Press Releases

8th Lagos Executive-Legislative Parley Ends, Endorses Government's Focus On Law And Order

Jul 6, 2012 - The 8th Lagos State Executive –Legislative Parley with the theme: "Legislative and Administrative Reforms for Social Change" on Friday fully endorsed the focus of the State Government on the enforcement of law and order, and the need for all Stakeholders to support the State's position paper on the proposed Constitution amendment.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the Parley which took place at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Festac Town, it was agreed that the progress so far recorded by the state Government is substantially attributable to an active process of law – making/ legislative resolutions as well as administrative reforms, all of which must be further sustained for improved public service delivery.

It was also agreed that since democracy has empowered the people not only to become more aware of their rights, but also emboldened them to express it; leaders must promote collective goals through a range of participatory initiatives to involve communities and the organized civil society in decision- making.

The Communiqué also stated that it is essential for Lagos State to have a strong voice in the current debate on constitutional amendment and the well articulated position paper submitted by the State Government should be supported by all concerned.

"In view of the crucial role and contributions of Lagos State as a former capital and the economic nerve centre of Nigeria, it is essential for the constitution to make provision for a special status to Lagos State", the Communiqué stated.

It was also agreed that efforts to eradicate social injustice must be intensified to reduce endless conflicts, reduce poverty, engagement with negative alternatives and avoid possible system collapse, since the ultimate goal of social change is to make a lasting and meaningful improvement to people's life and property.

The Parley also resolved that the Executive/Legislative Parley should continue to hold quarterly because it has proved to be a veritable platform for cross fertilization of ideas and the development of Lagos State's position on local and national issues.

It was also resolved that the State Government's focus on the key economic sectors of Power, Agriculture, Transportation and Housing (PATH) will be the quickest way to enhance the development of Lagos into Africa's model megacity and international economic hub.

The participants included the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, His Deputy, Hon (Mrs) Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji, members of the National Assembly representing Lagos State, members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, State Executive Council members as well as the leadership of the Action Congress of Nigeria in Lagos State.

The Parley witnessed the presentation of five very thought – provoking and impressive presentations from Director, Post Graduate Studies, Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, UNILAG, Professor Lanre Fagbohun, on the "Imperatives and Challenges of Social Change", Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Kolawole Taiwo, on "Legislative Efforts and Milestones at the State Level" and Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, on "Legislative Efforts and Milestones for social change".

Others are Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ben Akabueze, on "Policy and Administrative Reforms in Lagos State (2007 – 2012)" and Attorney General and Hon Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, on "Lagos State Position on the Proposed Amendment to the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended)".

The Communiqué drafting committee was chaired by member, House of Representatives, representing Lagos Island II, Hon. Yakub Balogun and has from Hon. Balogun Razaq representing Surulere II Constituency, Hon Oludayo Fafunmi from Ifako- Ijaiye I, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Raji, Hon Funmilayo Tejuosho representing Mushin I, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, the Acting Head of Service, Mrs Seyi Williams, Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr Ben Akabueze, Member, House of Representatives representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, Hon James Faleke as members while Mr Deji Balogun and Mr. Tinubu Ferdinand served as secretary.