By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced the dissolution of his cabinet ahead of his swearing-in on Monday for a second term in office.
A circular issued on Wednesday by the Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, said all appointed commissioners, special advisers and others would officially vacate their positions on Friday, in line with the directive of Sanwo-Olu.
According to the circular, “it is hereby notified for general information that, Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has directed that political appointees, specifically, Honourable Commissioners, Special Advisers (Cabinet and Non-Cabinet), all Assistants (Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Personal Assistants, Technical Assistants, Personal Aides etc) be notified of the end of term of their appointments, with effect from the close of work on Friday, 26 May, 2023.”
The government, however, said political appointees whose appointments were by Legislation/Tenure-Based and Members of Statutory Commissions/Governing Councils that their tenures had not lapsed, were not affected by this directive, unless otherwise formally informed.
“Therefore, all affected political office holders are expected to prepare individual handover notes and return any government property, including utility/project vehicles in their possession to the accounting officer/most senior director of their respective Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs).
“In addition to handing over to their respective permanent secretaries, cabinet members are to send a copy of the handover notes to the permanent secretary, Cabinet Office not later than Friday, 26, May, 2023.
“Furthermore, all concerned officers are to comply with the provision of paragraph 11 (1b), part one of the Fifth Schedule of Nigeria Constitution on End of Tenure Assets Declaration,” the circular stated.
While wishing the affected political office holders success in their future endeavours, the governor appreciated the contributions and roles of the affected public officers to the development of the State, especially the significant milestones recorded under the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda.
“Accordingly, all affected political office holders, accounting officers of MDAs and the general Public are enjoined to note the contents of this circular and give it the deserved service-wide publicity,” it added.
