SUPPORTERS DEFEND FEMI SAHEED’S RECORD AFTER ‘QUIET LAWMAKER’ QUERY ~Cite Free School Buses, Roads, Water Projects, Legislative Work as Proof of Performance*

By Olusegun Apena

 Supporters of Hon. Femi Saheed, lawmaker representing Kosofe Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, have pushed back against a recent news piece questioning whether the “quiet lawmaker” has done enough to earn a another term, citing his free student transport scheme, infrastructure projects, and legislative record.  

The responses followed a story by Kosofe Reporters titled: “Femi Saheed Question: Has the Quiet Lawmaker Done Enough to Earn Another Term?”_ which referenced a stadium project and three roads as his major achievements.  

“He Is Not a Noise Maker”  

One supporter, writing anonymously, said Saheed “is not a noise maker” and pointed to a transport initiative running for over five years. “He has been given free ride to primary and secondary students from Ajegunle, Mile 12 to Maryland and you know what it takes to do that,” the supporter wrote, urging verification.  

Modinat Emdee, who identified herself as a mother in the constituency, corroborated the claim: “I have not seen a lot of Hon Femi Saheed the one I am benefiting is more than enough... As an average mother, for the past 3 years now my kids have been enjoying the free school ride from Ajegunle to Maryland and that has reduced my cost of living....God bless Hon Femi Saheed oooooo.”  

Other supporters listed water and power projects. “Hon Femi Saheed has facilitated the largest water scheme for the good people of OPIC Estate ISHERI with two transformers in the Estate. He has facilitated 5 standard roads in Agiliti with solar street lights, another 3 street in Shangisha... Our Stadium is about to be open soon,” one wrote. “He has build boreholes in the constituent, he has facilitated jobs for unemployed youths… Hon Femi deserves more term in the office.”  

*Rejoinder: “More Than 15 Roads, Not Three”*  

In a detailed rejoinder titled _Re-Has the Quiet Lawmaker Done Enough to Earn Another Term?_, Ademola Akinremi faulted the initial story’s scope and argued that Saheed is “neither silent in his legislative duties nor lacking in his representation.”  

Akinremi said Saheed has been active on “people centric laws” including the Lagos Energy Law, Lagos Wealth Fund, Anti-Grazing Law, Consumer Protection Law, and laws establishing the Universities of Science and Technology, Education and Medical Sciences, and the Lagos Divisional Delineation Law.  

He added that Saheed moved the motion for the construction of the Agboyi Island bridge, “which today is a reality,” and “came out hard on Emefiele during Naira redesign saga, exposing the former CBN governor and calling for his prosecution which is a reality today.”  

As chairman of the House Committee on Finance, Akinremi said Saheed oversaw the ministry’s float of an oversubscribed green bond, the “first by a sub-national,” and the rollout of a digital Lagos Tax platform. “Lagos budget has been performing consistently for over 85% implementation since his stay as chairman house committee on finance,” he wrote.  

On constituency projects, Akinremi disputed the “three roads” figure: “Hon Femi Saheed has facilitated more than 15 roads including Demurin, Church Street, Agidi road, Unity Avenue, Celestial Avenue, Ijero Street, Ifelodun Street, Bisi Adelesi Street, Akinboro Street, Shagisha, Isheri, and so on.” He said “six completed borehole water works” exist with more mini water systems ongoing.  

*Education, Youth Schemes Cited*  

Ascona Ahmed said the free school bus program has been running since Saheed’s first anniversary in office, helping “over 650,000 students access their schools and homes since 2021 with three long buses on daily basis.” Ahmed added that Saheed has funded free JAMB registrations for five years and offers scholarships and bursary funds, including a full scholarship to a “distinguished law graduate.”  

On schools, Akinremi cited “one of the most beautiful and well equipped secondary school in Lagos… Ajegunle Junior High School,” new classroom blocks at Ayedere Primary School, upgrades at Olowora Primary School, and new schools ongoing in the constituency.  

Ascona Ahmed Olamide also credited Saheed with facilitating the Agboyi-Odo Bridge and Maidan-Orile Bridge, scholarships for best students, and empowerment for youths and market women. “He has done more than enough in Kosofe Constituency 2 and more are still coming… He deserves to be re-elected for the forthcoming election in 2027,” Olamide wrote.  

*Engagement and Style*  

Supporters described Saheed as accessible despite a low profile. “He constantly engage his Constituents in stakeholders meeting annually with great feedbacks and participations,” Akinremi wrote, adding that Saheed pays “regular visits” to CDAs with food palliatives and free medical outreaches.  

“Maintaining low profile as a public office holder is not a weakness but a philosophy of truly serving his people through sacrifice, strategic lobbying, galvanizing development and feeling the real pains of the downtrodden,” Akinremi said.  

Prince Ibrahim Ladega called Saheed “very accessible, cool headed and above all, very responsive to the call of his constituents,” adding: “In the spirit of fairness and stability, every LCDA deserves a maximum of 8 years.”  

Akinremi directed readers seeking more information to Saheed’s social handles @honfemisaheed.  

The initial story by Mr. Olusegun Apena had raised the question of Saheed’s visibility and output. The lawmaker has yet to formally declare for a third term. The APC has not released a timetable for House of Assembly primaries in Lagos.