Kunle Adelabu
-Charges state on deplorable infrastructures in Ikorodu Division
Stakeholders in the Ikorodu Division, under the aegis of the lkorodu Division People’s Forum (IDPF), have demanded for the review of the 39 names of nominees proposed for the cabinet positions in the second term of Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo – Olu.
The group is demanding for a minimum of four positions in the cabinet.
According to the group, which totally rejected the one slot given to Ikorodu Division, their demand is based on the number of the Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) and senatorial Districts in the state.
Gov. Sanwo – Olu, had on Thursday, July 27, 2023, sent a list of proposed nominees for his second term cabinet, to the Lagos State House of Assembly for approval. The list has since been generating protests from Ikorodu Division of the state, because of the one slot allotted to her.
In reaction to the development, the IDPF, last Thursday, called a stakeholders’ meeting at the Regal Hall, Olu – Odo in Igbogbo LCDA, where stakeholders unanimously rejected the list, and called for equality and fairness in the distribution of political appointments.
In a communique issued by the forum, on Sunday, and signed by Otunba Ganiyu Olusegun Abiru and Barr. Saheed Osuoale Kolawole Shillings as Chairman and General Secretary respectively, the group also frowned at the state of roads in the division, while also calling on the governor to address the marginalization of the division.
“Ikorodu Division suffered a historical under-representation in the appointment of commissioners in the state, as reflected in the list submitted by the governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to the Lagos state House of Assembly on Thursday July 27, 2023, whence only one Commissioner was shortlisted for the division, out of a list of 39, to wit: Ms Bisola Olusanya”, IDPF said.
“The appointment of one Commissioner for Ikorodu Division, by the Governor is inequitable and unacceptable. Ikorodu Division is one of the 5 Administrative Divisions of the state, has 6 Local Council Development Areas out of the 57 in the State, and out of the 16 in the Senatorial District, hence, cannot be entitled to only one by any means, even on the basis of 20 local government councils
“The forum, hereby, calls on the governor of Lagos State, to review the list and do the needful by granting the Division a minimum of 4 slots which is the least due by the formula of LCDAs or Senatorial District of the 5 Administrative Divisions represented in the Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Epe (I.B.I.L.E) acronym”, IDPF demanded.
The group also reminded the Governor that it deserves other appointments apart from the four cabinet positions demanded for.
It also warned the Governor of reaction from the residents if the Division is continued to be taking for granted despite her support for the ruling party and the emergence of his administration.
“The promise of ‘juicy’ appointments made to our political leaders cannot represent or take the place of Commissionership appointment and the Division should be given its proper share of advisers, especially those of cabinet status”, IDPF added in its communique.
“We call on the Governor to give the Division it’s fair share in other appointments including but not limited to Senior Special Assistants, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Parastatal.
“It is the feeling of the forum that the Governor and powers that be in Lagos, and the All Progressives Congress have taken the loyalty of the division for granted with levity, and do not value it to the extent that the effort for past and present electoral victories do not count in the sharing of the dividends of democracy, hence, if our pleas are not considered, the attachment to the political party is unrealistic and unproductive, therefore, alternative must be considered”, the group warned.
However, it is not only about political appointments that IDPF is demanding fair and equitable share for, it is also calling on the Governor to look into and attend to the infrastructural challenges across the Division, particularly the collapsed roads
“The Forum considers the state of infrastructure in the Division, especially roads and the general marginalization of the Division, in the scheme of things, coupled with this rather sinful omission, as an act of oppression. It is a deliberate attempt to irritate the law-abiding citizens of our Division, as the acts are unjustifiable”, the Forum stated.
“The Forum wishes to draw the attention of the Governor to the provisions of S. 14(1) which provides that: “the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be a state based on the principles of democracy and social justices. And S. 14(2)(c) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which provides that: “the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this constitution”, and definitely, the thrust require equitable participation”.
Furthermore in the communique, IDPF called on its members and entire residents of Ikorodu Division, to consider relating with other four Divisions in the state for joint action, and also charged leaders to ensure that Ikorodu produce the next Governor of the state come 2027.
“The Forum enjoins the members and people to consider liaison with other Divisions of the state, for the ultimate emancipation of the indigenes from the shackles of oppression and intimidation by our kinsmen of Southwest Nigeria.
“The forum also urges leaders and members to make adequate preparations to actuallize the ikorodu for governor project in the next generally elections”.
