Agbaje’s remark on appointment of new HoS divisive —group

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State has been berated by a group for his comments on the appointment of Hakeem Muri-Okunola as the new Head of Service of the state.

The group known as Ibile Progressive Youths (IPY) said the appointment of 46-year-old Muri-Okunola showed that the youth were being incorporated into government but Agbaje resorted to making comments that showed he had no interest in the progress of the state.

Agbaje had accused Governor Akinwumi Ambode of retiring no fewer than 21 permanent secretaries to forcefully ensure Muri-Okunola emerged as the youngest HoS in the history of the state.

Agbaje opined that the action was “politics taken too far” which sacrificed experience and merit.

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But in a statement on Sunday by Bayo Plunter, the convener of the group which is comprised of 20 groups of young professionals from the three senatorial districts in Lagos, they maintained that Muri-Okunola was qualified for the position.

He said, “It is evident from Mr Agbaje’s statement that he wishes the wheel of progress in the Centre of Excellence to be reversed.

“His statement smacks of divisiveness and incitement of our hard-working civil servants to rebellion over a simple, constitutional executive action.

“While IPY remains non-aligned but keenly monitoring the activities and promises of the governorship candidates involved in the political contestation for the Office of Governor of Lagos State, we are concerned about the direction of Mr Agbaje’s campaigns.

“While many youths are contented with being used as praise singers and special assistants on social media, other youths elsewhere are disrupting the status quo, pushing for innovation, changing the narrative and pushing for new frontiers.

“So, why are we now trying to criticise a government that is trying to encourage the youth?

“In any case, the questions are was Governor Ambode right in retiring permanent secretaries? The answer is yes. Was he right in appointing an HoS? The answer is yes. Also, is Muri-Okunola qualified for the post? The answer is yes,” the statement added.

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