Senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, Wasiu Eshilokun, shares his thoughts with BIODUN BUSARI on the relationship between the National Assembly and the executive, among other political matters
How has your experience been as a grassroots politician and senator from Lagos?
The journey began in 1999. After the military left, there wasn’t much to build on. The legislature before us was in 1992, and we were only there for a year and a half during the Third Republic under military rule. That experience was more of a pseudo-legislature.
So, we didn’t have much to refer to. It felt like starting afresh. We learnt as we went along, but thankfully, we received a great deal of training from various non-governmental organisations. We were trained by the Mississippi Consortium for International Development, the British Council, and we also attended symposiums.
One of those was at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies at the University of Lagos, focusing on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Later, MCID organised a trip for some of us to the United States to observe Congress and some state legislatures, so we could draw valuable experience from those institutions. Fortunately, I was one of those selected to benefit from that trip. We had a landmark legislative session during the fourth Assembly.
How has that experience helped you in the Senate?
At the national level, it’s a different ballgame. The role is similar — it’s still about representation, making laws, and bridging the gap between the government and the people, and also between the executive and the legislature. We’re also involved in confirming ministerial nominees.
To carry out all these responsibilities, I serve as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, overseeing most of the agencies and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. We’re making progress, and by the time the 10th Senate concludes, we hope to have left a lasting legacy.
What are your contributions since you were elected to the 10th Senate?
I have contributed significantly to national discourse and participated in the confirmation of ministerial nominees — that’s well known to the public or those following the Senate closely. In terms of legislation, I currently have about 10 bills at various stages in the Senate.
These include the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, the Nigerian Ports Authority (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, and a proposed alteration to the 1999 Constitution (as amended). There’s also the Repeal and Re-enactment of the National Inland Waterways Authority and the Nigerian Shippers Council — the latter has already been passed by the Senate.
This particular bill was initiated jointly by the Senate and the House of Representatives. We’ve completed the concurrence, and I believe the President will assent to it in due course. Another bill I sponsored is the Coast Guard Establishment Act, which has passed second reading.
Many Nigerians feel the 10th Senate is a rubber stamp for the executive. What’s your response to this?
That’s not a widely held view — it’s a perception pushed by a few vocal groups. Most Nigerians do not want a standstill in governance. In all my campaigns, no one ever told me to go to Abuja to fight the executive.
What people want is a better Nigeria, and that can only be achieved through collaboration. When issues arise, we can correct them. The relationship between the executive and the legislature should be symbiotic — not antagonistic. Take a look back at previous sessions: under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s first term, the National Assembly, led by Bukola Saraki, was frequently at odds with the executive. The result was uncompleted projects and stalled progress due to the lack of appropriation and implementation.
In contrast, during the ninth Senate under Ahmed Lawan, there was greater cooperation, and much more was achieved. That’s the model we’re learning from — one where the Senate does its job professionally, without unnecessary conflict. That doesn’t mean we accept everything the executive proposes. We scrutinise, amend, and make suggestions where necessary. The end goal is to do what’s best for Nigerians.
There was a bill concerning soldiers on the frontline who hadn’t been paid, and whose living conditions in the barracks were deplorable. The executive sent a bill to the National Assembly to address these issues. Rejecting such a bill wouldn’t be in Nigeria’s interest.
Nigeria isn’t the only country facing economic challenges. Inflation, insecurity, and other issues are global phenomena. Even on the streets of London, phones are being snatched — these are unusual times. We need all arms of government to work together to navigate these difficulties.
That’s not to say we accept everything blindly — far from it. We’re here to make improvements, provide checks, and support where necessary. We consider executive bills carefully. We confirm appointments — ministers, heads of agencies, ambassadors — and ensure that implementation and funding of ministries and agencies are properly addressed.
When you reflect on your start in grassroots politics, how do you view today’s political climate, where some leaders seek to remain in power longer than necessary?
In every generation, you’ll find both good and bad leaders, whether young or old. Among today’s youth, many are brilliant and well-exposed. Similarly, there are seasoned individuals who have been tested and found trustworthy by their communities.
It’s not just about age — it’s about readiness to lead, sincerity, and hard work. Leadership isn’t a walk in the park. When I got involved in politics, I was still in university — elected as my school’s sports secretary. In my early twenties, I was elected as vice chairman of my ward. Due to internal party issues, I later became the ward chairman. At that point, I was already considered the eye of the government at the grassroots because we were instrumental in putting the government in place.
There were many of us, but only a few were deemed worthy of higher responsibilities. That applies across all age groups. However, many young people today want to start from the top. They don’t want to learn or serve. I remember being denied the chance to run for the House of Assembly because I was unmarried and considered too young at the age of 29.
My party leaders advised me to be patient and continue serving, which I did. In 1998, they called me and asked what position I wanted — House of Assembly or House of Representatives. I chose the House of Assembly to start from the grassroots. From there, I grew and took on more responsibilities. But today, many young people don’t want to serve in the party. They want to jump straight to being honourable members, commissioners, senators, or even governors.
Would you support a national discussion on an age limit for presidential and gubernatorial candidates?
It can be discussed, yes. But let’s be honest — there’s no country in the world where people are restricted from contesting elections based solely on age, provided they meet the minimum legal requirement. It’s never done.
Look at the United States. Donald Trump is 78 and running for office. Joe Biden was around the same age when he assumed the presidency. Obama and Bush were in their 40s. Leadership is not about age — it’s about ability, focus, public perception, and what one has accomplished.
