21st December, 2012
A statement credited to the head of service in Lagos state, Segun Ogunlewe and Aduke Gomez, a special assistant to Governor Raji Fashola, threatening to clamp down on hotels in the state that fails to register with the state government, has ignited a reaction from a federal agency, that claims to have the control.
The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), has instead urged hoteliers in Lagos to remain calm.
According to a statement signed by Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Director General NTDC in Abuja on Friday, the NTDC said it would not join issues with the state government as the matter of registration of hotels was pending before the Supreme Court.
It noted that the state officials threatening the hoteliers did not understand the imperative of the legal implication in spite of several letters written to the government on the matter.
It pointed out that the NTDC had tremendous respect for the law and that the Supreme Court had the final say.
It said that the case in question was Suit No. SC/340/2010 titled Attorney General of the Federation Vs Attorney General of Lagos State filed on behalf of the Federal Government by B. Ayorinde and Co.