CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A Civil Society organization, Centre for Human and Socio-economic Rights (CHSR), has expressed concern over the rejection of 17 nominees by the Lagos State Assembly and asked for explanations for public interest.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that CHSR made their position known during a press conference led by their President, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, at their President Secretariat, Liberation Centre in Lagos State.
In a statement, Commrade Alex Omotehinse explained that Lagosians are worried because such rejection has not happened since the inception of democracy, signifying that Lagos State, which has been center of excellence, was gradually drifting.
He stated: “CHSR is a service-oriented non-governmental organization (NGO) registered as a corporate body, which collaborates with other organizations to defend, sustain and promote the fundamental human and socio-economic rights of citizens and residents in any part of Nigeria as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
“The recent rejection by the Lagos State House of Assembly of Seventeen (17) out of Thirty-Nine (39) persons on the list of Commissioners and Special Advisers forwarded by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to the Assembly should be a great cause of concern to all well-meaning Lagosians and the public.”
“As social stakeholders, the CHSR is not only taken aback by this resolution but gravely disturbed with likely fatal consequences this seemingly total politicisation of appointments into the State cabinet may have disrupting the enviable developmental template of the State of Excellence.”
“Lagos, as the fastest growing economy in the African continent, has been striving to transform itself into a mega-city with global standards and indices to copy. It is equally the unchallengeable nerve centre of the nation’s economic and political development, which has since, the commencement of this Republic jealously nurtured its developmental strides by Political stability, unity of purpose, which has contributed immensely to the sustenance of its developmental goals. We are most apprehensive on the prospects of slight rupture in the processes of the State governance, which we know would invariably have viral effects on the country, sub-region and continent. When Lagos sneezes, societies would catch cold. We note that Lagos landlords the major seaports and airport in the country, the de-facto headquarters of all transnational corporations, businesses, financial institutions as well as first abode to all irrespective of creed, status, gender, age or whatever classifications.”
“The State’s governance craftsmanship over the years, have never been solely left to the whims, caprices of partisan considerations. Since 1999, persons of different hues have had cause to serve in the State cabinet, majorly on merit and professional criterial. This, no doubt has made the Centre of Excellence to tap from the reservoir of the best brains in the country. We do not only applaud this unique essence of Lagos governance, but we also unequivocally identify with it, strongly recommend same for States in the Federation as we strongly warn the Lagos State House of Assembly to be wary of throwing away the baby with the bath water.”
“It is most disheartening that these Commissioner Nominees were reported to have been rejected on mere voice votes without the Assembly putting forward logical rationales that they were rejected for lack of merit. We are not aware that some salient interests are always considered when picking political appointees. For instance, concerns were raised on the imperative to balance religious composition, geographical spread and even for compensation of loyal political devotees. These, however, are never the overriding consideration, merit, needs, stands tower high above any other factors. This is why we are overwhelmed with awe on how globally acclaimed, credible professionals like Prof. Akin Abayomi of the Ministry of Health, who bailed the country out of the Covid-19 pandemic; Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo, Gbenga Omotosho and Sam Egube of the Ministries of Education, Information and Budget and Planning respectively, could have been rejected by any diligent, patriotic, growth-minded representatives of the people. These are rare breeds professionals, quiet, unassuming social achievers that other saner climes are in dire search for their services.”
“Our last alarm to political leaders of Lagos State is to try and wake up from the slumber of any psychological shocks of the last general elections, to fester into conflagrations that would wreak havoc on the developmental agenda of the State. Lagos State is strategically positioned to play leading roles in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, caution should not be thrown to the winds with intra-party, adversarial rocking of the boat.”
“History has severally validated the fact that when elephants fight, the grass become victims. It would be loss for Lagos State if eggheads are sacrificed on the altar of inordinate politics; common Lagosians and the civil populace would inevitably bear the brunt if round pegs are in square holes in the Commissionership of Lagos State.”