Nollywood actor-turned-lawmaker, Desmond Elliot, on Thursday dismissed reports of a rift between him and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, as he formally declared his intention to seek a fourth term in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Speaking during a visit to his Surulere Constituency I, Elliot described the alleged disagreement as unfounded.
Reaffirming his loyalty to Gbajabiamila, who is also the current Chief of Staff to the President, Elliot urged him to overlook any perceived shortcomings.
He said, “I don’t have any issue with him. Our leader is a compassionate leader, a leader of thought. I mean, we are children. Children sometimes err. If I have erred in any way, my leader, I am sorry.
“Give me another chance and let’s move on, and let’s bring more dividends of democracy to the people. He has not said that I have erred, but I’m just saying that if I have, then this is the situation.”
PUNCH Online had reported that a coalition of stakeholders in Surulere rejected Elliot’s bid to seek a fourth term as a lawmaker.
The group, under the aegis of the Surulere Accountability Forum, said the decision followed a broad assessment of his performance over three terms, which, according to the coalition, fell short of expectations.
The lawmaker, however, dismissed growing political narratives surrounding his ambition, describing them as propaganda.
Elliot further disclosed that his decision to seek re-election was driven by the need for continuity and the benefits of legislative experience for constituency development.
He said, “First and foremost, you can see the developmental strides we are putting in the legislature. The longer you stay, the better you become in experience for the state and for your people.
“When you become a ranking member, what you get for your people is far better than when you are just starting. There are areas where we still need more roads, more jobs, and better opportunities. As a ranking member, you get better committees and improved development for your people.”
Also responding to criticisms that he had spent enough time in office, Elliot argued that governance is a continuous process and warned that replacing experienced lawmakers with newcomers could slow development.
“A government is a continuum. If you stop in the legislature, you start with somebody who is beginning from scratch. The things ranking members can secure, someone just starting will not get. Three terms is great, but guess what? Another term is fantastic,” he said.
Highlighting his record, Elliot cited interventions in roads, sanitation, education, and healthcare, including personal financial support for constituents.
“When you talk of education, roads, infrastructure, and a better environment, look at Surulere. I’ve even spent N75 million on someone just to repair her spine. It doesn’t even matter to me. The important thing is letting people feel the love,” he added.
