AMUWO ARISE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE SCORES HON. STELLA FOLUKE OSAFILE LOW ON PERFORMANCE.

INTERVIEW

AMUWO ARISE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE SPEAKS WITH ÀLÁGÀ360 NEWS ON REPRESENTATION IN AMUWO ODOFIN CONSTITUENCY 1

ÀLÁGÀ360 NEWS: There has been growing political discussion about the performance of the Member representing Amuwo Odofin Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly. How would you assess the representation so far?

AMUWO ARISE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE: Our assessment is that the current representation has fallen below the expectations of many constituents. In our opinion, the people of Amuwo Odofin Constituency 1 deserve far better representation than they have experienced. Representation is not merely about occupying a legislative seat; it is about being visible, accessible, accountable, and deeply connected to the people whose mandate you hold. A representative should be among the people, understand their daily realities, and consistently advocate for their interests. Based on these indicators, we score Hon. Stella Foluke Osafile low on performance.

ÀLÁGÀ360 NEWS: What, in your opinion, defines effective representation at the state assembly level?

AMUWO ARISE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE: Effective representation goes beyond attending plenary sessions. It includes purposeful lawmaking, effective oversight of government activities, regular constituency engagement, town hall meetings, accessibility, and continuous advocacy on issues affecting residents. A legislator should serve as the bridge between government and the grassroots, ensuring that the voices of the people are reflected in policy decisions.

ÀLÁGÀ360 NEWS: One of the issues frequently mentioned is that Hon. Stella Osafile does not reside within the constituency she represents. Why do you consider this important?

AMUWO ARISE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE: Residency may not be a constitutional requirement, but we believe it significantly enhances effective representation. Our concern is that Hon. Stella Osafile resides in Satellite Town, which falls within Amuwo Odofin Constituency 2, while representing Constituency 1. We ask a simple question: how can a representative fully appreciate the daily realities of a community they do not live among? Living within the constituency naturally promotes accessibility, stronger stakeholder engagement, quicker response to emerging issues, and a deeper understanding of local challenges.

ÀLÁGÀ360 NEWS: Do you believe this affects her ability to deliver on her mandate?

AMUWO ARISE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE: We believe it affects public perception, accessibility, and emotional connection with constituents. While residency alone does not determine performance, it influences how often a representative interacts with residents, responds to community concerns, and remains actively involved in local affairs. Representation should feel close, not distant.

ÀLÁGÀ360 NEWS: Some supporters point to the Light Up Lagos Project as evidence of her achievements. What is your response?

AMUWO ARISE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE: We commend the APC-led Lagos State Government for the Light Up Lagos Project because it has improved public lighting across many communities in Lagos. However, we do not believe that initiative should be presented as the defining measure of an individual legislator’s performance. It is a statewide government programme implemented across virtually every state constituency. Every constituency benefits from it. Consequently, it should not be used as the primary benchmark for evaluating the effectiveness of a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

ÀLÁGÀ360 NEWS: If not the Light Up Lagos Project, what should constituents use to measure performance?

AMUWO ARISE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE: The proper yardsticks are legislative productivity, constituency engagement, accessibility, effective oversight, advocacy, empowerment initiatives, and interventions that directly improve the lives of constituents. People should ask: Has the representative consistently defended the interests of the constituency? Has the office remained open and accessible? Has there been sustained engagement with community stakeholders? Has the legislator sponsored or supported impactful legislation? Has the representative facilitated projects and programmes that directly benefit the people? These are the questions that truly define quality representation.

ÀLÁGÀ360 NEWS: How important is constituency engagement in your evaluation?

AMUWO ARISE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE: It is fundamental. A representative who is not consistently engaging with constituents risks becoming disconnected from the realities on the ground. Continuous engagement builds trust, encourages participation, and strengthens democratic governance. Without meaningful engagement, representation loses its essence.

ÀLÁGÀ360 NEWS: What role should constituency offices play in bridging this gap?

AMUWO ARISE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE: Constituency offices should function as active service centres, not symbolic structures. They should provide channels for complaints, feedback, community interaction, and regular communication between the legislator and constituents. An inactive constituency office represents a missed opportunity to bring government closer to the people.

ÀLÁGÀ360 NEWS: How would you assess the level of accessibility of the current representation?

AMUWO ARISE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE: Based on feedback received from many residents and stakeholders, there is a widespread perception that accessibility has been limited. A representative should be available through physical presence, regular engagements, and structured communication channels. When constituents find it difficult to reach their elected representative, democratic accountability is weakened.

ÀLÁGÀ360 NEWS: What impact does this perceived gap in representation have on the constituency?

AMUWO ARISE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE: It creates a feeling of disconnect and underrepresentation. When people believe their voices are not being heard, public confidence in governance declines, civic participation weakens, and opportunities for collaborative development are reduced. Democracy works best when elected officials remain closely connected to those they represent.

ÀLÁGÀ360 NEWS: What message would you like to leave with the people of Amuwo Odofin Constituency 1?

AMUWO ARISE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE: Democracy flourishes when leaders are held accountable based on measurable performance and verifiable results. We encourage the good people of Amuwo Odofin Constituency 1 to objectively evaluate every elected official based on accessibility, legislative effectiveness, visibility, responsiveness, and commitment to the welfare of the people.

Our position remains clear and unwavering: Amuwo Odofin Constituency 1 deserves representation that is present, accessible, responsive, accountable, and effective. The future of our constituency depends on electing leaders who are genuinely connected to the people, understand their challenges, and possess the vision, capacity, and commitment to deliver meaningful and measurable progress.

Interview issued by:

AMUWO ARISE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE

Founder and Convener: Hon. Cecil Okereke