FIC report (lagos State) – Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated the need for a special status for Lagos State, citing its strategic position as the former federal capital and the burdens it bears. Sanwo-Olu made this while speaking at the South-West Centre A, which includes Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States in the ongoing Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution on Saturday. The Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hazmat, emphasized that this request is long overdue.
“We must be fair to the people of Lagos by granting the state a special status,” Sanwo-Olu said. “Any state that was once the federal capital of the nation cannot just inherit the assets and liabilities of the entire country, but then be forgotten of the responsibilities that come with those assets.”
The Governor also advocated for state police, stressing that it is not about semantics but about protecting the people. “State policing is not about semantics, it’s about protecting the people,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu further urged the National Assembly to ensure the listing of the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the Constitution, noting that they have succeeded in bringing governance closer to the people and accelerating grassroots development in the state.
The Governor emphasized the importance of inclusiveness, equity, and justice in the constitutional review process, saying, “As we embark on this critical process of reviewing our constitution, we must be guided by the principles of inclusiveness, equity, and justice. We must listen to everyone, men and women, young and old, from all corners of our communities.”
The public hearing, which aimed to gather stakeholders’ views on the constitutional review, saw the Speakers of the Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo State Houses of Assembly supporting the recognition of traditional rulers, devolution of power from the center, state police, and the listing of LCDAs in the Constitution, among other issues.
Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives and Chairman South West Centre ‘A’, Rt. Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim Ayokunle, assured that the committee is committed to conducting the review process with utmost fairness, openness, and transparency, ensuring that all stakeholders’ voices are heard and given due consideration.
Signed
IYEDEH Onowouzou David
ACIO
FIC Lagos
