The Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate for Lagos State, Abdulazeez Adediran—known as Jandor—has responded to a remark by Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola, who referred to him as a “cameraman.” In a Thursday tweet, Jandor called the former governor’s comment baseless and a sign that the election period has become a “season of calumnies.” He clarified that he never worked as a cameraman while employed at the Lagos State Broadcasting Service. As a former Reportorial and Editorial Executive, he explained that handling a camera was never part of his duties.
Jandor acknowledged the value of cameramen, apologizing to those who have excelled in the profession and might feel slighted by Fashola’s remark. He reiterated his role at the Lagos State Broadcasting Service, stating, “I was absorbed into the service as a Reportorial and Editorial Executive; camera handling was certainly not among the professional services I rendered to BRF or the Lagos state government under his watch.”
The controversy stemmed from a video posted on Twitter by the state’s chief press secretary, Gboyega Akosile, in which Fashola described Jandor as lacking the experience to govern Lagos. Fashola said, “I did that job for eight years, and part of what helped me was that I was chief of staff to a governor. I saw it up close, but even then that was not enough. So just following a governor, being a cameraman, watching me for eight years, you think you will now be a governor? You are not ready. Come to our leadership school, you are not yet ready.” He added that the ruling party is under pressure to convince residents of its recorded successes, noting that advertisements focus on the ₦51 billion Lagos generates while ignoring the influx of migrants.
Jandor suggested that Fashola’s statement might surprise those who knew he had consistently praised the minister’s achievements in Lagos, despite being the opposition’s candidate. “The APC is understandably under pressure to sell its unenviable records to the now very discerning electorate of Lagos. There is clearly a brief for all beneficiaries of the status quo to publicly show where their support lies,” he said.
He also questioned why Fashola had altered his tone, recalling that in June 2020—during a condolence message for the loss of Fashola’s mother—Jandor had described the minister as having “a very inspiring life story…turned into a ladder for educational success, entrepreneurial acumen and visionary leadership aspirations.” Nonetheless, Jandor affirmed his respect for Fashola, stating that nothing would change his regard for his former boss.
Looking ahead, Jandor expressed confidence in his ability to deliver more for Lagos: “Personally, I can’t wait to show the residents of Lagos that a lot more can be achieved beyond the celebrated ₦50 billion revenue, under the watch of a truly independent governor with no ties to a godfather’s apron strings. We will break Lagos free, and my boss, BRF, will be proud of our achievements.”
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