Intense lobbying as Fashola directs commissioners to hand over

There are indications that no fewer than 10 commissioners in Lagos State have begun intense lobbying to secure positions in Governor Babatunde Fashola’s second term cabinet.
The lobbying became keen since Friday when Fashola reportedly directed the commissioners and special advisers to prepare their handover notes.
It was gathered that the governor might likely dissolve his cabinet on Monday (today) during the state executive meeting.
Fashola’s cabinet comprise the Secretary to the State Government; 20 commissioners, the deputy governor, over 20 special advisers and the Head of Service.
However, two commissioners, Commissioner for Agriculture and Co-operatives, Chief Enock Ajiboso, and his counterpart in the Housing, Dele Onabokun, were earlier dropped by Fashola.
Onabokun was sacked in March over an alleged anti-party activities and alleged romance with the Labour Party.
Another Special Adviser, Mr. Sesan Olanrewaju of the Environment Ministry was also sacked. Reasons for the sack of both Olanrewaju and Onabokun were not given.
An aide to the governor, who pleaded anonymity because of the confidentiality of his information, told our correspondent the governor would likely appreciate the commissioners and special advisers, who helped him to achieve success in the past four years.
He said, “Many of the commissioners have started parking their belongings from their offices preparatory to their exit. Many of them will not return, while few might return.”
It was gathered that some of the commissioners, who resigned from their offices for one reason or the other, might not be part of the valedictory meeting.
For instance, the former Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Opeyemi Bamidele, resigned to contest for an elective office in Ekiti State. He is now a member of the House of Representatives-elect in Ekiti State. A former Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Segun Ayobolu, also resigned on health grounds.
Former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mr. Victoria Orelope-Adefulire, also resigned to become Fashola’s running mate and she is now the deputy governor-elect for Lagos.
Our correspondent gathered that since the information filtered out, many of the commissioners had indicated their intention to come back. The aide said that the governor had been receiving calls from party elders, leaders and supporters throughout the weekend.
By Sesan Olufowobi               Courtesy Of: Punch