Bowing to pressure: Gov. Sanwo-Olu sends supplementary commissioners’ list to lawmakers

The second list include the names of “accomplished politicians and technocrats, who understand the current needs of Lagos and the development agenda of the governor.”

On the list are Mr Oladele Ajayi, Mr Oluwatoyin Fayinka, Mrs Yetunde Arobieke, Mr Olanrewaju Sanusi, Mr Joe Igbokwe and Mr Bonu Solomon Saanu.

Others are Arc. Kabiru Ahmed, Mrs Lola Akande, Prince Anofi Olanrewaju Elegushi, Mrs Solape Hammond, Mr Moruf Akinderu Fatai, Mrs Shulamite Olufunke Adebolu and Mr Tokunbo Wahab.

Persecondnews had reported exclusively that a smouldering resentment and rancour has pervaded the ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, over the 25 nominees as commissioners and special advisers of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu transmitted to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation in early July.

Aggrieved senior party members have rejected the list as it did not reflect the “interest and wishes’’ of the party at local government and ward levels.

They described the list as a “betrayal of trust, abuse of the cult followership and commitment’’ of Lagosians to the party.

As a result of the crisis, it was learnt that the State House of Assembly is bowing to pressure from aggrieved party men and women not to screen the nominees believed to have been cooked from a smoke-filled room’’ outside the government.

The House is awaiting the “additional list’’ promised by the party leadership before the commencement of screening.

A party source said: “Those who did not work for the party’s success at the polls and are unknown to the leaders at local government and ward levels are the ones nominated.

“Where were they when we were campaigning and building the party at the grassroots?

“Those who have sacrificed and paid N3 or 4 million to get the party’s nomination forms and were denied the tickets and those who were asked to step down after a term are not considered.

“It is unfair to these people, it is unfair to Lagosians. How many Lagosians are on the list? About 30 per cent.’’

On the supplementary list, the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Gboyega Akosile, said: “The selection process was rigorous, because of the need to constitute the best team that would serve Lagos in line with the Sanwo-Olu administration’s vision of delivering a city-state that will rank among the top most liveable cities in the world.’’

The 25 nominees were screened two weeks ago but not yet sworn-in by the governor, apparently the two batches will take oath of office together.