BENJAMIN OMOIKE
Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Idris Salako, has resigned from office over apparent inability to stem the spate of collapsed buildings in the state.
His resignation comes on the heels of the seven-storey building which collapsed in the Lekki axis of the state on Sunday.
Salako, as gathered, was asked by the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to tender his resignation to save himself from any further public scrutiny which may result after the building on Oba Idowu Oniru collapsed, with death toll already at five.
The government, embarrassed by the recurrence of building collapse in the metropolis, decided to relieve him of his duties for not performing his major task which made the governor appoint him, barely three years ago.
Under immense pressure, especially after this latest incident, Salako was said to have toed the honourable path, tendering his resignation before other Commissioners during the weekly executive meeting on Monday.
Sources from the Governor’s office disclosed that it was discovered that atrocities committed by developers and other stakeholders in the property/built sector of Lagos – which has resulted in different cases of collapsed buildings – were attributed to ‘support’ they allegedly received from the former Commissioner.
They added that the Governor and his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, after a thorough review of the entire reports from investigations, decided that it would not do the administration any good to continue keeping bad heads in the cabinet.
Sources stressed that the governor’s action would further force other members of the cabinet to roll up their sleeves and work effectively and efficiently for the government through their various offices.
They claimed that plans had started to ensure that any of the governor’s aides and Commissioners that was not ready to do due diligence was shown the exit door.
Confirming the resignation, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso said: “The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has accepted the resignation of the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako.
“This is a prelude to the restructuring of the Ministry and its agencies.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu thanks the Commissioner for his services to the state and wishes him success in his future endeavours.
“The Governor warns all players in the sector to respect the law or face the consequences of any indiscretion, no matter who the perpetrators are.”
