Lagos government, lawmaker caution against volatile comments

The Lagos State government has urged members of the political class to eschew anything that could generate conflict and polarise the state. While it called for caution, particularly on critical issues, the government said even while such comments are meant for correction, it must be made bearing in mind the peace and growth of the state.

Meanwhile the senator representing Lagos East, Mr. Gbenga Ashafa has urged the citizens to join hands with the government in the ongoing developmental projects across the state.

The Special Adviser, Office of Civic Engagement to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Kehinde Joseph, addressing participants at a sensitization programme for the political class, said all issues that could lead to crises should be reported to the appropriate quarters as the state government is committed to ensuring that oneness and cohesion is maintained in the state.

He said the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is open to constructive criticism and not political criticism that would not improve governance but only end up creating division among the people.

Joseph said that every citizens including the political class in the state owes it a duty not only to monitor ongoing protects in their locality, but also protect such projects after completion from abuse.

He enjoined the participants to ensure that pedestrian bridges within their area are not turned to markets while illegal refuse dump sites must be reported to the appropriate authority. He also called for the protection of the newly introduced waste-bins as it is by doing so that the governor, Akinwunmi Ambode could be assisted to sustain the tempo of development in the state.

“This meeting is a clear demonstration of this administration’s desire to deepen the inclusive policy by availing people to know more about its activities. “His promise to make Lagos better for all was not an empty one, as we can see various people oriented projects executed by his administration. It is not an over-statement to say that the state has witnessed a monumental development in the last two years in all areas of basic and social infrastructure.”

Addressing participants at the Executive/Legislative Parley 2017 titled: ‘Mega City to Smart City’ the lawmaker said the essence of democracy is to create enabling environment for the citizen to thrive and succeed, which is what the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of Ambode is achieving.

He commended the governor’s transforming work, saying, “The socioeconomic and infrastructure development going on around the state can only be a testament of one thing: visionary, committed and courageous leadership.”

The lawmaker said the essence of developing the Southwest simultaneously was what the governor initiated recently by putting Lagos at the forefront of development across the country.

According to him, “Lagos State has been in the forefront of development across Nigeria and this is so not necessarily because we have so much resources, but because the resources coming into the state are being managed judiciously by the government.”

Emphasising the essence of the parley, Ashafa said, “It is events like these where we assembled to brainstorm over the future of our state and the direction in which to follow that sets us ahead and above other. It is my hope that we would in the next few days be able to discuss frankly and with clarity on the theme of this years parley: Mega City to Smart City.​”​

He however urged for continuous support from the people as he also restated the commitment of the lawmakers representing the state in the national Assembly to always give ​their best in defending the interest of Lagos State as ​they also continue to contribute ​their quota in the grassroots​ and various​ constituencies.