Desmond Elliot, the acclaimed actor and now a seasoned member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Surulere Constituency I, has firmly stated that his engagement in politics is purely driven by a desire for public service, unequivocally denying any involvement in the misappropriation of public funds. The lawmaker articulated this conviction during a recent interview on The Morayo Brown Show, a prominent television programme where he candidly discussed his leadership philosophy, governance experiences, and overall journey within the political landscape of Nigeria.
Elliot’s emphatic declaration came in response to an appeal made by Christian Widows & Widowers Empowered, a non-profit organisation spearheaded by Beatrice Yesufu. The organisation had been featured on the show to shed light on the dire circumstances faced by widows and widowers across the nation, a situation that deeply resonated with the legislator.
“I will find N1 million to give to you. I honestly don’t know where I will source the funds from, because, in my approach to politics, I do not engage in stealing. And this is the absolute truth; I do not steal,” Elliot declared with conviction, highlighting the stark contrast between his personal ethics and what he perceives as prevalent corruption in public office.
Delving into the persistent issue of corruption within Nigeria’s political system, Elliot offered a nuanced perspective, attributing the tendency of many politicians to amass wealth to a deep-seated insecurity regarding their future in public office. He explained that politicians often operate under the looming apprehension of losing their political relevance and positions at any given moment, a fear that compels them to hoard financial resources for their personal security and that of their immediate families.
“Politicians are aware that their benefactors or political godfathers can withdraw their support at any time. Consequently, they begin to accumulate money for themselves and their families because they feel profoundly insecure about their elected or appointed positions,” Elliot elaborated. He continued, “However, I have chosen not to accumulate for myself, and by the grace of God, I will not face destitution, nor will I have to beg in the future.”
The legislator took the opportunity to impress upon his fellow politicians the transient nature of power, urging them to internalize this reality. “We will all eventually face death. Our presence here is not permanent. This is a message I extend to all of us in politics: we are not here indefinitely. You occupied that position for a specific purpose, not because you are inherently superior to others. Believe me, there are individuals far more capable than you,” he asserted, underscoring the importance of humility and a service-oriented mindset in public life.
Reflecting on his tenure as a lawmaker, Desmond Elliot pointed to the significant improvements in electricity supply within his constituency, Surulere Constituency I, as his most impactful achievement. He painted a vivid picture of the constituency’s past struggles, stating, “Power supply is my most significant accomplishment as a lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I. If you consider Surulere just ten years ago, it was a truly challenging place to reside. Today, there is access to electricity, healthcare facilities, and numerous other developments. Ten years ago, Surulere was a dreadful environment to live in. Currently, the electricity situation is among the best you can find anywhere else.”
Beyond infrastructure, Elliot advocated for the development of a unique political system that is intrinsically tailored to Nigeria’s specific socio-cultural and economic realities, rather than uncritically adopting models from other nations. “We must define our own model of democracy,” he emphasized. “Let us establish a 30-year plan, for instance, and decree that for the initial five years, the West shall lead, followed by the North for the subsequent five years, and then the Central region for another five years. In this manner, we are already progressing according to a defined strategy that extends over three decades. This is merely an illustrative concept I am proposing.”
Looking towards the nation’s political future, Elliot expressed that he has yet to identify a successor who possesses the calibre to lead the country in the capacity of President Bola Tinubu. “I find myself contemplating, who is the next potential saviour capable of stepping in and continuing or surpassing what Asiwaju is currently doing? At this present moment, I cannot yet identify such an individual,” he stated, indicating his current assessment of the political landscape.
Desmond Elliot’s foray into politics commenced in 2014 when he formally announced his intention to vie for the Surulere Constituency I seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was successfully elected in 2015 and has since secured re-election, demonstrating a sustained presence and impact in the legislative arm of government. His political journey is marked by a dedication to public service, a commitment to ethical conduct, and a forward-looking vision for democratic governance in Nigeria. The lawmaker’s public pronouncements continue to generate discussion, reflecting the ongoing discourse surrounding leadership, accountability, and the future of politics in the nation.
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