Temidayo Akinsuyi, Lagos

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor-elect of Lagos State, will not probe the tenure of Akinwunmi Ambode, outgoing governor of Lagos State, a member of the State Working Committee (SWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos has revealed to Daily Independent.

Speaking with Daily Independent, the source who refused to be named said the probability of Sanwo-Olu instituting a probe against the Ambode administration was very remote, given the outgoing governor’s record for probity, transparency, and accountability, which Sanwo-Olu was aware of.

He said, as a chartered accountant, Ambode had a knack for high quality and excellent service delivery and always ensuring that every project in the state was subjected to heavy scrutiny before it was awarded.

The source said: “I don’t think Sanwo-Olu will want to probe Ambode’s administration, and it is not because of any political differences between them.

“We all know that the Ambode’s administration is one of the most frugal and prudent administrations in the history of Lagos. Every kobo spent in the administration is well accounted for and I am sure the records are there for anybody who requests for it.

“I think it has to do with the governor’s background as a chartered accountant. He doesn’t just believe in throwing money around. If any kobo must be spent, it must be accounted for and records are kept for future purpose.

“He has a track record of transparency, financial discipline, accountability, and fairness.

“If you also recall, the governor, during the period of recession, announced that the state will no longer sponsor pilgrimages to Mecca and Jerusalem in order to reduce spending.

“I think this is one of the reasons why he fell out with some APC elders who insisted that he must not be given a return ticket.

“One of the governor’s first moves was to reduce the cost of governance in the state by N3 billion monthly and this was made known to the public.

“All the projects executed by the administration are in public glare and I believe the government and even his successor will be willing to make it available to the public.

“If you remember, every amount spent on purchasing goods such as equipment for the health, education, and other sectors.

“If you recall, in 2015, Ambode donated equipment worth N4.765 billion to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) which include over 100 4-Door Salon Cars, 55 Ford Ranger Pick-Ups, 10 Toyota Land Cruiser Pick- Ups, 3 Helicopters, 15 BMW Power Bikes, 15 Armoured Personnel Carriers, 100 Power Bikes, Isuzu Trucks, two Gun Boats, Revolving Lights, Siren and Public Address System, Vehicular Radio Communicators, Security Gadgets, including Bullet Proof Vests, Helmets, Handcuffs, Police Uniforms, Kits and Improved Insurance and Death Benefit Schemes for officers.

“Also, last year, he donated a mobile cancer centre worth N365 million for the diagnosis and treatment of residents afflicted with cancer-related diseases.

“The prices of all these items and several others are always mentioned for the sake of accountability and nobody has ever come out to say maybe it is too high or the figures were inflated.

“Sanwo-Olu has been a part and parcel of the Lagos State government and as somebody who was an appointee of the governor at Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) before resigning to contest as governor, he knows Ambode and what he stands for.”

Also speaking with Daily Independent, an aide of Sanwo-Olu said his principal would hit the ground running upon assumption of office but would ensure there was probity and accountability in his government.

“If you follow Sanwo-Olu’s campaign, he has always been talking about probity, fairness, efficiency, accountability, and judicious use of the state’s resources in his government.

“Of course, if there is need for information on past governments in the state, it will be made available to those in need of it,” he said.
https://www.independent.ng/why-sanwo-olu-wont-probe-ambodes-govt/