27th May, 2011
All is now set for the inauguration of Governor Babatunde Fashola as governor for a second term on Sunday, says the Lagos State Government.
Over 40,000 Lagosians are expected at the Tafawa Balewa Square, TBS, Lagos, South West Nigeria, venue of the inauguration ceremony while the elites from all walks of life will grace the occasion.
Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Major Tunde Panox (retd.) told P.M.NEWS that security had been beefed up ahead of the swearing-in ceremony which is expected to be grand.
A top Protocol Officer disclosed that all past governors of the state, including Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Mobolaji Johnson, Ndubuisi Kanu, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, among others have been invited.
He added that managing directors, Chief Executive Officers, CEOs of banks, multinational companies and others in the state would grace the event.
Also, all traditional rulers in Lagos State to be led by the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu would be present at the inauguration ceremony.
All senior civil servants have also been asked to attend the event.
According to Panox, it is expected that the TBS would be filled to capacity as party faithful from all Local Governments and Lagosians will attend the event.
All guests are expected to be seated by 9.30 am while the governor will come in by 10.00 am and the swearing in ceremony will kick off immediately. The Chief Judge of the State, Inumidun Akande would perform the swaring in ceremony of the governor and his deputy, Mrs. Victoria Orelope-Adefulire.
Panox stated that the governor would inspect the guard of nonour after he had been sworn in while he would also take salute at the parade. and assured of adequate security.
Meanwhile, as a result of the inauguration ceremony, the state government has cancelled tomorrow’s environmental sanitation exercise to allow for adequate preparation. The usual restriction of movement on the last Saturday of every month in Lagos State has been suspended in view of the celebration across the country.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment, Dr. Titi Anibaba who conveyed the approval of the governor, said the suspension was to facilitate hitch-free preparation for the inauguration of Fashola and Orelope-Adefulire.
Anibaba implored all citizens to ensure that the cleaning exercise was observed at their various houses, irrespective of the non-restriction of movement during the period of the exercise.
She appealed that special attention should be paid to the desilting of drains to allow for free flow of storm water as meteorologists have predicted that the heavy rain being witnessed will persist for some time more.
The permanent secretary further noted that it was imperative that all drainage channels be kept free of silts and refuse to avoid flooding of homes that could lead to the destruction of lives and properties.
—Kazeem Ugbodaga