Lagos Civil Servants Accuse Fashola Of Maltreatment, Urges Ambode To Treat Them Better

Lagos State civil servants have opened up on their ordeal in the hands of the immediate past governor of the state, Babatunde Fashola.

Ambode speaking to the civil servants. Photo credit: Dailymail.ng

According to them, some of the policies of the ex-governor did not favour them in all ramifications and they are seeking for a better deal  under the newly sworn in governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.

READ ALSO: Ambode To LASTMA, VIO: Don’t Torture Lagosians

In their inaugural meeting with Ambode, they complained about the proliferation of consultancy services in Lagos State government affairs. They narrated to the governor, how even with qualified personnel in their midst,  projects are outsourced to private individuals who arereportedly Fashola’s friends.

According to The Union, they described the situation as an aberration since they have been adequately trained to perform such jobs.One of them told the governor, “We want you to discontinue the use of consultants so that we can do our jobs. We want to prove that we are able and capable”.

They also urged the governor to improve on are their welfare package and their leave allowance, which they claimed the Fashola’s administration stopped without adequate reasons. They canvassed for regular local and foreign training, which they said,  was non-existent in the last government.

They described many of the project of Fashola as elitist, accusing the former governor of abandoning suburbs and focusing on high brow areas.

READ ALSO: Lagos APGA Sacks Chairman For Backing Ambode’s Governorship Bid

They also accused Fashola of building houses and shops that are far beyond the reach of civil servants and the ordinary citizens of Lagos State. For instance, under Fashola’s Lagos HOMS project, prices ranged between N4.2 million for a one-bed room house, usually referred to as self-contain and N4.10 million to N9.08 million for one bedroom flat depending on the area; two bedroom flat ranged from N6.22 million to N18.61 million in Gbagada, while three bedroom flat sold from N9.96 million at Hon Shotomiwa Estate, Igbogbo, Ikorodu to N32.53 million the highest in Gbagada Phase II.

Speaking on the housing scheme, one of the civil servants said: “During Jakande time, he built houses that common people like civil servants could afford. When you build houses, construct market, you have to ensure that the common people whom the facilities are meant for are able to get them. Most of the ones done by the last administration did not get to the people who needed them”.

Responding, Ambode told them he will work to ensure that they are well paid and given abundant allowances so that their lifestyle can improve.

He pleaded with them to have a change of attitude to work especially as regards their resumption and closing time. He said his administration would focus on building the capacity of staff, to enhance their productivity.

READ ALSO: Governor Ambode Says He Will Not Live In Marina Like Fashola Did

“My dream for the public service is to have an establishment that would prepare you for a worthwhile life after service.What happens to each and every one of us when we leave the service is what I am after in the next four years. There are a lot of opportunities, but you must work for it. I desire a public service where there would be no discrimination or where your circumstances will inhibit you from progressing”, he said.

He continued, “We would not discriminate to say this is your own career path or this is where you belong. We must have good sense of harmony where people in the parastatals or in the local government service or in the mainstream are at par. So, that plan has a future for everyone, so, we would have a civil service that we can exchange expertise and that is where the future of the service is going.

“The major vision is that I want a better civil service; I am ready to address issues that relate to welfare. I know that whatever I am today, it is through the kind of training that I have received in the civil service, so I would base major emphasis on capacity building and training.

“I will accord you the respect that you deserve, I am ready to reward hard work, merit and professionalism, that is all that I gained from this place and so long as you are good, the top is your seat”, he concluded.

READ ALSO: Ambode Inherits Astronomical Debt From Fashola

Meanwhile, Lagosians have been lamenting the exit of former governor, Babatunde Fashola, who has been praised for his giant strides while presiding over the affairs of the state.

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