•   Pledges an open government of inclusion
Gboyega Akinsanmi
The winner of the April 11 governorship election in Lagos State and the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode was formally sworn in as the 14th governor of the state on Friday after he unveiled key reforms programmes his administration would undertake.
The new governor also promised an open government of inclusion, which, he said, would recognise “our strength in diversity,” saying he would make Lagos work for all residents no matter their age, sex, tribe or status.
He made these promises at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) at Onikan on Lagos Island, where the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Funmilayo Atilade inaugurated him as the state governor.
Ambode’s inauguration was witnessed by the immediate past governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, the state’s first governor, Maj.-Gen. Mobolaji Johnson, first civilian governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, former deputy governors, traditional rulers and religious leaders among others.
While delivering his inaugural speech, Ambode demonstrated political will to pursue cogent reforms programmes, noting that the best practices of yesterday might not be good enough for the products of today.
He said he “will embark on continuous reforms in the public service.  I am determined to demonstrate that the government belongs to the citizens.  You have put us here as servants to serve you and not you serving us.”
“Today we are committed to that creed. Moving forward, the Civil Service will be strengthened and made to respond to the needs of all citizens in the same manner, quality services are rendered in the private sector.”