Approximately 30 days after Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu forwarded a list of 39 names to the Lagos State House of Assembly for cabinet approval, the competition for cabinet positions has taken on a tense aspect. Some nominees who were initially rejected by the House may now be reconsidered for confirmation.
It’s worth recalling that among the original list, 17 nominees faced rejection by the House, while 22 were successfully confirmed.
Sources suggest that some of the nominees were disqualified due to alleged discrepancies in financial transactions and their perceived lack of involvement in party activities.
There has also been discontent among Assembly members about the exclusion of certain local councils and party loyalists, prompting calls for reconsideration and attachment of nominees’ Local Government Areas to the list.
Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, acknowledged the concerns of his colleagues and agreed that nominees’ LGAs should be indicated on the list. He emphasized that while Governor Sanwo-Olu has the prerogative to nominate individuals to work with him, it is the responsibility of the lawmakers to screen and confirm their eligibility.
Reports suggest that some of the rejected nominees might be given another chance and confirmed when the lawmakers convene again. Sources indicate that the APC leadership, with President Bola Tinubu’s approval, is intervening to resolve the situation.
Among those who could be reconsidered are the former Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, and Aramide Adeyoye, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works. It is believed that interventions from higher powers might lead to Omotoso’s eventual inclusion in the cabinet.