Desmond Elliot Says He Is Not Like Other Nigerian Politicians

(Desmond Elliot. Photo Credir: Arise News)

Lagos lawmaker and actor-turned-politician Desmond Elliot has described his approach to public service as one driven by genuine commitment to his constituents rather than personal gain, setting himself apart from what he characterised as the typical Nigerian politician.

Elliot made the remarks during an appearance on 'The Morayo Show' hosted by Morayo Afolabi-Brown, where he reflected on his years in governance and the responsibilities of political leadership.

"My own kind of politician, I don't steal money. If you look at Surulere 10 years ago, it was a horrible place to live in," he said.

The lawmaker, who represents Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, pointed to improved electricity supply as his most significant achievement in office, noting the transformation the area has undergone since he assumed his seat.

"Power is my greatest achievement as a lawmaker in Surulere Constituency I. Today, there is electricity, healthcare and all.

If you look at Surulere 10 years ago, it was a horrible place to live in. Today, electricity is one of the best you can find anywhere else," he said.

Elliot also urged fellow politicians to remain grounded and mindful that public office is transient.

"We will all die one day. We are not here forever. This I am saying to all of us politicians you were in that particular place for a reason, not because you are better than the next person.

Trust me, there are way better people than you," he said.

On Nigeria's political structure, the 52-year-old argued that the country needs to develop a democratic model suited to its own realities rather than importing foreign systems.

He proposed a long-term rotational leadership arrangement under which different geopolitical regions would take turns at the helm over a defined period.

"Let's have a 30-year plan, for instance, and say for the next five years, let the West rule, the next five years let the North rule, the next five years let the Central rule.

Yet we are already following through a particular plan that leads us to 30 years. I'm just giving an idea," he said.

On the state of national politics, Elliot expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu's leadership, saying he had yet to identify a credible alternative.

"I'm thinking, okay, who is the next saviour that can remove Asiwaju from what he is doing? Presently, I cannot see yet," he said.

Elliot joined politics in 2014 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and has held his legislative seat since 2015. His bid for a fourth term in 2027, however, was blocked by stakeholders within his party.

 

VIDEO: ‘My Own Kind Of Politician Don’t Steal Money’, Says Lawmaker Desmond Elliot

Speaking on 'The Morayo Show' hosted by Morayo Afolabi-Brown, the actor-turned-politician reflected on his years in public service, governance and the responsibilities that come with political… pic.twitter.com/3bnqjUYbAh

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