By ADEYEMI ADELEYE

Mr Desmond Elliott, member representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, on Thursday officially declared his intention to run for a fourth term.

Speaking at the declaration of intent before a large crowd of supporters at the Surulere Local Government Secretariat, Elliott said the consensus among constituents was for him to continue in office.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the declaration is themed “Experience Over Experiment”.

Elliott noted that he had received endorsements from Community Development Associations (CDAs), the Local Government Area and other grassroots stakeholders to seek another term.

He said: “I am overwhelmed by the support, from the CDAs, the Local Government Area and everywhere. It is fantastic. I am very honoured.

“I am here to officially inform you of my intention to run again for another term at the Lagos State House of Assembly to represent the good people of Surulere Constituency I,” he said.

Speaking on the theme, Elliott said he possessed experience as a legislator and scholar in legislative studies.

He added: “I have studied up to doctorate level in legislative studies. That means I am well-grounded when it comes to legislative matters.

“I have also tried my best in delivering dividends of democracy to my people, and I have shown them the growth that experience brings, which experimentation cannot.

“When you start afresh, it takes years to build. Why waste time when you can consolidate on experience?”

The lawmaker said he had facilitated numerous development projects in the constituency, impacting road infrastructure, healthcare, education, youths, women, the elderly and persons with disabilities.

“Last year, we did not experience flooding in Surulere because I ensured consistent desilting of drainages and canals.

“Also, more than 32 roads have been rehabilitated in Surulere to complement the efforts of my leader, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila.

“In the area of power, 10 years ago, there was little or no electricity in Surulere. Today, power supply has improved significantly with the provision of power stations, prepaid meters and transformers.

“In healthcare, we have conducted surgeries, including eye surgeries, and implemented various medical programmes for our people. The list is endless,” he said.

Elliott, while appreciating the support of residents, promised more impact, jobs and dividends of democracy if re-elected.

He added that returning to the assembly would position him as a ranking member, which would enhance his ability to attract more development to the constituency.

“As a ranking member, you have better opportunities to secure more benefits for your people. I thank God for my background in Nollywood,” he said.

Also speaking, a former Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Mr Tajudeen Ajide, said he had received other aspirants and urged party members and Elliott’s supporters to avoid double-dealing and remain peaceful during the electioneering period.

Meanwhile, stakeholders and supporters of Elliott, in separate interviews with NAN, expressed support for his renewed political ambition, describing him as “tested and trusted” with a record of impactful representation.

The stakeholders, drawn from the entertainment industry and community leadership, said Elliott’s performance in office and accessibility justified calls for his continued leadership.

Mr Sunny McDonald, popularly known as “Nollywood Ancestor,” described Elliott as a performer, whose achievements in Surulere had earned him widespread support.

“Once a team is winning, you don’t change it. From what he has done in Surulere, you can attest that he is a winning team.

“We are here to support him and to say the winning team should continue. Leadership is about capacity, love for the people and the ability to deliver, not just party affiliation,” he said.

Also speaking, the Director of Communications, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Lagos State Chapter, Amb. Cornell Udofia, said Elliott’s experience in the assembly positioned him to deliver more dividends of democracy.

“Desmond has been tested and trusted. Giving him another opportunity, with the experience he has garnered, will translate into greater service.

“You cannot buy experience in the market. He has impacted youths, women and the less privileged in his constituency. His records are there for all to see,” Udofia said.

He urged residents to support Elliott, citing his competence and capacity to further project Surulere.

In his remarks, a community leader, Prince Taofeek Dabiri, said Elliott was accessible, and was always responsive to constituents’ needs.

“Accessibility is key in governance. If you call him, he responds and attends to issues. He has done countless things in Surulere.

“For over 12 years in the Lagos State House of Assembly, his contributions and the laws he has supported have been impactful,” Dabiri said.

The stakeholders reiterated their call for continued support for Elliott, expressing confidence in his ability to sustain the development in Surulere. (NAN)

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