The Lagos State government has refuted the allegation made by Lagos lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adeguruwa (SAN), that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is operating a solo performance in the state, utilizing public funds while the state executive council has not been properly constituted.
In response to the accusation, the chief press secretary to the governor, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, stated that contrary to the lawyer’s claims, his principal is not running a one person show as the machinery of governance is progressing in the state.
He expressed, “We have taken note of an unsolicited advice from Mr. Ebun Adegboruwa, alleging that Sanwo-Olu is operating a one-man show, simply because he has not assembled his cabinet yet since he commenced his second term in office.
“To clarify, the Nigerian Constitution is very explicit regarding the number of days required for a state governor to submit his nominees for various cabinet positions to the House of Assembly for legislative endorsement. In line with the fifth alteration (No. 23), the bill seeks to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, obliging the president and governors to present the names of appointed ministers or commissioners within 60 days of assuming office for confirmation by the senate or House of Assembly; and on related matters.”
Akosile explained that Governor Sanwo-Olu has only been in office for 39 days and therefore, has not violated any law.
“We also wish to remind the learned lawyer that Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke took office in November, 2022, and it took him over seven months before submitting his cabinet nominees to the House of Assembly.
“We must also educate Mr. Adegboruwa that with or without the current cabinet members, the machinery of governance is progressing in Lagos. The permanent secretaries are fully in charge as the chief accounting officers of their respective ministries.”