Lagos Canvasses Special Status for State, Listing of LCDA as LGs
Segun James
Lagos State Government has called for the creation of a special status for the state in view of its strategic position as the economic hub of the country, even as it resolved to explore all avenues to reintroduce the issue of the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the ongoing Constitutional Review process, with a view to legalising the council development areas.
The state government’s position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the 18th edition of the Executive/Legislative parley organised by the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, with the theme, “Engaging All for Inclusive Governance : Hands On for a Greater Lagos Rising.”
The government also stressed the need for greater collaboration between the Executive, National Assembly members representing the State and members of the State Legislature in advocating a “Special Status” for Lagos in the ongoing Constitution Review.
The participants at the two-day parley held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, agreed to enhance the existing harmonious relationship between all various arms of government through recognition and mutual respect for their constitutional roles.The government in the communiqué signed by the Special Adviser, Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, stressed the need to create awareness and educate the citizenry on the importance and roles of each arm of government.
The communiqué read in part: “There is a need for the political office holders to prioritise citizens’ welfare above personal interest and ambition in the discharge of their constitutional roles and responsibilities.
“Due consideration should be accorded the Party, its philosophy and manifesto in governance and the tripartite relationship among the Executive, Legislature and the people as it is the only platform for elective office.”
Participants suggested the possibility of suspension of some taxes, levies, charges, and rates for a few months, as well as introduction of rebates where necessary for the most vulnerable in order to alleviate the pains of the current economic challenges.
A proposal was also made that there should be regular meetings of Mr. Governor, members of the National Assembly representing Lagos State and members of the Lagos State House of Assembly to foster robust relationship.
Other recommendations highlighted in the communiqué include the following:
“The State Government should reactivate the school feeding programme for primary schools in the State.
“The State Government and other stakeholders to work in harmonious relationship by meeting with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through Senatorial Districts’ Town Hall meetings for empowerment.
“The State Government should continue to enhance the Public Works Corporation (PWC) to adequately address the issue of bad/inner roads to reduce gridlocks.”
The participants urged the State Government to expedite action on the proposed establishment of a Lagos Airline to enhance the economic prosperity of Lagos.
“There is need to engage with all the Lagos State owned Tertiary Institutions to support various sectors of the State Government ; the State Government policies, reforms be properly propagated to all arms of Government,” they stated.
The participants also urged the State Government to put in place methods that would help to track out-of-school students before their initiation into social vices for reintegration.
They urged the State Government to develop a more permanent solution to boost food security in the State and encourage urban farming in individual homes of Lagosians.
