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Fashola: I Won’t Criticise Tinubu on TV, I Prefer Private Advice
Former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has said he prefers to offer advice to President Bola Tinubu privately rather than criticise his administration publicly on television.
Fashola made the remark during an interview on TVC News on Wednesday while responding to questions about why he has remained largely silent on public discussions surrounding the performance of the Tinubu administration.
The former minister said President Tinubu had personally reached out to him for advice on areas where the government could improve ahead of the 2027 general elections, adding that he would rather maintain that private communication channel.
“He calls me today and says, ‘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 have told myself I would not do that,” Fashola said.
Fashola explained that he has direct access to the President and has already shared his views on some issues, stressing that preserving the relationship was more important than making public comments.
“I have his ears, and when I need to see him, I’ve advised on a few things. I think we must keep that channel open. It is not my intention to advise him on television,” he said.
Responding to suggestions that the administration may have blind spots after three years in office, Fashola dismissed the idea, saying public criticism was unnecessary when there was an opportunity for direct engagement.
“There are no blind spots in this administration. You can’t be shouting at somebody whose ear you have,” he stated.
The former governor also ruled out any ambition to contest for the presidency, saying he was satisfied with his current role outside active politics.
When asked if he would run for president, Fashola simply replied, “No,” adding jokingly, “President of what? I’m president at home.”
Reflecting on his more than two decades in public service, Fashola described his journey as a privilege and expressed hope that it would inspire younger Nigerians to serve the country.
He also declined to comment on speculation surrounding whether he preferred Obafemi Hamzat or Olasupo Sasore as his successor ahead of the 2015 Lagos governorship election.
Fashola confirmed that he remains a member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC), but noted that there is a clear difference between offering guidance and interfering in government affairs.
“There is a thin line between intervention and interference,” he said.
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