Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has barred the 57 local government chairmen sworn in from appointing Secretary to Local Governments (SLGs) and supervisory councillors.
This has created uncertainties in the councils because during the run down to the election, some people were promised juicy positions. The governor’s decision has, however, put these people in limbo
Sanwo-Olu made the announcement shortly after he swore in the newly elected chairmen and vice chairmen across the 57 local governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
The event took place at the Sports Ground, Lagos House, Ikeja.
He urged them to use the next 30 to 60 days to settle down and familiarise themselves with the needs of their communities.
The state government, he said, would inform the chairmen when it’s time to make the appointments.
The governor, however, enjoined them to appoint Chief of Staff to aid the coordination of their daily activities.
He urged them to embrace inclusive leadership and prioritise the welfare of residents.
Assuring them that the state had stayed true to the local government’s autonomy, he advised the council chiefs to use their power wisely and guard it with transparency.
According to him, there will be no tolerance for underperformance.
He warned that those who betrayed people’s trust would be held accountable, as Lagos deserved nothing less.
“We are living through a new era of local government autonomy—fiscal and administrative independence now affirmed by the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Lagos has consistently taken the lead in this regard. As chairmen, you now have direct access to your council’s funds. With this comes direct accountability. No excuses. No finger pointing. The buck now stops with you.
“Use this autonomy wisely. Guard it with transparency. Let your tenure reflect not political entitlement, but public responsibility. Leadership must never be about personal gain; it must be about public impact,” he said.
