Come May 29, 2019,
Mr Babajide San-
wo-olu, all things
being equal, would
be sworn-in as the
next Executive
Governor of Lagos State. He would
be takes over from Akinwunmi
Ambode who lost out to him in the
APC primaries. Ambode fell out
of favour with the top hierarchies
of the ruling party, including his
major political benefactor, Senator
Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Considering the ‘drama’ that went
with the primaries and the eventual
victory over the other gubernatorial
candidates at the 2019elections, it
is obvious that much is expected of
Jide Sanwo-Olu. The days of mak-
ing promises are over. Now is the
time to act. The first task ahead of
him would be to unite the various
camps within the APC in the state,
particularly those perceived to be
loyal to the out-going Governor.
Rather than side-lining them, it
would do him a world of good to
look beyond the flaws of the past
in order to move the state forward.
No doubt, lot of water has passed
under the bridge; accusations and
counter-accusations. It would
however be in the overall interest
of the state if he hits the ground
running immediately rather than
dwell on the perceived skirmishes
of the past.
In this part of the world, elected
government officials percieve ap-
pointments as opportunities to ap-
preciate those who help bring them
into office. While this may be true,
it would also be expedient that they
begin to consider the capabilities
of such appointees. In his choice
of Commissioners and heads of
government agencies in the state,
the in-coming governor should
consider appointing round pegs in
round holes. Only tested men and
women with pedigree should be ap-
pointed into key positions of gov-
ernment. They may not necessarily
be party men or women, so long
as they share in the same vision
and passion as the governor. This
is more important considering that
the ruling party has a lot to do to
win back the confidence of lots of
Lagosians who are not too pleased
with the state of affairs.
The incoming Governor has a
lot to do in convincing non party
faithful that he would be a man of
his words; not necessarily danc-
ing to the whims and caprices
of the ‘oga at the top.’ He must
ensure continuity in infrastruc-
tural developments of the state by
ensuring that on-going projects by
his predecessor are completed in a
record time. So many uncompleted
projects litter the state; so many
uncompleted roads are awaiting his
attention. The mile-2 to Badagry
road, for instance, needs urgent
attention. Several major and inner
roads across the state are in dire
need of rehabilitation. To make
significant impact in this regard,
the in-coming governor must take
a tour round the state, identify the
areas that need urgent attention
and do the needful. He must have a
listening ear and allow for transpar-
ent feedback.
As a technocrat and one who has
enjoyed years of experience in gov-
ernment circles, Sanwo-Olu sure
understands the need to grow man-
power and small scale businesses,
the fulcrum of our economic de-
velopment. Erratic power supply in
the state needs to be addressed. He
needs to create a conducive atmos-
phere for new businesses to open.
He has promised an imminent
completion of the Lekki free trade
zone and development of the ICT
sector in the state. We are waiting.
The incessant molestation of small
business owners, particularly oc-
cupants of the computer village at
Ikeja, traders at the Ladipo market
and those operating at the Trade
Fair Complex, should be addressed.
Rather than stifle them with
multiple levies and taxations, effort
should be made to empower and
encourage them to expand their
operations. The government can
help encourage gifted youths to em-
back on local inventions, thereby
providing more job opportunities
for this growing population. Also,
the daily traffic gridlocks being
experienced by motorists across the
state must be addressed through
construction of new bridges and
opening up of fresh road networks
to ease vehicular movements.
Equally, the need to continue to
place high premium on the sanitary
condition of the state cannot be
over-emphasized considering its
being branded a mega city. La-
gosians are hoping to see a better
coordinated approach to waste
disposal in the state. Provision of
affordable houses for the masses is
imperative, so also portable drink-
ing water. Security must also enjoy
top priority. The various security
agencies can better be empowered
and encouraged to be at the top of
their game at all times to weed off
undesirable elements. Lagos must
work again.
