Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos
state on Tuesday, swore-in the chairman of
local governments and charged them to be
hardworking and transparent in the
management of resources put in their care.
Aside swearing-in of 20 Local Government
Chairmen, Ambode also administered the
oath of office on chairman of 37 Local
Council Development Areas of the state who
were elected on Saturday.
He told the chairmen that they were coming
on board at a time the people expected
much, urging them not to disappoint those
who elected them.
“The conclusion of the electoral process
marks the beginning of real governance
which has been activated by your swearing-
in today.
“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. 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,”
Ambode said.
He also charged the new chairmen not to
discriminate against anyone, irrespective of
political, religious or other leanings because
the elections have come and gone.
“The dividends of good governance must be
fairly distributed to all people without
prejudice to political affiliation, gender,
religious belief 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,” Ambode said.
The governor said that the government
recognised the importance of the Local
Government administration in having a
government of inclusion where everybody
had a voice.
“Today, we have completed the chain of
government linking the Wards, Councils and
Local Government Areas to the State
Government.
“Our government has, once again,
demonstrated our total commitment to
deepening democratic values and good
governance at the grassroots,” he said.
Ambode commended the Chairman of the
Lagos State Independent Electoral
Commission (LASIEC), Retired Justice
Ayotunde Phillips, commissioners and the
entire staff of the commission for delivering
a free, fair and credible election.
He also commended residents, especially
those who defied the rains on Saturday to
perform their civic responsibility.
“The hallmark of democracy is the
participation of the people through the free
exercise of their franchise to elect the
people they want to represent them. This is
the true source of legitimate mandate to
lead a people,” Ambode said.
Meanwhile, the governor informed the
gathering that the Lagos State Government
was set to take firm control over its inland
waterways and the adjoining lands,
including all sand dredging activities,
following an appellate court ruling in its
favour.
He warned that the era of uncontrolled
dredging was over, as the court ruling
would boost the government’s efforts in
abating flood in the state.
The Lagos Island East Local Government
Chairman, Mr Kamal Bashua, who spoke on
behalf of the chairmen, promised their
unalloyed support.
Bashua said they would build on the
landmark achievements of the government
at the grassroots.
Party faithful, relatives and friends of the
new chairmen, among others were present
at the ceremony.
