By Bada Abraham
The ongoing crisis between the legislative arm and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu over commissioner nominees has raised concerns about the stability of the ruling APC party.
According to the Nigerian Tribune, out of 39 nominees submitted by the governor, only 22 were approved by the State House of Assembly, leading to public disgrace and division within the party. Olabode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the opposition PDP, sees this as a sign of the APC prioritizing self-interest over governance.
He spoke about the need for unity within the party, the insecurity prevalent in Lagos State, and the fact that a stable and secure state is essential for everyone’s well-being, regardless of their background or religion.
He criticizes the controversial protest by a professor and some Muslims regarding the religious balance among the nominees, stressing that religion should not be a factor in public service appointments. He urges the APC to prioritize competence and professionalism in selecting candidates.
On the reasons behind the rejection of the remaining 17 commissioner nominees, George suggests that a lack of consultation and unity within the party may have contributed to this outcome.
Regarding the statement made by Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa asserting that the governor is not superior to him, George views it as a sign of underlying issues and a lack of collaboration between the executive and legislative branches.
He questions whether the absence of APC leader Bola Tinubu from Lagos State politics has contributed to the turmoil within the party and emphasizes the importance of a political party being owned collectively by its members rather than being personalized by individuals.
In discussing the current administration at the federal level, he said that governance is a long-term journey with initial mistakes, such as the 5 billion naira palliative distribution, which he deems unjustifiable. He raises concerns about financial mismanagement, forex issues, and the need for transparency in addressing these challenges.
He expresses frustration at the suffering of Nigerians and the government’s plea for patience.
The rejection of the Lagos State commissioner nominee and the larger political context are causing disarray within the APC, leading to concerns about governance and the party’s unity. He emphasizes the need for competent and professional appointments, regardless of religion, and calls for transparency in addressing national challenges.
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