Lagos state will 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.
A communiqué issued at the end of the 18th Executive/Legislative parley organised by the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, 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.
The Executive/Legislative parley was themed ‘Engaging All for an Inclusive Governance: Hands On for a Greater Lagos Rising’.
Participants at the two-day parley agreed to enhance the existing harmonious relationship between all arms of government through recognition and mutual respect for their constitutional roles.
The communiqué, signed by the special adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Afolabi Tajudeen, stressed the need to create awareness and educate the people on the importance and roles of each arm of government.
The communiqué reads: “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.
“It was also recommend that the government should reactivate the school feeding programme for primary schools, government and other stakeholders should work in harmonious relationship by meeting with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through senatorial districts’ town hall meetings for empowerment.
“The government should continue to enhance the Public Works Corporation (PWC) to adequately address the bad inner roads to reduce gridlocks.
“Participants also urged the 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 state-owned tertiary institutions to support various sectors of the government, while government policies and reforms be properly propagated to all arms of government.
“The participants also urged the government to put in place methods that would help to track out-of-school children before their initiation into social vices for reintegration.”
