Lock-down in Ikeja as Ambode swears in commissioners, advisers

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday inaugurated his 37-man cabinet in a carnival-like atmosphere that put the whole of Alausa and its environs on total lock-down. The much publicized swearing-in, held at the Adeyemi-Bero auditorium, witnessed a huge human traffic that could occupy the 80,000-capacity National Stadium in Surulere.

From 7am, the movement inwards the Alausa corridors from Ikeja already forewarned that it was an unusual day. The traffic snarls from Ikeja gathered quickly as families, friends, party loyalists, well-wishers of cabinet nominees, street urchins and pickpockets as well, began to funnel into the Lagos secretariat. And for hours, while the inauguration lasted and four hours after, traveling through the Alausa corridor was hellish for motorists despite the heavy presence of security officials and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

Perhaps the state government underestimated the crowd pull that would be interested in the state function. The Adeyemi-Bero hall and its gallery was already a no-go area two hours before the event was due to commence. When it finally began at 11:45am, larger chunk of the dignitaries, including white cap chiefs, state’s permanent secretaries, some members of the Lagos State House of Assembly among others, were locked outside and confined to view from two large screens stationed outside in the sun.

Apparently feeling the heat within, the Masters of Ceremony in various languages repeated announcements that non-journalists should make way so as not to suffocate the seated cabinet nominees. At several jammed entrances into the hall, scuffles between the visitors and security men were noticed, coupled with lost valuables due to activities of pickpockets. Notwithstanding the difficulties, several of the well-wishers, in their sweat-soaked aso-ebi attires still found joy and erupted in loud cheers as names of their candidates was called during the swearing-in.

Chief host, Akinwunmi Ambode, said it was a milestone in the history of the state, swearing-in the 37 cabinet members, “who are joining me to move Lagos forward.” Ambode thanked Speaker of the Lagos Assembly and all the members of the House, who cleared all the commissioners and special advisers.

The governor, however, urged the new cabinet to be loyal and committed to service of the people, adding that the challenges ahead were quite enormous.

Roll call of dignitaries that graced the occasion include the Deputy governor of the State, Dr. Idiat Adebule; Speaker of the Lagos Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa and members of the House; the first civilian governor of the state, Lateef Jakande; Brig. Gen. Mobolaji Johnson; Senators Gbenga Ashafa; Oluremi Tinubu; Olamilekan Solomon and Ganiyu Solomon.

Others are Chief Justice of the State, Olajumoke Atilade; Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu; Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, Henry Ajomale; Bishop Emeritus of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Adebola Ademowo; Lagos white cap chiefs among others.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tunji Bello, in his well come address noted that the 37-man nominees were seasoned professionals, who would help implement the reforms that the governor had done since he came on board in May.

Bello said that the challenges of today were enormous, ranging from environmental, population, infrastructural needs and traffic control among other, but there was no doubt that the governor had well chosen the team to help in addressing the challenges head-on.

The new commissioner of Housing, Gbolahan Lawal, in his vote of assurance, on behalf of other 36, thanked the good people of the state that voted for the party during the elections; the state governor and all the leaders that nominated and confirmed them as members of the state executive council.

Lawal promised that they would give Lagos their best, help take it to the next level, adding that they were ready to tackle the challenges with the governor.

He also assured that the Ambode-led administration would surpass that of his predecessors.
Bishop of the Lagos West Anglican Diocese, Ademowo and the Chief Iman of the state both prayed that the state executive would multiply in strengthen and prayed that all the new commissioners and special advisers have the spirit of honesty, accountability and diligence.