6th October, 2016
Reacting to the decision of the senate to drop the bill during their plenary session on Wednesday, the group in a statement signed by its president, Mr. Seyi Bamigbade reiterated the strategic economic importance of Lagos to Nigeria.
The statement had it that it is crucial for the Federal Government to support Lagos financially in order for the state to be able to provide the needed infrastructure, befitting of a world class mega-city.
“The bill sponsored by Senator Oluremi Tinubu should not be taken as something to play politics with. Lagos is a state where every ethnic group and every region in the country is highly represented.
“It is the economic nerve centre of Nigeria and as such, the city must be cared for in a special way; because whatever affects Lagos will have over-spilling effects on the entire country.” the statement read.
The group appealed to the senate to reconsider its decision on the bill, saying it is in the interest of the country to grant Lagos a special status and support its developmental drive considering its strategic importance to the country.
The senate had on Wednesday rejected a bill seeking to make special provisions for federal grants to Lagos State.
The bill sponsored by Oluremi Tinubu, a senator representing Lagos central at the upper chamber, sought one per cent of federally generated revenue as special grant for Lagos State in view of its status as the former Nigeria capital and its socio-economic significance.
Most of the senators who spoke at the plenary kicked against the bill and it was later rejected via a voice vote.