By Olasunkanmi Akoni

lAST Tuesday, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode held the Third Quarter 2016 Town Hall Meeting, the fifth in the series, at the Ultra Modern Indoor Sports Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere to render account of his administration’s  tenure so far in the state.

AMBODE

The carnival-like event, which was a realignment of old horses in the progressives and the new generation, was witnessed by captains of industry, All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftains and members of the diplomatic corps, traditional rulers and chiefs, market women, and men, among others.

Economic recession

Some of the dignitaries at the event included: Senator Remi Tinubu, representing Lagos West Senatorial District, former Inspector-General of Police, Musiliu Smith; former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, under the administration of Governor Bola Tinubu, Femi Pedro and his successor, Chief Abiodun Ogunleye, APC chieftain, Demola Seriki; former Senator, representing Lagos West, Ganiu Olarenwaju Solomon; Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu I and members of the State Executive Council.

At the capacity filled hall, the governor rekindled hope of prosperity despite the present economic recession in the country.

On October 5, 2016, Senator Oluremi Tinubu presented a self-sponsored bill for Federal Grants for Lagos State, because of its socio-economic significance, but the bill was turned down.

The governor, who commended Senator Tinubu for her courage in pushing for the bill, also lauded the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, for his magnanimity in allowing the bill to be presented on the floor of the Senate.

He however, expressed optimism that the bill would be reactivated and represented, saying that the success of the bill was in the overall interest of Nigerians.

Earlier, in a release by the governor through the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde, insisted on the need to give Special Status and Grants to Lagos State, adding that history would remember Senator Tinubu kindly for her thoughtfulness and courage in promoting the bill.

“Without prejudice to the decision of the Senate to stand down the bill, Senator Tinubu’s informed position and push will remain an important contribution as well as a reference point in national economic discourse.

“A special status and a special grant are fair requests that would have encouraged and rewarded Lagos State for what it contributes to the federal purse. In-spite of the rejection of the bill, Lagos State would continue to be special and will not be deterred in continuing to play the important role of serving as a conducive and secure home for Lagosians as well as local and international visitors where opportunities are limitless and lives and property are safe,” he said.

APC, lawmakers react

Meantime, Lagos State chapter of the APC in a release by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Joe Igbokwe,   described Senator Tinubu’s bill as a true reflection of the wishes of the good people of Lagos, who believe the state is the pillar on which the nation’s economy and well being of more than 21 million Nigerians rests. “Granting special status to Lagos is in the interests of every Nigerian for nearly every household in Nigeria has a Lagosian.

“We salute the courage and doggedness of Senator  Tinubu in getting the senate to do the needful and appreciate the need to assist Lagos play its critical role in the nation’s economy. We salute her dexterity in pursuing this necessary bill and we assure her that she will continue to enjoy the support of our party and well meaning Lagosians.

“We appeal to the Senate to rise above parochialism and accord Lagos the status that will help it fulfil its very critical and central role in Nigeria and West Africa, for the good and benefit of all Nigerians,” Igbokwe stated.

Deliberating on the matter, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, appealed to the Senate to reconsider the bill. The lawmaker representing Alimosho Constituency I, Hon. Bisi Yusuff, who made the call, stated, “I commended Senator Tinubu for her effort on the bill. I also appeal to my colleagues to support her and write to the Senate to reconsider the bill.”

Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuosho said:  “It is obvious that Lagos State deserves such grants and the Special Status is for all not for few people.”

Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa while commending the effort of Sen. Oluremi Tinubu for her faithfulness to state, said: “As a parliamentarian, there is a legislative process to achieve our aims; it is not by attacking or condemning the Senate. We will write a letter to the Senate to reconsider the bill because it is for the betterment of all.”

Akiolu fingers OBJ

Akiolu, while condemning the suspension of the bill, expressed optimism that it would become law in the nearest future. “The suspension of the bill sponsored by our amiable daughter and wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu is unfortunate but it is better and advisable to let these people know that this is not a matter of quarrel but a question of time. It will definitely happen,”he said.

The monarch, who recalled the history of the agitation for special status for Lagos, urged the promoters of the bill to go back to the drawing board and do their home work well before re-presenting it for consideration and passage.  Akiolu, accused former President, Olusegun Obasanjo of being responsible for the suspension.

He said: “Obasanjo is the cause of Lagos not getting a special status, I personally led eminent Lagosians to meet him during his tenure to ask for a special status for Lagos. Obasanjo told me and others that he had already drafted the special status plan for Lagos, but never fulfilled that promise. If he had done it since then, the issue of the National Assembly turning down Senator Tinubu’s bill would not have arisen.”