Lagos: Tunji Bello Plots Return As Commissioner

Few weeks after Tunji Bello, the I mmediate past Secretary to the Lagos state Government took a swipe at ex-Governor Akinwumi Ambode for running a one man show during his four years tenure, the former commissioner for the Environment is plotting to return to government.

The appointment of Bello into Governor Sanwo-Olu’s cabinet will be a major high point in the rancorous Lagos APC since the former helmsman was denied second term ticket, political watchers in the state said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu has taken some drastic actions to assert himself since his swearing-in on May 29 as the executive governor of the Centre of Excellence as the state is popular.

He had ordered the transfer and redeployment of all the permanent secretaries, PS in the state no sooner than he took over power.

The state’s helmsman also made some senior civil servants who have reached the retirement age were relieved of their appointments.

But his critics said those mostly affected in the ongoing shake up are perceived enemies of the government: those said to be close to his predecessor.

“The second batch of the civil service restructuring was effected on Monday, June 16 as the state government embarked on transfers and redeployment of junior and middle level staff,” a source in the ministry of establishment told the magazine on Tuesday.

Recall that Bello was a recurring face in the politics of Lagos state for close to 20 years having served in different capacities in all the administration since 1999.

The journalist turned politician was the Secretary to the state government in the immediate past administration of Governor Akinwumi Ambode before the incumbent took over.

But less than one month after Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu took over power in the aquatic state there are strong indications that the lanky politician may find his way back to the government as commissioner.

Reliable sources from the state told the magazine on Monday that the ex-scribe is being penned down as one of the commissioners soon to be appointed by Governor Sanwo-Olu.

Very competent sources informed The Source that Bello is among those the governor will forward their names to the state house assembly for screening in the next few weeks.

Other sources from the very influential Governor Advisory Council, GAC, told the magazine that the plan to return the former SSG is not unconnected with the ongoing effort to reposition the state.

One GAC source disclosed that “the administration is working to put round peg in round holes. For instance, some of the areas the governor is trying to make quick impact include traffic control, health, environment and other sector that will bring relief to the good people of the state.”

According to the source some technocrats have been penciled down to man these very important ministries so that development can be accelerated in those areas.

Apart from this, it was also learnt that some old faces will make the list of commissioners.

“Some of those that served the past administration are likely to return. This is part of the reconciliation process to bring everybody on board.

We all worked together for the election of Governor Sanwo-Olu after he was picked as the candidate of the party. So, it’s also trite that whoever worked for our massive sucess in the election should be compensated,” a source close to Bola Tinubu, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, said.