Second Republic governor of Lagos State, Lateef Kayode Jakande (LKJ), remains accomplished in many respects. Veteran journalist and politician of high note, his people-oriented governance remains a reference point 32 years after leaving office. In this interview with Assistant Editor (South West), MUYIWA OLALEYE, he talks on his tutelage under Obafemi Awolowo, his days in office as a journalist, governor, and minister under General Sani Abacha, among other issues.
How would you rate the present day journalism practice with what it was during your time?
You cannot compare the journalism during my time with the way it is practised now. Journalists, by my experience, have always had high respect. Journalism was a respected profession, and journalists, then, were also respected. I was fortunate to get into the profession early; almost as soon as I left school and I’ve been there since then.
Looking at the current day journalist; there is no much respect because of the greed over money, lack of balancing and the fear of writing.
How did you join politics?
Politics had always been part of me since I was young. During that time, the late Obafemi Awolowo was the proprietor of Nigerian Tribune. I began my career there on the lowest cadre –by being a reporter and going through all the stages and ended up as the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief. By this, I admired the late sage (Awolowo) in all ways, especially the way he played his politics. That prompted me to join politics. Being Editor of Nigerian Tribune automatically introduced me into politics and I have no regret about that. Nigerian Tribune was the mouthpiece of the Action Group (AG) and the Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM). So, in that particular situation, it was not difficult for me to be part of politics. I was not interested in politics, but I think that my professional involvement increased my interest. And I became both a politician and a journalist.
How would you compare the politicians of that time to the current ones?
Politicians then were on both sides of the line. I think the politics of that time was very enabling. We had clear-cut lines of political division, but we never had the bitterness that came later. We were fortunate to have great men like Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Samuel Ladoke Akintola. These were great men who had great commitments, and they made unforgettable contributions to the development of this country. The target at that time was freedom from colonialism, which we started, and the great men who led us had clear-cut programmes. I always feel that Nigeria had been very fortunate to have these men at the beginning of Independence. That was why, in my view, our politics had not been as bitter as it was in other countries. For these men, politics should not be a do-or-die affair.
How would you describe Awolowo’s political ideology?
Awolowo was a socialist. Instinctively, he was what we call a progressive and lived for it. He was able to transform the political system into an exercise for the service of the people. He was a very strong-minded person and some people didn’t like him for that. He was a calculative and determined politician. When he served as the Premier of the Western Region, he brought a lot of things to that part of the country. It was his performance and achievements that paved the way for my service as the governor of Lagos State. I can never forget him.
This country has all the resources that we need to achieve greatness. My belief and conviction is that we shall make it. Nigeria will do better. Nigerians will live better and we shall have no cause to regret that we are Nigerians. I want to appeal to everyone to commit himself or herself to this great country.
You talked about your being Lagos governor at a time. How was the electoral process that brought you in as governor?
There were no riggings or ballot stuffing, but there were allegations of wrong calculation and counting. Rigging was also part of the game, and when I contested the election, I had the clear mandate of the majority of the people of Lagos. The emphasis was service to the people. The level of corruption that has now developed in our politics never existed then. The degree of destruction that we have in this country did not exist. Politics was seen as a call to service. Politicians would differ on how to render service. I can say that, generally, it was recognised as a call to service.
Why did you make education and housing your top priorities?
When I was preparing for my governorship, I was inspired by my political leaders, particularly Awolowo. I made up my mind to achieve something for the people and I went straight into it – free education, free health service, affordable housing and full employment. These were my goals and I began to implement them almost as soon as I was sworn in. I was encouraged very much by the people themselves.
For example, when I declared free education, my critics said it was impossible. At that time, schooling was three sessions daily and we called it shift system. I abolished the three-shift system and introduced free education almost immediately I was sworn in. I was conscious that there would be problems, but I was confident that these problems would be solved. For example, the number of schools was insufficient for the children and I directed that enough schools should be built to accommodate all the children. And something happened. When the policy was being carried out, my officials in government came to report to me that they had exhausted all the available spaces under government control. It occurred to me immediately that the officials should go out into the state and build schools on any open space. Some of them were afraid. I said “Go to any place where you have space, tell them (owners) that I advised you to come and build schools there.”
I thank God that the people of Lagos responded bountifully. There were only a few who complained to me about what they needed the pieces of land for. One of them, who I don’t want to mention, came to me to talk about his problem. I offered him land on the Victoria Island which he welcomed. I had total support from the people of Lagos and that was what happened.
So, I was very much encouraged by our people. Ditto affordable housing. The people of Lagos did not have, in my view, sufficient number of houses for their living. Here again, I directed that houses should be built wherever there was space and it happened. But let me say that I owe that success to the understanding of the people themselves. Without them, I could have done nothing. They were totally with me – building schools, houses and attending to the basic needs of the community. I thank God that it was possible to run a government, which meant every good thing to everybody.
Some state governors of today often cite paucity of fund as excuse for not initiating people-oriented programmes. How were you able to fund the projects you mentioned?
Our people are wonderful people. Without even going out of the country, we mobilised the funding of all those projects. You must be grateful to God when you have people who trust you and who believe you can achieve what you’ve said you would do. It is on record that I did not leave Lagos State government in debt. No. I summoned people. I raised funds. I set up committees which had to work hard to raise funds for all the projects we were doing. It was a lesson I can never forget.
On December 31, 1983, when the military took over power, where were you and what actually happened?
There had been threats of military take-over. The threats came to the surface and the ordinary citizens did not welcome any intervention from the military. But the military imposed itself on the people and we had to do our best to achieve what was best for our people. It was an unforgettable experience, but one had to do one’s best to achieve the purpose of service. And I think we did that. In fairness to the military, some of them did appreciate the service we had rendered and, as you know, one of them – Gen. Sani Abacha – approached me and invited me to his cabinet. I accepted the invitation simply because I saw it as an opportunity to continue my service, which I did as minister of works.
It was learnt that some people put pressure on you to take up the appointment. Who were these people and why did they do so?
They were the people who believed in my integrity; people who were worried about the services and institutions we established, and they saw the invitation as an opportunity to maintain and to sustain what we had started.
Can you recollect some of those who persuaded you?
They are many; I can’t remember any one or two. It was the generality of the people of Lagos.
Would you admit that your acceptance of the offer had an adverse effect on your political career?
No, because while I was there, nobody was in doubt that I was in for service. And in fairness to the military, they didn’t put anything in my way. I carried on as if it was the civilian government. So, I have no cause to regret.
Nowadays, politicians go into public offices and come out super rich. How wealthy were you when you left government?
Let me say at once that wealth was not my consideration when I went into office and I did not even try to acquire wealth of any type. I did not put myself in any situation that I could acquire wealth. I was satisfied with what God had given me and, till today, I am where I’ve always been.
To trace the problems with this country, some critics have faulted Nigeria’s amalgamation. They advocate a return to the period before amalgamation. Is this the way out?
Most of those who are saying that don’t know what they are talking about. Amalgamation was right. What else could we do without amalgamation? I think it was good; that is what brought Nigeria about. Some have even spoken of Nigeria breaking up; I don’t think such people appreciate what they are talking about. My belief is that by the grace of God, Nigeria will never break up. It is a great country and God has made it to be so.
Considering the spate of insecurity and corruption, what is the way forward?
The way forward is that we should trust in God and work hard to save us from these disastrous tendencies. We need leaders who are prepared to save and serve this country. The alternative to that is unthinkable. How can anyone talk about breaking Nigeria? This country has all the resources that we need to achieve greatness. My belief and conviction is that we shall make it. Nigeria will do better. Nigerians will live better and we shall have no cause to regret that we are Nigerians. I want to appeal to everyone to commit himself to this great country. No country is better or can be better and our people should realise that it is the wish of our creator that Nigeria should exist as it is. We will do better; Nigerians will do better and we will make a greater nation.
