The Lagos State chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Olusegun Mobolaji, has urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ensure a more inclusive governance to deepen democracy in the state.

In a statement on Sunday to commemorate his birthday, Mr Mobolaji emphasised the importance of extending a hand of fellowship to stakeholders from various political parties.

“Let me use this occasion to call on the state government, led by Sanwo-Olu, to work with stakeholders, especially IPAC, to reach out more to the populace and deepen democracy.

“To be sincere, we have not seen enough working relationship and collaboration between the state government and IPAC per se in running the affairs of the state,” said Mr Mobolaji.

According to him, running an inclusive government will help foster state development.

He said governance should not exclude relevant stakeholders, regardless of their political affiliations, as this remained crucial for effectively functioning a sustainable political and democratic system.

“IPAC has not been allowed to play the advisory role in the affairs of the state. The state government must do more and have a better relationship with IPAC, comprising the leadership of other registered political parties,” Mr Mobolaji said.

He emphasised that inclusive governance helps reduce tension during elections and calls for establishing a constructive relationship between the government and IPAC.

The IPAC chairman, however, appreciated Mr Sanwo-Olu for his performances in transportation, education, health and other areas of the economy and steps to alleviate hardship through the provision of palliatives following removal of fuel subsidy.

“I want to call on the state government led by Sanwo-Olu not to be selfish or self-centred politically by identifying with APC party members only but to serve everybody as citizens to enjoy the benefits of good democracy and political system.

“We expect governance will result in a better life for every resident. I am calling on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to run an all-inclusive government that carries everybody along rather than a party government,” he added.

He said the government needed to develop more programmes to relieve the masses of their burdens and hardship.

Mr Mobolaji called on Mr Sanwo-Olu to look at the operations of some state actors like the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Vehicles Inspection Service and other Taskforce, saying their work seemed not to be good enough in the public assessment.

He added, “That is why the state government need to work with IPAC because we hear and see more being at the grassroots.”

He commended the Lagos State APC chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, represented at the IPAC level as the secretary, for support and contribution.

(NAN)