By Olanrewaju Adesanya
The screening process of 25 commissioners-designate of Governor Babajide Sanwoolu has revealed a compilation of egg-heads constituting his cabinet, as sizeable number of the nominees are technocrat with quality competence in chosen fields.
The 16-man ad-hoc committee constituted by the Lagos Assembly, afforded a thorough screening process that tested the competencies of the nominees and their suitability for certain portfolios.
The Committee, headed by Mr Rotimi Abiru, a four-term lawmaker representing Somolu Constituency II, screened the nominees individually at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium, Assembly Complex, Ikeja.
It would be recalled that Sanwo-Olu’s cabinet nominees forwarded to the Lagos Assembly are: Dr Rabiu Onaolapo, Mrs Folashade Adefisayo, Prof. Akin Abayomi, Dr Idris Salako, Mr Tunji Bello and Mr Gbenga Omotoso.
Others include Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka and Mrs Bolaji Dada, Mr Lere Odusote, Dr Frederic Oladeinde, Mr Gbolahan Lawal, Dr Wale Ahmed, Mr Moyo Onigbanjo (SAN), Mr Hakeem Fahm and Mrs Ajibola Ponnle.
Also on the list are: Mr Aramide Adeyoye, Mr Segun Dawodu, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, Mr. Sam Egube, Ms Ruth Olusanya, Princess Aderemi Adebowale, Mr Tunbosun Alake Mr Afolabi Ayantayo, Ms Adekemi Ajayi-Bembe and Mr Femi George.
The committee at its first session yesterday screened eight out of the 25 nominees,namely; Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Princess Aderemi Adebowale, Mr Tunji Bello, Ms Adekemi Ajayi-Bembe, Dr Wale Ahmed, and Prof. Akin Abayomi,Mr Hakeem Fahm and Mr Gbenga Omotoso.
Out of the eight nominees only Dr Wale Ahmed who was a former lawmaker representing Agege II constituency in the 4th Assembly (1999-2003) and presently the State Secretary of APC was accorded preference as a former lawmaker,he was asked to take a bow and leave without being questioned by members of the committee.
Speaking to newsmen after the exercise on the competence of the nominees, Abiru said: “The people demonstrated a high level of knowledge and the understanding of government.
“They realised that this is a call to service and they have promised that they would add their experience to governance.
“I don’t have any doubt that those that we have spoken to so far are good hands that would join hands with the Governor to make the state better.”
Abiru added that Ahmed had worked assiduously with others to achieve 100% success for APC at the last general election.
On whether the screened nominees should go and start rejoicing, Abiru said that the final decision lies with the whole 40-members of the House after the committee must have submitted its report.
Also speaking on the screened nominees, Mr Tunde Braimoh, (Kosofe II) commended Sanwo-Olu for the calibre of nominees presented for screening.
“They (nominees) did their best, they are all illustrious Lagosians. They expressed themselves and we have our own parameters of scoring them.
“We are impressed and we are happy that we have people who have demonstrated public speaking and ability to govern,” the lawmaker said.
Significantly, Princess Aderemi Adebowale one of the nominees who hails from Eredo in Epe,a reputable agency registered nurse,really x-rayed the need to be more concerned about building a functional society, especially in the area of health care.
She harped on the voids in the Primary Health Care center which ought to be the first port of call for patients.
Aderemi has her hand in a lot human developmental efforts which paints her as someone who has a lot to offer in Sanwoolu’s cabinet.
A fourth term commissioner Mr.Tunji Bello reaffirmed his experience especially in the Ministry of Environment,he faulted the previous adminstration for having halted the course functional environment by ignoring tested models of securing a serene environment obtainable in past administrations.
Another qualitative showing was made by Professor Akin Abayomi who as a medical practitioner, worked with the former Commissioner for Health Dr. Jide Idris, he practically lectured all at the screening to corroborate his professorial mettle.
Professor Abayomi also noted that free health is unattainable because it is expensive, he suggested subsidized health powered by contributions into a pool, to make health care available to the less privileged.
Mr Gbenga Omotosho, the Daily Editor with The Nation newspapers also gave sincere stance, maintaining his cool all through the hours of waiting till he was called up last to be screened.