Lagos State Government has resolved to explore all avenues to secure a “Special Status” for Lagos and 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 made this known 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, themed: “Engaging All for an Inclusive Governance: Hands On for a Greater Lagos Rising.”
In the communique signed by the Special Adviser, Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, copy of which was made available to newsmen on Sunday, participants at the two-day parley, held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, stated the need for collaboration between the Executive, National Assembly members representing the State and members of the State Legislature in advocating for a “Special Status” for Lagos in the ongoing Constitution Review.
This was just as the participants agreed to enhance the existing harmonious relationship between all the various arms of government through recognition and mutual respect for their constitutional roles.
The government, in the communiqué, stressed the need to create awareness and educate the citizenry on the importance and roles of each arm of government, even as it noted that there was a need for the political officeholders to prioritise citizens’ welfare above personal interest and ambition in the discharge of their constitutional roles and responsibilities.
“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,” the communiqué read in part.
Participants suggested the possibility of suspension of some taxes, levies, charges, and rates for a few months, as well as the introduction of rebates where necessary for the most vulnerable in order to alleviate the pains of the current economic challenges.
The communique highlighted the proposal on the need for regular meetings of Governor, members of the National Assembly representing Lagos State and members of the Lagos State House of Assembly to foster robust relationships.
Other recommendations highlighted in the communique 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 a 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 a need to engage with all the Lagos state-owned tertiary institutions to support various sectors of the state government; the state government policies, and reforms be properly propagated to all arms of government.
“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,” the communique stated.
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