Ambode swears in Council Chairmen

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state on Tuesday sworn-in newly elected chairmen of 20 local government areas and 37 LCDAs.
Ambode in his addressing during the swearing ceremony held in Governor’s Office Alausa urged all the new council helmsmen to be hardworking and transparent in managing resources of their respective council.

He said: “The conclusion of the electoral process marks the beginning of real governance which has been activated by your swearing-in today.The people have, by their votes, discharged their responsibility. It is now your turn to discharge your part of the social contract you made with the people of your communities, wards and local councils.

“Let me remind you all that you are assuming the mantle of leadership at a time when our people expect so much. As you settle down to the business of governance, you must bear in mind that the participation of the people in governance does not end with elections.

“The people must be carried along and given the opportunity to have a say in policy making process and implementation,” Ambode said.

He also charged the new chairmen not to discriminate against anyone, irrespective of political, religious or other leanings

“I want to put it on record today that the elections have come and gone; there must be no discrimination of any form.

“The dividends of good governance must be fairly distributed to all people without prejudice to political affiliation, gender, religious belief or ethnic background.
“We must cherish and nurture the cosmopolitan nature of our state because it is a key factor in our strength and prosperity,” Ambode said.

Ambode commended the Chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Retired Justice Ayotunde Phillips, commissioners and the entire staff of the commission for delivering a free, fair and credible election.

The Lagos Island East Local Government Chairman, Mr Kamal Bashua, who spoke on behalf of the chairmen, promised their unalloyed support. He said they would build on the landmark achievements of the government at the grassroots