BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI
THERE were indications that Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State may not celebrate tomorrow’s inauguration with pomp and pageantry even as plans have been put in place to ensure a successful inauguration ceremony.

The ceremony will take place at the Tafawa Balewa Square, TBS, Lagos Island. Security arrangements have been secured with armed and anti bomb police squad to be on guard.

Tomorrow May 29th, Governor Babatunde Fashola will be sworn in as the governor to pilot the affairs of the state for another four years.

Prominent Nigerians and indigenes of the state are expected to grace the occasion to usher in the governor for second term.
It was gathered that Fashola who had been having a running battle with the selection of his cabinet members had been preoccupied with how to hold a successful inauguration rather than the usual fan-fare.

Some of the dignitaries expected at the ceremony include: immediate past Governor of the state Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other past governors and military administrators in the state, Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, leaders, members of the out gone Executive Council, traditional rulers and chiefs to be led by the Paramount king, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu 1, captains of industries,  members of diplomatic corps amongst others.

From left; Princess Serah adebisi Sosan, Deputy Governor of Lagos, Mr. Reginald Ihejiahi, Managing Director, Fidelity Bank, Governor Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, and Mr Bisi Oresanya, Managing Director, First Bank, during the official commissioning of Lagos Island Power plant financed by Fidelity Bank, held at Cable Street Marina Lagos site on Wednesday May 25, 2011. Photo by Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

Though, there is no need for apprehension on any threat to life but the state government is not leaving any stone unturned as it has placed all security agencies on red alert not to leave anything to chance.

On the D-day, Fashola is expected to unveil his socio-economic agenda for the next four years before Lagos residents who are full of high hopes for his administration.

Surely, for the incoming cabinet members, consisting of new and returning, irrespective of background or class, there is work to be done to improve on the current pace of infrastructural transformation in the state.

The challenges ahead include: Crime Reduction & Security; When he assumed office in 2007, criminal activities were rife. But he recognised that the protection of lives and properties “constitutes a primary rationale for the existence of state”. His government therefore set up Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) to address the rising crime profile of the metropolis.

The Fund sourced for support from corporate bodies and credible individuals to provide wherewithal needed to achieve the state goal of crime prevention and reduction.