Public notification is due from the Lagos State Government on the number of State Cabinet members that have tendered their resignation letters, to seek political offices ahead of the 2023 general elections.
But sources revealed to First News that the officials are foot-dragging in a waiting game.
A statement by the office of the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, dated April 14, 2022 and which First News obtained, had given all cabinet members, other political appointees, and civil servants wishing to seek elective offices to resign their jobs, latest April 19, 2022.
They were to turn in their letters at the office of the HoS.
However, since the date for submission of letters of resignation had lapsed, expectation is that those who had resigned should own up, or that the state government reveal their identities.
Otherwise, it may be safely assumed that no cabinet member, especially commissioner, is keen in seeking political office ahead of the next election.
The government’s missive to all categories of state officials, excluding the governor and his deputy, had stated: “It is in line with recent amended Electoral Act and provisions of Rule 040524 of the Lagos State Public Service Rules (2015) that Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, has approved the release of all political appointees who are delegates to the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, Governorship and Presidential Primaries’ Election, including those who are holding positions in the Party, as well as Public Servants who may wish to engage in partisan political activities or seek elective offices.
“Accordingly, Al persons seeking elective office are required to put in their letters of resignation.
“In this regard, all letters of resignation by state executive council members should be submitted not later than 19 April, 2022.”
The letter from the HoS office added that this instruction also affects all other political appointees and civil servants in that category, who were to tender their letters on or before April 19.
Following the dictate of the amended Electoral Act that political appointees and public servants wishing to seek elective offices should resign 90 days before party primaries, there have been a gale of resignation by state commissioners and other political appointees across the country.
But what has, however, remained contentious is the waiting game still being played by a few ministers in the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari who have declared presidential ambition.
The ministers include Rotimi Amaechi (Transportation) and Chris Ngige (Labour).
