Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, was absent on Thursday when
President Bola Tinubu flagged off the reconstruction of the deep seaport access
road in Epe, Ijebu-Ode area of the state.
Several dignitaries, including Babagana Zulum, governor of
Borno, and Femi Hamzat, deputy governor of Lagos, attended the event.
Sanwo-Olu’s seat was clearly labelled, but he was noticeably
absent, with his deputy, Hamzat, seated behind it.
Speaking at the event, Tinubu directed his remarks at the
deputy governor rather than Sanwo-Olu.
The president also cautioned governors against issuing
planning approvals for unauthorised islands and developments that encroach on
designated road setbacks and maritime zones.
“Please, our dear governors, let’s work together. Don’t give
planning approvals without collaborating with the surveyor-general of the
federation and the ministry of works on these roads,” the president said.
“I’m glad the deputy governor of Lagos state is here. Take
it that we will revoke all those approvals given on setbacks, and please note
that we are very serious about it. No more approvals for those unapproved
islands being created illegally.”
While the Lagos government has not given an official reason
for Sanwo-Olu’s absence from the event, it may be linked to the alleged rift
between the two politicians.
On Saturday, Tinubu snubbed Sanwo-Olu during the
inauguration of the completed phase 1, section 1 (30km by six lanes) of the
Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.
The event was attended by personalities, including former
Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Zulum, Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa, and
Bassey Otu, governor of Cross River.
Tinubu exchanged pleasantries by shaking hands with the
dignitaries as he proceeded along the line of officials.
However, when Tinubu reached Sanwo-Olu, he ignored the Lagos
governor and extended a handshake directly to greet Ahmed Ododo, the governor
of Kogi, who was next in line.
There has been speculation that Sanwo-Olu and Tinubu are not
on good terms following the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa as Lagos assembly
speaker.
Obasa was removed from office by a majority of lawmakers in
February over allegations of financial misconduct but was later reinstated
after 49 days following the alleged intervention of Tinubu.
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Sanwo baby did well. It's enough embarrassment ignoring him and having him peeping like an area boy during the sham commissioning of their coastal road. He did well respecting himself.
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