SOLA FOLOWOSELE
The Deputy Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, stood solidly in defence of the interest of his Constituency on the floor of the House yesterday 3rd August, 2023.
The Lawmaker expressed shock at the non-inclusion of any nominee from Ikeja main LGA on the list of Commissioner-designates sent for screening by Mr. Governor and also wondered why a strategically important LGA such as Ikeja would have no representive on the list.
Governor Sanwo-Olu had announced a list of 39 Commissioners-designate about a week ago and transmitted same to the House of Assembly for screening. The matter came up for consideration yesterday when the Lawmakers re-convened for plenary.
However, the Assembly Chamber erupted in a verbal crossfire as the majority of the Lawmakers expressed disappointment and angst about the composition of the list.
Rising up to make a case for Ikeja Constituency 2, the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Adedamola Richard
Kasunmu, expressed displeasure at the non-inclusion of any nominee from Ikeja and sought to know why Ikeja LGA, the seat and power base of Lagos Government and the political home base of the President, has no candidate representing it among the nominees.
The vibrant Lawmaker revealed that at various reconciliatory meetings with the Governor and key Ikeja stakeholders before the election, there were agreements and assurances reached by the leadership concerning appointments in Ikeja LGA, even before the demise of Chief Mrs. Kemi Nelson.
He said to his amazement, such agreement did not reflect at all on Mr. Governor’s list and Ikeja LGA was not factored-in.
Hon. ARK lamented that the death of Chief Mrs. Kemi Nelson, who was a GAC member, has really created a big vacuum in the scheme of things.
He therefore, called on the Governor and his team to revisit the list and do the needful in the interest of peace, justice and fair play.
Hon. Kasunmu commended the nominee from Ojodu LCDA, Barr. Toke Benson and described her as competent, capable and brilliant. But insisted Ikeja Main LGA should be considered.
Other Lawmakers also made similar observations and expressed disappointment that loyal, capable and qualified party members, who toiled and worked hard for the party’s success in the last General Elections were totally sidelined on the governor’s list. They concluded that things cannot continue like this.
Being a Thursday, Plenary was conducted in Yoruba and the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Dr. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, presided over proceedings.
The House later assigned Adhoc Committees to look into the screening of the nominees and adjourned till further notice.