The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has cautioned former local government chairmen in the state against meddling in the affairs of their successors.
Obasa gave the warning during a meeting with the newly elected council bosses, according to a statement made available to DAILY POST on Wednesday.
He noted that while the immediate past chairmen had made their contributions, they must now allow the new leaders to run their administrations independently.
“How can you be answerable to your predecessors? What you owe them is honour, not control. They have done their bit, and everybody is grateful. You are the ones in the saddle now. So, take charge,” Obasa told the new chairmen.
The Speaker condemned reports that some former council bosses were still exerting undue influence on their successors, urging them to step aside and let the new leaders govern without interference.
“Let the new chairmen breathe. Let the public see that there are new sheriffs in town and that they are doing a good job. Don’t take their shine. Remove your grip on their necks,” he said.
Obasa also advised the new chairmen to scrutinize any loans inherited from their predecessors, stressing the importance of accountability. “Before you start paying loans, ask questions. Where you are unsure of what the loan was used for, look through the books. If you can renegotiate or restructure the terms, do so for the betterment of your constituents,” he added.
