Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday, 25th July 2017 swears in the newly elected chairmen of the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs of the state, warning them to shun corruption by embracing transparency and accountability.
At the event held at the Lagos State Government Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, the governor said the conclusion of the electoral process marked the beginning of real governance which had been activated by the swearing in of the chairmen and vice chairmen.
“It is now time for hard work and the fulfillment of all the promises made to the people. The people have, by their votes, discharged their responsibility. It is now your turn to discharge your part of the social contract you made with the people of your communities, wards and local councils.
“It is now time for hard work and the fulfillment of all the promises made to the people. The people have, by their votes, discharged their responsibility. It is now your turn to discharge your part of the social contract you made with the people of your communities, wards and local councils.
“Let me remind you all that you are assuming the mantle of leadership at a time when our people expect so much. Today, our performance as a State is being benchmarked against those of developed economies.
“At the State level, so much is being done to harness the potentials of our State and make it a preferred destination for local/foreign investors and tourists. We are implementing policies and programmes that will promote socio-economic activities and maximise the economic potentials of the three Senatorial zones of the State. This is in line with our commitment to ensure inclusive growth and create opportunities for wealth and job creation.
“At the State level, so much is being done to harness the potentials of our State and make it a preferred destination for local/foreign investors and tourists. We are implementing policies and programmes that will promote socio-economic activities and maximise the economic potentials of the three Senatorial zones of the State. This is in line with our commitment to ensure inclusive growth and create opportunities for wealth and job creation.
“As you settle down to the business of governance, you must bear in mind that the participation of the people in governance does not end with elections. The people must be carried along and given the opportunity to have a say in policy making process and implementation,” he said.
According to Ambode, it was from the chairmen that the state government expected to get feedback from the people, adding that “you must be accountable and transparent in the management of the resources put in your care for the benefit of the people.
“I want to put it on record today that the elections have come and gone; there must be no discrimination of any form. The dividends of good governance must be fairly distributed to all people without prejudice to political affiliation, gender, religious beliefs or ethnic background. We must cherish and nurture the cosmopolitan nature of our State because it is a key factor in our strength and prosperity.”
The governor said the state government had recorded a major success in its quest to control its resources and enshrine the true spirit of Fiscal Federalism, saying that Last week, the Court of Appeal Lagos Division allowed the Appeal of the Lagos State Government and set aside the Federal High Court Judgement which gave the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority to regulate transportation and sand dredging.
“The era of uncontrolled dredging is over and this serves as a clear warning that the Lagos State Government will now take firm control over its inland waterways and the adjoining lands including all sand dredging activities. This will further aid our efforts in abating flood in the State,” he said.
