Former Lagos State Governor and Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, says he will not publicly criticise President Bola Tinubu because “you can’t be shouting at somebody whose ear you have.”
He disclosed this during an interview on TVC News on Wednesday, where he was asked why he avoided commenting publicly on the President’s performance.
The former minister disclosed that the President reached out to him directly, seeking his input on areas requiring improvement ahead of the 2027 elections.
He explained that he had chosen to preserve the private channel of communication rather than air his views on air.
“He calls me today, and he says, ‘Today, 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’ve told myself I would not do that,” he said.
The Tinubu successor in Lagos maintained that he had direct access to the President and had already advised him on a few issues. He added that keeping the line of communication open was more important than public commentary.
“I have his ears, and when I need to see him, I’ve advised on a few things. I think that we must keep that channel open. It’s not my intention to advise him on television,” he said.
Pressed on whether the administration had blind spots after three years in office, he simply said “There are no blind spots in this administration.”
The ex-Works minister maintained that his access to the President made public criticism unnecessary.
The interviewer had noted that Fashola’s stance had remained unchanged despite expectations that his exit from active politics would make him more open to public commentary on the government.
Fashola also ruled out a presidential bid, insisting he was content with his role at home.
Asked if he would contest for president, he simply said, “No.”
Pressed further, he responded with a smile, “President of what? I’m president at home.”
He also used the interview to reflect on his more than two decades in public service, describing his journey as an unimaginable privilege that he hoped would inspire another generation of Nigerians.
He declined to be drawn into long-standing speculation over whether he had favoured Obafemi Hamzat or Olasupo Sasore as his preferred successor ahead of the 2015 Lagos governorship election.
Fashola confirmed he remains a member of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council, but drew a distinction between offering advice and interfering in government, saying, “There is a thin line between intervention and interference.”
