LAGOS LAWMAKERS APPEAL TO GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TO ESTABLISH MUTUAL RESPECT WITH PUBLIC

The Lagos State House of Assembly has appealed to all government officials in the State to ensure mutual understanding and relationship with the residents while discharging their duties.

Chairman of the House Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Sylvester Ogunkelu representing Epe Constituency 2, made the appeal during an interactive meeting with all the district officials of the State’s Physical Planning Permit Authority.

“The cause of today’s interactive session is due to the complaints that we have received from the public on the behaviour of some staff of the agency that is not satisfactory.

“This meeting is not a witch-hunt. Rather, it is to give advice and corrective measures when dealing with the people,” the lawmaker said.

Ogunkelu told the gathering that attitude is very crucial in the discharge of duties by officials while it is also a reflection of the image of the Government and the agency.

“Try to correct your staff to exhibit positive attitude when relating to the public,” he told the officials while warning that the Committee would not hesitate to deal with any erring official who misbehaves in the course of discharging his official assignment.

While responding, the Commissioner for the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, said he had earlier admonished the district officers to always behave well.

“I have asked them to know the way and manner of approach. I normally go round to observe them.

“Last year, I brought in some consultants for the training of the Public Relations Officers (PROs). I also said that the training should not just be for the district officers and supervisors to sit down in one place.

“Go and stay with the Public Relations Officers so you can check their processes and how they relate with the public in order to have first hand information to be able to map out the specific needed training.

“I can assure you that everything that needs to be put in place will be done accordingly.

“We are going to work harder on enlightenment and sensitisation programmes for the public, so they can know what we do,” the Commissioner said adding that government officials should know that any position they hold should be handled with a human face.

“We are not saying you should bend the rules but there are ways to go about it,” he said.

Other members of the Committee present at the meeting are Hon. Shabi Adebola and Hon. Orekoya Abiodun.