Ex-Perm Sec seeks greater role for Lagos indigenes in government

Fariu Akodu, a retired Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Public Service Office, has called for greater representation of indigenes in top leadership positions in the state.

Akodu made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Tuesday.

He said increased inclusion of Lagos indigenes in government was necessary for fairness and equity.

“More Lagos indigenes should be given the opportunity to serve in government. It is a legitimate aspiration for the people whose ancestral home is Lagos,” he said.

Akodu  noted that while successive administrations had benefited from contributions by Nigerians of diverse backgrounds, indigenous Lagosians should also be given opportunities to occupy strategic positions.

“We appreciate the immense contributions of everyone who has worked for the progress of Lagos, irrespective of their background. However, indigenous Lagosians should also be adequately represented in leadership,” he said.

He expressed concern over the limited presence of indigenes among the state’s top decision-makers, and urged political leaders to create opportunities for qualified indigenes to serve at the highest levels.

“Our observation is that indigenous Lagosians are not sufficiently represented in top government positions. This deserves attention in the interest of fairness and inclusiveness,” he said.

He added that Lagos indigenes possessed the competence and capacity to manage the state’s affairs and resources.

“We are the indigenes of Lagos and we have capable men and women who can effectively manage the affairs and resources of our state for the benefit of all residents,” he said.

According to him, the call should not be interpreted as hostility toward non-indigenes.

“This is not about fighting anyone. It is about speaking the truth respectfully and advocating what we believe is fair for Lagos indigenes,” he said.

Akodu said Lagos had remained a welcoming and cosmopolitan state, and that tradition should continue alongside deliberate efforts to ensure qualified indigenous citizens were not overlooked in appointments.

“Lagos will always remain home to every Nigerian, but we must also ensure that competent indigenous sons and daughters are given the opportunity to contribute meaningfully at the highest levels of governance,” he said.

He appealed to present and future political leaders to consider a governance structure that gives Lagos indigenes more representation in top positions while upholding merit, competence and justice.

“As we appreciate our past leaders and support the incoming ones, our expectation is that Lagos indigenes will feature prominently in subsequent administrations,” he said.

Akodu expressed optimism that greater indigenous participation would strengthen public trust, preserve the state’s historical identity and promote sustainable development.

“Our appeal is simple: let Lagos continue to thrive as a home for everyone, while ensuring that indigenes are given equitable opportunities to serve in the highest offices of the state,” he said.

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖