Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ganiyu Olarewaju Solomon, is one of the guber hopefuls in Lagos State. Born on December 19, 1959, GOS, like he’s widely known, had been a local government chairman and member, Federal House of Representatives, before moving to the senate. Widely respected as one of the most influential politicians in the Centre of Excellence, the loyal and dedicated member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) holds a BSc. in Political Science from the University of Lagos. Hitherto into IT and property business, before politics ‘arrested’ him, he chatted with YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine’s AZUH ARINZE at an event recently…
What makes a good politician?
A good politician must be equipped and able to do something special; extraordinary things. He must be proactive, know what to do at any point in time. He also must never be caught unawares. He must always be steadfast, read the situation on ground very well and be very calculative.
What’s the costliest mistake that any politician can make?
Moving away or far away from your people. The moment you are far away from your people or not meet their targets and their needs on time, sure, you may likely get it wrong. And whatever party you belong to, learn not to be far from them.
What are those things that politics has not done for you?
(Laughing) What a complex question! If I may say, there is nothing politics has never done for me. Politics has really taught me how to be humble, accommodating and to relate with people in a respectable way. Besides, it makes me to take things very easy and do things smoothly.
What are your gains as a politician?
Good. I think I have been very lucky, which I give God the glory. Whatever I do, God has been so good to me. He always makes me achieve whatever I wish or desire.
Why is it that whenever they talk about politics in Lagos State, they mention your name?
Wow! I don’t know. Sincerely, I can’t really say.
Apart from these gifts that you are giving to your people, what other plans do you have for your constituency?
We have so many great things ahead. Let me say that in my constituency, some months ago, we constructed an ICT centre and a library. And I can assure you that before the end of this year, the place will be well-equipped and ready for use.
What do you like most about being a politician?
I like meeting people, interacting and sharing good ideas with people; meeting different kinds of people. I mean, intellectuals. Besides, you also meet people with different characters on daily basis.
Since you joined this party till date, what has the situation been like?
The situation has never changed. Somebody like me, I always tell people that whatever position you might find yourself, always do good to people around you; not for the sake of today, but for your future. I am one person who is determined. Since 2005/2006, I have been keeping faith with my mandate and I always obey the party. I keep the fire burning.
If tomorrow the party leaders ask you to step down, what would you do, as a front runner in the governorship election?
(Laughing) Let me tell you; I know them. They are fair people. They won’t say that to me. Besides, they are God-fearing people; they have good leadership qualities. Honestly, they have been too good to me. They won’t ask me not to run.
NB: First published December 2013