Emmanuel Thomas, Lagos
Former Accountant General of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode was today sworn-in as Governor of Lagos State at an elaborate ceremony, loaded with glitz and glamour.
He was sworn in at exactly 11:35 am and thereafter rode on a motorcade to inspect the parade of guards. It was however preceded with the oath of allegiance and that of office by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule at 11:20 am.
Speaking at the colourful ceremony, Ambode promised that he will make taxes work for the people of Lagos State by enthroning a transparent and incorruptible government.
“You will surely get a transparent and incorruptible government that will give you good value for your taxes paid”, he said and vowed to practise government by incentives and not government by enforcement.
“We shall implement creative ideas and concepts that reduce the cost of running government; ideas that make life simpler and happier for our people”, he said.
He explained that as part of reforms by his government, a new Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment shall be established adding that it will address the promises he made during his campaign on employment trust fund, labour exchange and entrepreneurship.
“Also, the Office of Civic Engagement shall be created under the Deputy Governor’s Office to strengthen and enhance our promise on government of inclusion”, he said, adding that everyone will have a voice in the administration.
Akinwunmi said the Civil Service will be strengthened and made to respond to the needs of all citizens by rendering quality services that match what is rendered in the private sector.
“My administration is prepared to take the decisions needed to promote merit and professionalism. To restructure where required, eliminate poor Human Resource practices and accelerate the pace of reforms in the spirit of good governance”, he said
Earlier, former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, thanked the people of Lagos and those who worked with him, stressing that he will never forget them.
He called on them stand resolutely behind the new governor to enable him deliver on his promises.
