The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has cautioned immediate past chairmen of the state’s 20 Local Governments (LGs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) to relinquish control over their successors and allow them to discharge their duties without interference.
Obasa issued the warning during a meeting with council chairmen – the second within a month – held at the Assembly Complex in Alausa, Ikeja.
He expressed strong displeasure at reports that some former chairmen continue to exert undue influence on their successors.
“How can you be answerable to your predecessors?” Obasa asked. “What you owe them is honour, not control. They have done their bit and everyone is grateful. You are now in the saddle, so take charge.”
Addressing the former chairmen in absentia, he added: “Let the new chairmen breathe. Let the public see there are new sheriffs in town and that they are doing a good job. Don’t take their shine. Remove your grip on their necks.”
The Speaker also criticised the pressure allegedly being mounted on new chairmen to begin servicing loans obtained by their predecessors without proper scrutiny.
“Before you start paying loans, ask questions,” he advised. “Where you are unsure of what the loan was used for, look through the books. If you can renegotiate or restructure the terms of the loans, do so for the benefit of your constituents.”
Obasa reminded the chairmen that four years is a short time in politics, warning that failing to show visible results within the first few months could create a negative impression.
“As politicians, we manage many interests, but it should never be at the detriment of the council and the people,” he said.
The Speaker further expressed concern over the increasing number of deaths in councils across the state, describing it as unprecedented and unhealthy for the party. He urged the chairmen to prioritise their wellbeing by undergoing regular medical checkups.
