By Akeem Busari
The recent unsuccessful attempt by some disgruntled councillors in Surulere local government to forcefully remove the current chairman, Hon. Tajudeen Ajide has drawn the irks of concerned residents in the community.
Nine aggrieved councillors last Friday had purportedly suspended the council boss by passing a vote of no- confidence in him even as they went ahead to appoint Ajide’s deputy, Sulaiman Yusuf, as the acting chairman.
However, in a timely intervention, the Lagos State House of Assembly has rejected the action of the councillors after both parties appeared before the Public Account Committee led by Hon. Fatai Mojeed.
The councillors had earlier made a press release accusing the council boss of misappropriating N60m. They claimed he allegedly expended the money on the ongoing construction of the Public Health Centre ( PHC), located at Akerele area of the local government. The committee stated the allegations were unfounded because the original budget of N160m for the construction of the PHC, have not been exhausted.
One of the stakeholders in the local government who spoke on condition of anonymity was quick to rubbish the allegations which he described as ‘false and baseless’.
“We understand what these councilors are trying to do. They are obviously envious and jealous of the achievements of Hon. Tajudeen Ajide.
“Take a tour of Surulere local government and see the roads and other basic amenities constructed by this administration. The man is making a strong statement in terms of responsible and responsive leadership.
“The councillors are angry because Ajide has refused to waste the council’s resources on frivolities or support their whims and personal aggrandizements. We shall resist any illegal means to remove this great administrator from office,” he added with finality.
It would be recalled that few years ago the embattled Ajide survived an assassination attempt on his life that has left him with delibitating effects.
However, according to sources close the well loved and hard working council boss, he remains undaunted in his continued desire to make Surulere local government better, as well as, help improve lives of the people.
