The immediate past Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode was kicked out for his lack of inclusiveness and for being opinionated and narrow in his approach to governance. This led to his being denied a second term in office by the powers that be in Lagos.

This is coming from the Secretary to State Government (SSG) under his administration, Tunji Bello, in a statement entitled ‘Time to say good bye to colleagues on this platform,’ personally signed by him and issued to reporters.

He identified lack of emotional intelligence, absence of wider consultations, distance from the governed, lack of effective communication, political immaturity, and open alienation of others as the downsides of the administration that led to its fall.

“It is a big drawback which prevented the administration from returning because it was punished for its lack of inclusiveness in a democratic setting. In leadership, emotional intelligence is 70 per cent of application while individual brilliance is only 30 percent. Successful leaderships across the world in history have thrived on this fact.”

“Yet as we depart on our individual sojourn, we must never forget to learn from our glaring weaknesses and failures. Since we are all part of the success stories we must also share in the weaknesses and failures.

“Our main drawback is our government’s inability to apply enough emotional intelligence in the administration of the state. Emotional intelligence includes interpersonal skills, interpersonal relationship, humility, respect for the well-established mores of governance, disregard for the accomplishments of others.

“The belief that our way is the best without considering other options in a democratic setting, absence of wider consultations, distance from the governed, lack of effective communication skill or amateurish display of government acts and political immaturity, deliberate and open alienation of others.”

“We undertook gigantic projects without the soul. We were too self-opinionated and narrow in our approach to governance.”

“Besides, and apart from lack of enough camaraderie compare to previous administrations, our cabinet has been less rigorous, less fulfilled, less engaged and less accomplished. And for the first time since the time of Governor Lateef Jakande, this cabinet departs unappreciated and disenchanted.

“But dear colleagues, irrespective of all the setbacks and disappointments, let us thank God Almighty for his mercies and benevolence and we leave with strongest belief that tomorrow belongs to HIM.”