Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have commended President Muhammadu Buhari, members of the National Assembly, all the democrats in Nigeria; both progressives and conservatives, especially Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their roles in the development of the country over the years.
The lawmakers also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to listen to those those agitating for self-determination with a view to addressing their fears.
They also urged President Buhari to continue to work for the unity of the country, address the issue of poverty, unemployment, inflation, and underdevelopment.
They also urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the state to continue to provide the necessary atmosphere for the economic development of the state.
The lawmakers took turn to speak on the 60th independence anniversary of the country after the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Noheem Adams raised the issue during plenary on Monday, October 5, 2020 under Matter of Urgent Public Importance.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa said in his comment that to know whether we have achieved much as a nation in our 60 years of independence, our achievements should be juxtaposed with the revenue generated.
“If our achievements commensurate with the revenue or funds generated within that period that is when we can say that we have done well or otherwise.
“We should compare ourselves with countries that have developed not those that are struggling. We should look at our problems and see what we have done wrong.
“Today, what is the common problems among the people? We talk about poverty, unemployment, inflation, and lack of qualitative education. How do we correct all of this for the good of our people?”
“Our federalism is more of unitary system. If we are practising true federalism, we would not be talking of special status for Lagos State. That is why people are agitating. We have to listen to them so that we don’t get to the situation of Sudan and South Sudan and all the rest.”
“We should continue to talk until we get there. We should address the issue of poverty, and inflation,” he said.
Also speaking, Hon. Rotimi Olowo (Shomolu 1) stated that infrastructure and economy of Nigeria are in shambles, and that we needed to look for alternatives such as agriculture and reverse our way of life and that appetite for foreign goods is reducing the value of our naira.
Another lawmaker, Hon. Victor Akande (Ojo 1) said that Nigeria should thank God for the opportunity to be in Nigeria and be Nigerians, and that everybody should be called upon to rise up to the occasion based on her national anthem.
In his comments, Hon. Rasheed Makinde (Ifako Ijaiye 2) said that the formation of Nigeria had been faulty since independence, and that the nation’s constitution is tilted towards British constitution and that the British has changed theirs several times.
Hon. Desmond Elliot (Surulere 1) said in his contribution that the country has a little to talk about in terms of achievement in 60 years.
Hon. Ganiyu Okanlawon (Kosofe 1) stated that he visualised that Nigeria should be running at a fast pace at 60, but that it still crawling, and that governance is epileptic.
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni said that the people should think more of Nigeria than thinking of division, and that the current development is not what the people desired.
Hon. Setonji David from Badagry 2 said that Nigeria used to be ahead of countries such as Malaysia South Korea, and Indonesia. But today these countries have overtaken Nigeria.
On his part, Hon. Temitope Adewale (Ifako/Ijaiye 1) said that Nigeria is the strongest country he knew and that Nigeria does not exist by itself, but that it is made up of people.
Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti Osa 2) said that prosperity in Nigeria ought to be on a massive scale and that the federalism the nation is running is working against this.
Hon. Abiodun Tobun (Epe 2) said that 60 years is worth celebrating, but that the nation has problems of leadership, corruption, religion, and ethnic dichotomy.
The Assembly later adjourned sitting to Monday 12th October 2020.
Packaged by Blessing Donatus
