Only tested politicians and technocrats stand the chance of making the cabinet of Lagos State Governor-elect Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Such politicians and technocrats, he stated, must share the same vision with him and his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu said on Thursday.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain said Lagosians should expect a cabinet of “intelligent and smart,” people, particularly tested politicians, technocrats and professionals, adding that “they will be round peg in a round hole”.
Sanwo-Olu, who maintained that the basic criteria are the “shared vision and common purpose,” stressing that the team should be on the same page with him and the deputy governor.
The governor-elect emphasised that the outlook of the State Executive Council should reflect its loyalty to the state, instead of posing as representatives of a sect, jurisdiction and clan.
He added: “We have been on this journey for eight or nine months. We will appoint those who share the commonality of vision and purpose.”
Sanwo-Olu spoke with reporters in Lagos on the vision of his government, the on-going projects he will inherit from the Ambode administration, infrastructural growth, security, investment drive, integrated transport management, social welfare, land use charge, Southwest economic integration and future budgeting.
The governor-elect, who spoke on the imperative of governance branding, gave insight into his style of governance, saying that he would be humble, open, transparent, accessible and engaging governor.
However, Sanwo-Olu said he would not condone indolence, adding that if an official fails in the discharge of his responsibilities, he would face the consequence.
He said Lagosians have been fortunate to be governed by progressive administrations in the last 20 years, which have built critical institutions, schools, health care facilities, a mega city status and boosted internally generated revenues.
Sanwo-Olu said while it had been suggested that the increased IGR meant financial progress, he noted that it was not enough because of the enormous challenges confronting the state.
He promised to build on the feats of his illustrious predecessors by presiding over a strategic and focus administrations that would continually make use of the vast human talents to develop the Centre of Excellence.
The governor-elect said he would hit the ground running after his inauguration by setting up a cabinet of talents, making serious appointments, resolving the traffic challenge and reinvigorate the waste disposal management in the first quarter.
He promised that serious infrastructure battle, particularly road construction and rehabilitation, would begin after the raining season.
Sanwo-Olu said: “We will look at the civil service and focus on capacity development and skill acquisition, skill and competency development. We will focus on health and infrastructure. We will roll out more detail plans to ensure growth in our education. For health, we will collaborate with the private sector so that we can foster more accessibility and affordability, which is more challenging. We will evolve a clear cut policy on power with DISCO and GENCO ensure regular power supply.”
Sanwo-Olu said he would embark on a quarterly review of budgetary performance to ensure transparency and accountability.
He said although he was yet to know the details of on-going projects, which his administration would inherit, he assured that they would not be abandoned.
The governor-elect said he would revisit the Land Use Charge, based on the raging complaints, assuring that the solution would emerge through collaborative efforts.
Sanwo-Olu said he would attract investment to the state by promoting ease of doing business, making the civil servants to respond swiftly to the urgency of business registration, and fostering security.
He said tourism would be rebranded, adding that professionals would manage the critical sector.
On Southwest economic integration, he said Lagos would collaborate with states, which have abundant land in the region on agricultural development by providing finance for crop production.
Sanwo-Olu also said Lagos State would press on with the agitation for special economic assistance.
He added: “We are happy that the next Speaker of House of Representatives will come from Lagos State. We will engage the House. They will see reason with us. Lagos is home for us all .”
