AT LAST, LAGOS LGS INAUGURATE CABINETS

…Some Break Protocols 

By Abolaji Adebayo

The 57 local councils in Lagos State have finally inaugurated their cabinets. The list has been released after what seemed like an unending wait.

Since nine months ago when the council chairmen have been sworn-in, they have been expected by the stakeholders to set up their cabinets for smooth running of the government at the grassroots.

From the outset, there have been issues concerning the compilation of the names in some local councils due to leadership tussles over who should be part of the cabinet.

This was one of the factors that first delayed the list as some of the local councils could not submit their lists on time.

After sailing the hurdles at the local council level, the list again got stuck at the state level, putting every stakeholder in dilemma.

Initially, the list was expected to be released to commemorate the chairmen’s 100 Days in office but, the hope was dashed as none of the council announced its cabinet – the list was not released by the state government.

Various factors were put forward for the delay of the list from the state government as reported by ECHONEWS.

ECHONEWS had reported that the list would be released after the All Progressives Congress (APC) convention held on March 26, 2022.

The long anticipated list was finally released on Thursday, April 7, 2022, giving way for inauguration of local council cabinets.

As expected, the list of Secretaries to the Local Governments (SLGs), Supervisors and Special Advisers caused ripples across the state as successful nominees celebrated while those who could not make it refused to submit to fate.

Promptly, a few local councils swung into action by pushing through the traditional conventions – presentation before the Legislative Arm comprising councillors for clearance and inauguration and assignment of portfolios – in a jiffy.

Isolo LCDA was the first to inaugurate its exco as the council chairman, Otunba Adebayo Olasoju sworn-in  his officers into office 24 hours after the release of the list.

The appointees include Hon. Sikiru Adesina, popularly known as Current as the Secretary to the Local Government; Hon. Adeolu Ikugbayigbe (Supervisor, Education); Hon. Balikis Agbabiaka (Supervisor, Environment); Apostle Moses Oluwole (Special Adviser, Information) and  Mr. Yussuf Oni (Supervisor, Youth & Sports)among others.

However, the exercise was not seamless in some councils where the protocols were broken.

For instance, in Ejigbo LCDA, one Mr. Peter Sukore was allegedly disqualified though his name was on the list approved by the state government as an SA.

However, the council leader, Hon. Olanrewaju Akinbowale told ECHONEWS that the councillors did not disqualify anybody.

He maintained that his (Sukore’s) name was not on the list forwarded to the legislators for ratification by the council chairman.

He denied being aware of his (Sukore’s) name on the list from the state government, saying the councillors ratified the list submitted by the chairman.

Similar occurrences were recorded in some other local councils as gathered by ECHONEWS.

A reliable source told ECHONEWS that there were some names on the list which were not submitted by the council chairmen, saying such persons were not screened nor sworn-in in many local councils.

The source further clarified that some people were sworn-in though there names were not on the list from the state.

Such was what happened in Egbe Idimu LCDA where Hon. Noah Surakat’s names was not on the list but was sworn-in as the SLG.

To douse the brouhaha and as a way of compensating those who felt disappointed, some council chairmen came up with alternative cabinets.

In Ojokoro LCDA, the council chairman, Hon. Hammed Idowu Tijani created some non-cabinet SA and SSA slots for some people outside the normal cabinet.

Same with Ifako-Ijaiye where the chairman was forced to create a package for the former SLG to still be part of the system.

Despite all the issues, the local council secretariats across the state are expected to be agog with celebrations this week as the council chairmen announced their inauguration plans.

Speaking to ECHONEWS, the Secretary to the Local Government, Ejigbo LCDA, Deacon Paul Fregene, who expressed his joy for being re-appointed to serve again, promised to be up and doing and make sure he delivers his assignment diligently.

“There were a lot speculations and fear with a lot of panic as the list was delayed. Negotiation with different permutations surfaced and many interests came up. We thank God that I was privileged to be sworn-in.

“I ascribe the glory to God for the reappointment. It’s historical in Ejigbo LCDA that an individual serves two term as SLG back to back. It’s only God that can do it. I’m not the most qualified nor experienced. I must recognize and equally appreciate the Executive Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA, Hon. Monsurudeen Oloyede Bello OBE for having the trust and confidence to reappoint me to serve under his leadership. I’m excited and  happy to be sworn-in as the SLG to further strengthen OBE’s team,” he said.

Similarly, the new SLG of Ojokoro LCDA, Hon. Kolajo Omisore, said there was panic over the delay of the list.

While appreciating the council chairman, the governor and the Speaker of Lagos State for giving him the opportunity to serve, Omisore said that he is ready for the task ahead.

He said: “I see it as a call to duty and an avenue to bring my wealth of experience in the private sector into governance. I’m a professional in politics not a professional politician. My job is to be a bridge-builder between the executive, legislators and  the general public.”

The Isolo SLG, Hon. Sikiru Adesina, said he was very happy when he heard the news of his nomination.

He promised to work in harmony with other members of the executive to serve the residents.

It was gathered that out of the 57 SLGs who served the former council administrations, only 21 were reappointed.