The Lagos State House of Assembly made a decision to decline confirmation for 17 out of the 39 nominees for commissioners and special advisers who had been put forth for screening by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Among the governor’s selections, only 22 cabinet nominees were granted confirmation by the Assembly.
Prominent figures among those not confirmed include Gbenga Omotoso, who previously served as the Commissioner for Information and Strategy; Prof. Akin Abayomi, the former Health Commissioner; as well as Sam Egube, the former Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, among others.
Others are Dada Cecilia, the former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and Aramide Adeyoye, the former Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure.
Those confirmed officials are; Hon. Layode Ibrahim, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe. Hon. Bola Olumegbon, Mr. Idris Aregbe, Ms. Abisola Ruth Olusanya, Mr. Moruf Akinderu Fatai, Mr. Kayode Bolaji-Roberts, Engr. Abiola Olowu, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya, Mr. Yakub Adedayo Alebiosu, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, Mr. Tunbosun Alake, Mr. Gbenga Oyerinde
The governor had presented a list of 39 commissioner-nominees and special advisers to the Lagos State House of Assembly on July 28, 2023, for the required screening process.
Subsequently, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, took the initiative to establish a 12-member committee, with Hon. Fatai Mojeed, the chief whip of the House, at its helm. The primary mandate of this committee was to meticulously evaluate the suitability of the commissioner-nominees for their respective roles.
After the completion of the rigorous screening exercise, Hon. Mojeed Fatai, while addressing the House, refrained from providing specific reasons for any rejections that might have transpired during the evaluation process.
The reason cited for the rejection of the 17 is absolute rubbish and nusesting. Is it performance as shown in economic growth and improved welfare we want or political base. So Abayomi.should have treated only APC members during covid to be relevant politically. Why are our people denying us of development by being beclouded by parochial sentiments. It is the Governor who had been.voted for and who need to build his political base. Some of these Commissioners were nominated on account of the technical competence. They are not card carrying member of any party. The Governor is free to.draw select competent resources anywhere around the globe. Surely, the performance of a commissioner will boost the political relevance of the governor himself, the commissioner and their party. Lagosisns should not be denied of the lexcellent performances of Abayomi.and Adefisayo
Akin Abayomi and Sam Egube are 2 of the best commissioners in Lagos. Prof Abayomi’s performance at the height of the pandemic deserves a Roll of Honor.
Aramide Adeyoye was another excellent performer in the cabinet. I am beginning to fear for the future of Lagos. SMH