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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Fashola prefers private counsel to public criticism of Tinubu

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Former Nigerian Minister Babatunde Fashola prefers advising President Tinubu privately over public criticism.
  • Fashola stated he has direct access to the President and has offered input on areas needing improvement.
  • He dismissed the idea of administration "blind spots," asserting that direct communication negates the need for public critique.

Former Lagos State Governor and Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has outlined his preference for private counsel over public commentary when advising President Bola Tinubu. Fashola stated that he engages directly with the President, who actively seeks his input on areas requiring improvement as the administration looks towards the 2027 elections.

He calls me today, and he says, ‘Today, identify one area where my administration must improve as we count down to 2027. What would you advise me?’ So, I will speak to the President on TV? I’ve told myself I would not do that.

— Babatunde FasholaExplaining his preference for private counsel with President Tinubu.

Fashola explained his decision to maintain a private channel of communication, emphasizing that he has the President's ear and has already advised on several issues. He believes keeping this line of communication open is more valuable than airing his views publicly on television. "I have his ears, and when I need to see him, I’ve advised on a few things. I think that we must keep that channel open. It’s not my intention to advise him on television," Fashola said during a TVC News interview.

I have his ears, and when I need to see him, I’ve advised on a few things. I think that we must keep that channel open. It’s not my intention to advise him on television.

— Babatunde FasholaHighlighting his direct access and communication with the President.

When questioned about potential "blind spots" within the administration, Fashola dismissed the notion, arguing that direct access to the President renders public criticism unnecessary. He likened the situation to not needing to shout at someone who can hear you directly. Fashola also reiterated his disinterest in a presidential bid, stating he is content with his current role at home and reflecting on his extensive public service career.

There are no blind spots in this administration. You can’t be shouting at somebody whose ear you have.

— Babatunde FasholaDismissing the idea of administration blind spots due to direct communication.

He confirmed his continued membership in the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council but distinguished between offering advice and interfering in government operations. Fashola's stance comes amid expectations that his departure from active politics might lead to more public commentary on the government's performance.

President of what? I’m president at home.

— Babatunde FasholaResponding to questions about a potential presidential bid.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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