Sanwo-Olu warns attackers of security agents
..says display of savagery not allowed in Lagos
…appoints new Auditor-Generals
By Moses Adeniyi
Following the recent spate of attacks on security agents in the State, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has issued stern warning to hoodlums disposed to attacking law enforcement agents, saying that such “display of savagery will not be allowed in the State.”
In a statement he personally signed on Tuesday, made available to our correspondent, Governor Sanwo-Olu said such attacks, according to him, are senseless, and “are attempts to trample on law and order by those who are desperate to turn the society upside down.”
The statement reads partly: “The government of Lagos State has noted with deep concern attacks on law enforcement agents by hoodlums. Such senseless attacks are attempts to trample on law and order by those who are desperate to turn our society upside down. This will not be allowed to happen.”
It would be recalled that barely a week an attack by yet unknown hoodlums on September 23, 2021 at Ajao Estate, had left a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Kazeem Abonde, dead.
Speaking on the ugly development, Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that he had directed the Commissioner of Police in the State to ensure that all those who participated in the savagery are brought to justice.
“Such display of savagery as the one in which CSP Abonde died will not be allowed in our state, no matter the circumstances. The law is there for us all, should there be need to redress any perceived wrongdoing. Citizens who take the law into their own hands are promoters of jungle justice, which will not be allowed to take root in our dear Lagos,” he said.
He however assured law enforcement agents of the Government’s support, stating that the Government “will always stand by them as they carry out their duties and, at the same time, send a strong signal to criminals that any attack on our officers will not go unpunished.
“I commiserate with the family of the fallen officer and the Police Command on the loss of this fine officer whose diligence and bravery have been applauded by his colleagues and relations,” he said.
Meanwhile, Governor Sanwo-Olu, has appointed a new Permanent Secretary/State Auditor-General and another Permanent Secretary/Auditor-General for the Unified Local Government Service in the State.
The new appointees are Mr. Salami Sikiru Adeniji, Permanent Secretary/State Auditor-General and Mr. Ogunlana Obafemi Musa, Permanent Secretary/Auditor-General for the Unified Local Government Service.
A statement signed by the State’s Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, explained that both appointees, who are substantive Directors of Audit in the Office of the State Auditor-General, were nominated from the pool of qualified candidates after a rigorous two-month screening between November and December 2020.
According to Muri-Okunola the process culminating in the emergence of the two candidates was in strict compliance with the relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Laws of Lagos State (2015).
The statement noted that Mr. Salami’s appointment was consequent upon the statutory retirement of the erstwhile State Auditor-General/Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Helen Deile, on 24th August 2021.
According to him, the appointment of Mr. Ogunlana will become effective upon the retirement of the current Permanent Secretary/Auditor-General for Unified Local Governments on October 3, 2021.
He expressed confidence that the new appointees possess “the qualities, competencies and critical experience required to serve in their new duty posts.”
Noting that the selection also involved a high-level Committee comprising the Chairmen of State Civil Service Commission, State Audit Service Commission and the Head of Service, Muri-Okunola stated that both appointments are, however, subject to the confirmation of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
