The Lagos State House of Assembly has commenced an assessment of roads in the state to ascertain their current conditions.

This move by the House Committee on Works and Infrastructure is coming days after lawmakers at the House decried the parlous conditions of some roads within the state.

Chairman of the House Committee on Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Desmond Elliot, said the committee has the approval of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and the House to thoroughly look into the challenge and come up with recommendations to help the state.

“The Speaker and the House are concerned about the conditions of the roads in the state including the fact that some of the roads are washed away a few months or years after they are constructed.

“This tour of roads in the state is about how we can ensure longevity for them and forestall the havoc given by rains. More rain might be coming next year. So we are working to ensure the roads are safe, accessible to residents and durable for the benefit of mankind.

“We are also looking at collaborative efforts among the tiers of government. At the end of the exercise, we should be able to give a more concrete report regarding good roads, the not-so-good roads and make presentations to the House for a solution,” he said while hinting that erring contractors could face sanctions.

Elliot further said that the committee, under the instruction of Speaker Obasa, had met with the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Works and presented documents that would help with the fixing of federal roads in Lagos.

“The meeting with our counterparts at the National Assembly was fruitful and we are hopeful. We will not stop but make sure that all our roads, whether federal, state or local government roads, within the state are fixed.

“We will not fold our hands at the Lagos Assembly, especially under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa. We will work to ensure that Lagos roads are second to none,” he added.

Hon. Femi Saheed, a member of the committee, said the tour of the roads in the state will help the House know the level of involvement of the federal, state and local governments in the projects.

“We want a holistic and symbiotic relationship among these tiers of government,” he said.

On his part, Adekunle Olayinka, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Works and Infrastructure, said the ministry would take another look at areas where the committee expressed dissatisfaction with the level of work.

He commended the Lagos Assembly for the tour while promising that the government will continue to do its best to meet the challenges of road infrastructure in the state.

The House confirmed Mr. Abiodun Ogunleye for the position of commissioner. It also approved two others for the positions of Special Adviser to the governor (cabinet ranks).

Their confirmation took place during a plenary presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.

Earlier, Hon. Mojeed Fatai, chairman of the ad-hoc committee set up to screen nominees of the governor, told the House that the committee did a thorough job in line with the task handed it by the Speaker.

Dr. Obasa, citing Section 192 (Part II), Chapter 6 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), confirmed the nominees after securing a unanimous voice vote of the lawmakers present.

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday frowned at the alleged recklessness of some motorists operating in the state just as the lawmakers raised concerns over the activities of some officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

At a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the House invited the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, to appear and give explanations concerning the incessant recklessness of drivers and the roles played by LASTMA officials.

Also invited, among others, is the General Manager of LASTMA, Bolaji Oreagba.

The decision of the House followed a ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’ raised by a member, Hon. Temitope Adewale, on the death of two officials of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) resulting from a road rage engaged in by two drivers.

Speaker Obasa, while noting that incidents involving the recklessness of drivers and careless attitudes of LASTMA officials were on the increase, said, in addition to the invitation of the affected top officials, there was a need to revisit the laws guiding transportation in the state.

“The Commissioner and others can be invited so we know what to do to change the current narrative. It is good that we also look at the law to see the penalties. Maybe this would reduce such recklessness on the roads.

“The driver who has been arrested must be prosecuted to the latter. If the driver is not found, the owner of the vehicle should be arrested where the driver is an employee of someone so as to serve as a deterrent to other motorists,” Dr. Obasa said.

The Speaker also supported suggestions by the Majority Leader, Noheem Adams, and another lawmaker, Gbolahan Yishawu, that modern technology be added by the government in the cleaning of roads in the state, but said it was necessary to accommodate the sweepers, who, he argued, were employed to earn a living and assist their families.

“We have to call on our people, the road users, to be very careful. LAWMA should also come up with ideas to help protect staff, insure them and make the motorists know when the sweepers are working,” the Speaker said while calling for more enlightenment of motorists.

The House held a minute silence in honour of the deceased while Obasa instructed the Clerk, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to convey a condolence message to the bereaved families.

Meanwhile, the House of Assembly may dust up the law regulating transportation to address the problem of alleged multiple taxations by various unions in the sector.

Dr. Obasa gave the hint following a motion raised by Hon. Adewale, over a recent protest against alleged extortion by the transport unions in Lagos.

“This alleged extortion affects our people generally and looking at the economic condition of the country, we need to intervene. We must be able to define the paths that these unionists have to tread so that they do not make life unbearable for the people.

“At every bus stop, they collect money causing traffic snare. In the end, the man making the payment would go home with nothing and to avoid this, he has to put the weight on the commuters.

“We must avoid a situation where people would be moved to take laws into their hands. We need to extract seriousness out of this situation. Where there is a law, there will be penalties,” he said while calling for the engagement of candidates recently interviewed for recruitment into the Neighbourhood Safety Corps to expand the security network in the state.

The House resolved to invite the transport unions in the state for discussion.

This is as the lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly pledged to equip Oyewole Secondary School, Agege with computers.

Dr. Obasa, who announced financial support to some of the pupils and students, told them that they can become successful and better in life if they make commitments to their studies, dedication and passion for education part of their lives.

“Our being here is an investment for the future because you, our children, will always remember this event and it would motivate you to be great,” he said.

He told the students that they could achieve their dreams of becoming leaders in their chosen professions as the world is big enough to accommodate them.

“You can fulfill your dreams if you work hard. You can be the governor of Lagos or the president of Nigeria.

“Lagos as it is today can be compared to many places across the world; it is the fifth largest economy in Africa even though we are just a component of a nation.

“What do you have to do? Read your books. If you don’t cultivate the reading culture now, it will be difficult by tomorrow. You must read ahead of your examinations.
For the female students, be the pride of your parents and the society. Don’t allow the pressures of society to deceive you.

“My principal back then would always tell us, ‘pray less, read harder because prayers alone cannot make you pass your examination’,” he said while noting that Agege, which he represents at the House of Assembly, has produced great men helping to shape society.

Addressing the students, the Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University, Professor Ibiyemi Olayunji-Bello, said while growing up, she never thought she would become a professor.

Urging the children to be hardworking and practice integrity, she advised them not to be discouraged by their parents’ financial conditions as they work towards their future.

“You must strive and do your very best. Anyone can be a vice-chancellor. All you have to do is be serious. It doesn’t matter what course you take, just ensure you do it well,” she told the students.

The Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions and LASIEC of the Lagos State House of Assembly has said it is investigating a petition concerning alleged land grabbing in the Ojomu community of Eti-Osa which resulted in the death of a resident identified as Salami Sheriff.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Oladipupo Ajomale, said this at a hearing in negation of claims about the Assembly’s non-response to the petition.

“Lagos Assembly does not treat any petition received with levity,” Ajomale said.

Ajomale noted that when the petition was brought to the attention of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, there had not been a committee in place.

He said immediately the standing committees of the House were instituted, the petition was sent to the appropriate committee to handle the matter within a week.

Hon. Ajomale further implored the petitioners and parties involved to be truthful in the case of the hearing.

A board member from the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights, CHSR, Mr. Francis Abayomi, stated that before writing the petition to the House of Assembly, the organisation got several petitions from the victims against the alleged aggressors on their lands.

Mr. Francis absolved the traditional ruler of the community who doubles as the head of the Ojomu family of any involvement in the issue, saying the latter was also a victim.

He added that the Ojomu family sold the land legitimately to the victims and that one Mr. Ahmed Tajudeen who is the head of the land grabbers has been molesting and threatening residents in the community. He added that his organisation wrote a letter to the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 2 to start an investigation into the murder of Mr. Salami.

Counsel to Stephen Omoyola representing the Ajiran Youth Movement, stated that the movement was led by the deceased, who had stood against land grabbing in the community.

He said after his death, a petition was written to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police to investigate the incident. He noted that days later, the youth movement was invited to the police station, and they were assured that an investigation would commence.

He, however, lamented that up till the moment, nothing had been heard from the Police.

The legal representative and a member of the Ojomu Royal Family, Hon. Prince Jide Akinloye, stated that the family has never been in support of the activities of the land grabbers and that the latter have taken over people’s land and have also sold to third parties.

He said the family had written to the Lagos State Land Bureau to help end what was happening to Ojomu Land. He said prior to the issue, the family barely had any case in court but since the invasion of the land grabbers, the Ojomu family has been taken to Court by over 150 people.

He also noted that Mr. Salami Sheriff was murdered at the prayer ceremony of someone who was close to him and he had since been buried according to Islamic rites adding that there were allegations that the land grabbers were responsible for his death.

Prince Akinloye noted that the land grabbers were indigenes of the Ojomu community and some of them were members of the vigilante in the community and when it was noticed that they were perpetuating evil, they were disbanded.

Hon. Saheed Bankole, Chairman, of Eti-Osa East Local Government, in his submission, stated that the murder occurred in his local government. He quoted witnesses as saying some masked unknown men alighted from a jeep, attacked the deceased and left. He said upon hearing about the incident, he placed a call to the former DPO of Ogombo Police Station.

Mr. Dayo Joshua, one of the victims, said that he purchased his land in 2012 and there was no issue on the property until 2021 when he received a call informing him that his fence was about to be demolished by unknown people.

He further said that upon getting to the site, he met a man called Marshal. He added that he proceeded to Zone II to resolve the matter. Upon investigation by the police, it was discovered that the information on his document was different from the one presented by the usurping party claiming ownership under the guise of Frajeng Group. He lamented that subsequent invitations by the police were rebuffed by the Frajeng Group.

Mr. Joshua further reported that in August 2022, the security man detailed to watch over the land on his behalf called him on the phone to report that 26 policemen from Alagbon were at the land and that they beat him up and arrested him.

The victim said he proceeded to Alagbon where he was threatened with detention but for the intervention of his legal counsel. When he could not get the desired result, he proceeded to court for redress and in the process, Zone II came up with the result of its investigation which revealed that the document from the usurping party (Frageng Group) was forged.

He recalled that within two weeks of filing the court process, the other party approached Lands Bureau and a document known as a Deed of Rectification was issued to (Frageng Group) to outsmart him as a legitimate buyer having put Lands Bureau on prior notification of litigation on the land.

He recalled that part of his frantic efforts to secure the one plot of land included the mounting of caveat emptor on the land which was wiped off. He said he also notified the public in The Guardian Newspaper and warned innocent Nigerians from buying apartments on the illegal structure built on his property among several other efforts.

Chief Mogaji Gbenga, another victim, reported that he bought his land in 2020 from Shonubi through the Ojomu of Ajiran, adding that the Governor’s Consent was presented on the property before payment was effected.

He informed that having fulfilled due diligence and upon commencement of construction, the activity was halted by one Tajudeen Ahmed. He further informed that when he confronted Mr. Tajudeen, the latter posited that he had no case with him but the monarch.

He recalled how he approached the office of the Lagos State Special Task on Land Grabbers for succor under Mr. Arole and lamented how the government passed a stop work order on the structure which was removed with impunity to the extent that the illegal structure was fully built. He said he paid the Lagos State Taskforce to help him remove the illegal structure but upon getting to the site, Tajudeen Ahmed personally blocked the entrance and prevented the police officers from gaining entrance to the premises.

The Permanent Secretary, of Lands Bureau, Mr. Kamal Olowoshago, denied knowing anything about the matter. He urged the committee to give him more time to come up with the true position of things in the form of documents. He also asked the Director, Land Services, to respond to some of the issues raised that fell within her purview.

The Director, of Land Services, Mrs. Awe Joy, expressed surprise over how a document like the Deed of Rectification could be processed and released within two weeks as alleged by Mr. Dayo Joshua considering the official inter-agency bureaucratic processes involved. She also craved more time to respond to all the issues raised.

The Coordinator, of Lagos State Special Taskforce on Land Grabbers, Rukayat Shomade, posited that some petitions from or relating to the Ojomu Royal family have been treated while some are awaiting implementation.

She pleaded with the Ojomu Family to honour their invitation adding that there are many grey areas to be cleared. She made special reference to a situation whereby two different documents on the same property with the same signature needed clarification to assist the office in its fact-finding mission.

After receiving submissions from the parties available, the committee resolved to adjourn the hearing to a later date.

Lawmakers present at the hearing include Hon.Yishawu Gbolahun, Hon. Owolabi Ajani, Hon. Princess Omolara Olumegbon, Hon. Rasheed Shabi, and Hon. Stephen Ogundipe.

The lawmakers said Dr Obasa, who will be 51 on Saturday, had made a name that cannot be erased from the history of Lagos as well as the legislature in Nigeria.

Each of the lawmakers, who spoke at a plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, spoke about Obasa’s achievements and his effective leadership of the Assembly.

Announcing the birthday, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Noheem Adam, noted that since the eighth Assembly when Dr. Obasa first became Speaker, Lagos State has made giant breakthroughs.

According to Adam, Obasa’s marks have been noted in the establishment of the Neighbourhood Safety Corps, a state security outfit whose bill was sponsored by the Speaker.

The Majority Leader also mentioned the Cancer Institute Law, the law to promote the use of Yoruba Language and the Anti-kidnapping law of Lagos state describing them as the result of the Speaker’s love for Lagos.

While Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, Deputy Majority Leader of the House, noted the roles of the Speaker in the continuous progress of Lagos, saying Obasa’s importance cannot be undervalued, his colleague, Hon. Nureni Akinsanya, described the Speaker as a “wonderful person.

“On behalf of my leaders and the people of Mushin Constituency 1, I hereby congratulate him. He is the longest-serving Speaker with this third term in office. We will continue to support him to lead us.”

On his part, Hon. Femi Saheed said Obasa’s hard work is reflected in the respect he earns from his colleagues across the country.

“He is a good teacher and, through him, we have learnt a lot in relation to lawmaking. We can further make him proud when we continue to follow his footsteps,” he said.

Calling Obasa a courageous leader, Hon. Abdulkareem Jubreel, who said he had known the Speaker since 1998, added that the third citizen of Lagos always stands by his promises.

“If the Speaker stands with anyone or a cause that can favour the masses, he does not look back,” he said.

Hon. Steve Ogundipe, who said he had worked with the Speaker before joining the House as a lawmaker, described Obasa as a leader who constantly strives to build people.

Congratulating Obasa, a lawmaker, Oladele Ajayi, recalled how some people in Agege, during a discussion, said they would continue to support the Speaker as many times as he wants to vie for a political office.

Summing up the discussion, Deputy Speaker Meranda who congratulated the Speaker, prayed that he would continue to lead the Assembly with wisdom.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, while noting that the source of the story could be suspicious and not trustworthy because of its tendency to blackmail, agreed that the concerned officials of the institution be invited so that facts about the allegation could be unearthed for the sake of the reputation of the school.

“I agree that the committee should invite those to be invited to establish facts about the allegation, but we must not because of that destroy our institution’s reputation,” Dr. Obasa, an alumnus of the institution, said adding that if anyone is found wanting, such a person should be sanctioned.

Moving the motion under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’, Hon. Owolabi Ajani told his colleagues that there was a need to invite the Commissioner, the VC and others for the House to unravel the facts behind the allegation.

Ajani noted that LASU had maintained a high level of integrity over the years adding that this must be sustained.

While Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh urged that the investigation should involve people in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) unit of the institution, Hon. Desmond Elliot and his colleague, Ladi Ajomale, who said they attended LASU, supported that the allegation be investigated.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has commenced deliberation, probe and consideration of the 2022 Auditor General’s Report for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the state.

Hon. Kehinde Olaide Joseph, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (State), said the exercise was to ensure that the committee’s statutory oversight is used as an antidote to financial recklessness by MDAs in the State.

Speaking on Monday at the Assembly complex where the exercise is being held, Hon. Joseph added that the consideration of the report is in consonance with the need for improved efficiency and best practices in the pursuit of the statutory objectives of the Public Accounts Committee (State).

“The Assembly is poised to commence deliberations and considerations of the audited report of the State Auditor-General on the Accounts of the Lagos State Government for the year ended 2022, having been committed to the Committee for proper deliberations.

“This exercise will cover the period from 1st January to 31st December 2022 as well as the economic activities of all the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of government in all sectors of the State Government. The committee will be inviting all heads of indicted MDAs for clarifications regarding the queries raised in the Auditor-General’s Report to enhance service delivery.

“The exercise will also ascertain the completion, accuracy, and reliability of the financial transactions within the sectors and confirm the level of compliance with financial regulations, relevant legislations, and accounting standards as well as reflect on each sector’s financial performance and position.

“In addition, the committee would confirm the revenue and budget performances of all MDAs, capital expenditure, reconciliation of the financial records with the Oracle system of the MDAs, and ascertain the project management and control systems of MDAs in Lagos State,” he said.

Hon. Joseph, while noting the herculean task before the committee, said the exercise must be carried out for the State to move forward and to attain probity.

“I urge you to bear in mind that public expectation is high on this administration as we have been acknowledged as the reference point in probity and accountability in governance by other States in the Federation,” Hon. Joseph added.

The committee chairman said the House of Assembly under the leadership of the Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa cannot afford to disappoint the electorate, especially as the present administration is positioned to build and improve on previous foundations laid for the development of the State.

“It is not a witch-hunt on any MDA but to ensure that the committee’s statutory oversight is used as an antidote to financial recklessness by in the State. Let me assure you that reports of findings and recommendations will be compiled and forwarded to the House for deliberations after the exercise.

“It is my hope that the resolution on the outcome of this exercise will facilitate effective management of resources in the State,” he added.

Dr. Obasa gave the assurance during the commissioning of the Oyingbo Bridge on Sunday.

The Speaker, represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Transport, Hon. Adewale Adedeji Temitope OON, noted: “We have the transport sector reform law which we did. We have the Lagos State Transport Masterplan which is in place and now, we are here again today having the THEME+ agenda.”

He commended the governor for living up to the expectations of the people of the state and for fulfilling his electioneering campaign promises.

“Today we are happy because we are standing at this historic event where Mr. Governor has said that the needs and responsibilities of the people shall continue to be his priority and he has given us the opportunity. Today, we are opening a bus terminal and we are commissioning a bridge.

“Your political scorecard has said it all. Your promises to the people as a politician and as the executive governor are coming to pass. I want to continue to tell you that as long as you continue to do what is right for the people, the Lagos House of Assembly will continue to stand with and by you.

“Just last week, we commissioned the Yaba Bridge and today, we are here commissioning the Oyingbo Bridge. I know we still have the Mushin and Ikeja bridges. We have train stations that have been completed and yet to be commissioned,” Dr. Obasa said.

In the same vein, Hon. Adewale said when he was appointed chairman of the committee on transport, he was worried about the transportation challenges in the state, adding that he got more worried when the governor made transportation a priority in his THEME+ agenda.

“Mr. Governor, history will be kind to you. On behalf of the good people of Lagos State, I promise that Mr. Speaker will continue to stand by you for every need on infrastructure development and the transport sector,” he said.

The lawmaker used the opportunity to appeal to the governor for the construction of a bridge in Ifako-Ijaiye to ease traffic bottlenecks in the area.

“Mr. Governor, I’m jealous because I understand that there are supposed to be seven bridges and I know that four have been constructed. I also understand that one of the local governments that is supposed to benefit from the bridges is Ifako-Ijaiye which I represent and that is the Iju/Fagba Bridge.

“Compensations have been paid but we have not seen any bridge. Mr. Governor, I would like to talk to you about that,” Adewale said.

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday condemned the burning of the Rivers State legislative chamber by yet-to-be-identified persons.

The members also condemned the alleged interference of the executive arm of government in the affairs of the state legislature saying that the constitution guarantees the independence of the legislature.

This was as the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who called in from an official trip outside the country, urged President Bola Tinubu to call on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to reopen the parliament and protect the lawmakers while they perform their duties.

Obasa said the parliament must not be made a victim of political crisis among gladiators as witnessed in Edo, where the roof of the chamber was removed by the governor, and in other states where such had happened in the past.

“The constitution must be adhered to at all times. Since the crisis started in the office of the governor, there is no reason to lock up the Assembly. Even if the lawmakers have issues, they should be allowed to resolve such among themselves without interference from the executive arm.

“The removal of the sitting Speaker behind the door should not be tolerated because it is against the constitution. While we understand that impeachments are democratic, the constitutional procedures must be followed whether for a Speaker or a governor.

“Where did the lawmakers have the sitting where the Speaker was removed and at what time did the sitting hold? How many members voted against the sitting Speaker? The Rivers governor, in saving his neck, must not sacrifice the House of Assembly or turn the legislators against themselves.

“Again, it should be of note that a governor has no power to remove the Chief Judge of a state without the two-thirds support from lawmakers. Just as the office of the governor or Chief Judge cannot be sealed up, a House of Assembly should not be sealed up,” he said.

Dr. Obasa called on the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas of the House of Representatives to urgently intervene to protect the Rivers Assembly and its members.

At plenary on Tuesday, members of the House also called on the governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, to adhere to the constitution by not meddling in the affairs of the House just as they further urged the Senate and the House of Representatives to rise up to the crisis.

The House urged the chairman of the Conference of Speakers, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, to collaborate with his colleagues to condemn the act and fast-track the process of ensuring autonomy for state legislatures.

Raising the issue under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’, Hon. Desmond Elliot, representative of Surulere 1, said the attack on the chamber was an attack on the sanctity of the parliament, which is very important to democracy.

“How was a new Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly elected? If due process was not followed, we have to condemn it.

“The crisis in Rivers did not emanate from the House of Assembly, so why should it be burnt or closed down?” he asked.

Speaking on the issue, Deputy Majority Leader Richard Kasunmu said reports had it that the governor stormed the House just as he wondered how the new Speaker emerged from a faction of just eight members.

While noting that the Lagos State House of Assembly has always led by example, he expressed worry over the safety of the mace, which he described as the symbol of authority.

Condemning the act, Hon. Adewale Temitope (Ifako-Ijaiye 1), said it was disturbing how eight members could elect a Speaker.

“It is becoming a norm for the executive to interfere in the affairs of the legislature. And where this continues, you are calling for anarchy. I call on my colleagues to come together and solve whatever issues they have among themselves so that they can continue to serve the people,” he said.

Deputy Speaker Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, who presided at the sitting, described the situation in Rivers as sad and heartbreaking.

“Our security agents should also ask questions because the Rivers Assembly is on the same street as the police command in the state. The parliament is the life of democratic government,” she noted.