I Don’t Steal Public Money, Politics Must Be About Service — Desmond Elliot

The lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Elliot, has said that his approach to politics was rooted in service rather than personal enrichment.

Elliot said he considered himself a different type of politician, who does not steal public money, stressing that his focus has always been on improving the lives of his constituents.

Speaking on ‘The Morayo Show’ hosted by Morayo Afolabi-Brown, the actor-turned-politician reflected on his years in public service, governance and the responsibilities that come with political leadership.

“My own kind of politician, I don’t steal money. If you look at Surulere 10 years ago, it was a horrible place to live in,” he said.

The lawmaker identified improved electricity supply as one of his most significant achievements since assuming office, noting that residents of Surulere now enjoy better access to power and other social services.

“Power is my greatest achievement as a lawmaker in Surulere Constituency I,” he said.

“Today, there is electricity, healthcare and all. If you look at Surulere 10 years ago, it was a horrible place to live in. Today, electricity is one of the best you can find anywhere else.”

Elliot also urged politicians to remain humble and remember that public office is temporary.

“We will all die one day. We are not here forever,” he said.

“This I am saying to all of us politicians, we are not here forever. You were in that particular place for a reason, not because you are better than the next person. Trust me, there are way better people than you.”

Speaking on Nigeria’s political structure, the 52-year-old argued that the country should develop a democratic model that reflects its unique realities rather than adopting systems designed elsewhere.

“We have to define our own style of democracy,” he said.

As part of his proposal, Elliot suggested a long-term political arrangement that would allow different regions of the country to take turns in leadership over a defined period.

“Let’s have a 30-year plan, for instance, and say for the next five years, let the West rule, the next five years let the North rule, the next five years let the Central rule.

“Yet we are already following through a particular plan that leads us to 30 years. I’m just giving an idea,” he added.

On the state of national politics, Elliot expressed confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, saying he was yet to see a viable alternative capable of replacing the president.

“I’m thinking, okay, who is the next saviour that can remove Asiwaju from what he is doing? Presently, I cannot see yet,” he said.

Elliot joined politics in 2014 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and was elected to represent Surulere Constituency I in 2015. He has retained the seat since then. However, his 4th attempt for reelection in 2027 was thwarted by some stakeholders in his political party.