong is a communications professional and political analyst.

This article expresses the author’s opinion only. The views and opinions expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Naij.com or its editors.

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