Lagos State’s man of substance, Senator Gbenga Ashafa is a prime example of someone who is able to keep his head when everyone else is losing theirs. While others see their positions as their birthright which they must hold on to by hook or by crook, Senator Ashafa is able to handle setbacks with equanimity.
Recall that the two-term senator representing Lagos East senatorial district at the National Assembly got the shock of his life last October when he was defeated by Bayo Osinowo at the APC primaries. At the time, it was widely expected that the evergreen grassroots politician would mount a vehement protest, egged on by his Ashafa Action Group political machinery.
Instead, Ashafa stunned everybody by not only accepting the results but congratulating his opponent. He proved that he is a true gentleman by toeing the path of honour. He saw the setback not as the end of the world but as a learning curve for him. Those close to the popular philanthropist intimate that he is going to use the lessons learned to mount a successful comeback when the time is ripe.
In the meantime, Ashafa showed his true colours as a staunch and loyal party man by throwing his weight behind all the party’s candidates during the just-concluded elections. He contributed greatly to the APC’s clean sweep of all the National Assembly tickets up for grabs. Those who saw how he campaigned vigorously could scarcely believe that he himself wasn’t one of the candidates.
Those close to the party disclosed that the senator’s exemplary conduct has impressed the APC top brass so much that he has been pencilled for a high profile appointment in the not-too-distant future.
