Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on the National Assembly to be fair to the state by enlisting the 37 Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, and granting the state a special status in the constitution.
Sanwo-Olu made the statement at the South West Zonal Public Hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in Lagos, at the weekend.
He appreciated the leadership of the National Assembly for holding the public hearing in Lagos, pointing out that it remains an important state in the country.
Represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, the governor said it was not fair that the state, which he said carries the burden of many other states, does not enjoy special status.
Justifying his call for special status for the state, the governor said Lagos and Kano States were created in 1967, but in 1991, Jigawa was carved out of Kano State.
The governor noted that Lagos had remained the same with 20 local governments, while Kano now has 44 local governments with Jigawa having 27, describing the arrangement as unfair.
“As a nation, we cannot and we should not continue to deceive ourselves. We must be guided by the principle of inclusiveness, equity and justice.
“It is not about emotion, it is about facts and fairness, Is that fair, is that right?
“What we are asking is that the 37 Local Council Development Areas we have given birth to since 2000, should be listed in the constitution.
“Can we have a child that is 25 years old without giving them birth certificate?. Let us get our birth certificate.
“This issue of special status for Lagos is not a unique thing, it is the same in Brazil, Indonesia and others.
“When you move your capital from a place to another, you do not abandon where you left. For me, as a nation, let us be fair to Lagos and everybody,” he said.
He said the state contested the population figures of Nigeria Population Commission in the 2006 census in 19 local government areas at the tribunal.
“The tribunal agreed with us on what we raised in 18 local government areas. Let us even agree with the figure, Alimosho Local Government Area in 2006 was given the population of 1, 371, 000, while Bayelsa has a population of 1.67 million,” he added.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted the need for genuine federalism and devolution of powers, state police, electoral and judicial reforms, special seat for women among others.
Sanwo-Olu added: “We must ensure the security and welfare of our citizens, including crucial discussions around the creation of state police.
“Just for the simplicity of it, state policing is not about semantics, it is about protection of the people. So, let us have it.”
Corroborating, a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, added that the state had satisfied all conditions to have the 37 LCDAs recognised in the constitution.
Ogunleye also called for fiscal federalism that would allow state control of their resources, while contributing to the centre.
A former Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, said the state has the highest population, but fewer local governments when compared with its counterparts across the nation.
The Adegboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba Semiu Kasali, noted that the National Assembly must ensure that the will of the people prevails on special status for Lagos, recognition of the 37 LCDAs and constitutional role for traditional institutions.
Also, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and former Lagos State Commissioner for Rural Development, Prince Lanre Balogun, who reiterated recognition of the 37 LCDAs, also called for state police, saying it remains the only solution to security challenges.
Responding, the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives and Chairman, House Committee on Constitution Review, Dr Ibrahim Isiaka, assured stakeholders that the National Assembly would look into all demands.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that other stakeholders and leaders, especially from the state supported the special status for Lagos and recognition of its 37 LCDAs. NAN
