Ambode backs court Judgment authorizing state to control inland waterways

…Says era of uncontrolled sand dredging over in
Lagos

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday expressed
excitement at the judgment of Appeal Court in Lagos which set aside
the judgment of the Federal High Court empowering the Nigerian
Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to regulate transportation and
sand dredging in the State, saying that the development would go a
long way to aid the efforts of the State Government in abating
flood in the State.

The Appellate Court had, on July 18, 2017, allowed the Appeal of
the State Government and set aside the judgment of the lower
court.

Speaking while swearing-in the newly democratically elected
Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 20 Local Government Areas and 37
Local Council Development Areas in the State held at Adeyemi Bero
Auditorium in Alausa, Governor Ambode described the judgment as a
major success in the quest of the State Government to control its
resources and enshrine the true spirit of Fiscal Federalism.

He said with the judgment, the era of uncontrolled dredging is
now over in the State as the State Government would now take firm
control over its inland waterways and the adjoining lands including
all sand dredging activities.

“I am delighted to inform you that the State Government has
recorded a major success in its quest to control its resources and
enshrine the true spirit of Fiscal Federalism. Last week on 18th
July 2017, the Court of Appeal Lagos Division allowed the Appeal of
the Lagos State Government and set aside the Federal High Court
Judgment which gave the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority to
regulate transportation and sand dredging.

“The era of uncontrolled dredging is over and this serves as a
clear warning that the Lagos State Government will now take firm
control over its inland waterways and the adjoining lands including
all sand dredging activities. This will further aid our efforts in
abating flood in the State,” Governor Ambode said.

Addressing the new council chiefs at a well-attended event which
witnessed attendance of key party leaders as well as families,
friends and well-wishers, Governor Ambode said with the successful
completion of Local Government election which held last Saturday,
his administration has, once again, demonstrated total commitment
to deepen democratic values and good governance at the
grassroots.

The Governor said his administration recognized the importance
of government at the Local Government level as a vibrant and
effective system at the third tier of government was critical
towards ensuring government of inclusion where everybody has a
voice, adding that it was gratifying that the chain of government
linking the Wards, Councils and LGAs to the State Government had
been completed.

He particularly congratulated the leaders of All Progressives
Congress (APC) in the State and the new council bosses on their
victory at the polls, as well as the Chairman and members of staff
of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) for
delivering a free, fair and credible election

“My greatest commendation goes to all Lagosians especially those
who defied the rains on Saturday to perform their civic
responsibility. The hallmark of democracy is the participation of
the people through the free exercise of their franchise to elect
the people they want to represent them. This is the true source of
legitimate mandate to lead a people,” Governor Ambode said.

To the newly-elected Chairmen, Governor Ambode said having
crossed the hurdle of the election, they must now settle down for
real governance especially by working hard and fulfilling all
electoral promises.

He said: “At the State level, so much is being done to harness
the potentials of our State and make it a preferred destination for
local/foreign investors and tourists. We are implementing policies
and programmes that will promote socio-economic activities and
maximise the economic potentials of the three Senatorial zones of
the State. This is in line with our commitment to ensure inclusive
growth and create opportunities for wealth and job creation.

“As you (council chiefs) settle down to the business of
governance, you must bear in mind that the participation of the
people in governance does not end with elections. The people must
be carried along and given the opportunity to have a say in policy
making process and implementation. It is from you that we get the
feedback of the people. You must be accountable and transparent in
the management of the resources put in your care for the benefit of
the people.”

Besides, Governor Ambode warned the council chiefs against all
forms of discrimination, saying that the dividends of good
governance must not only be fairly distributed to all people
without prejudice to political affiliation, gender, religious
beliefs or ethnic background, but also the cosmopolitan nature of
the State must be factored into all decisions.

Earlier in his welcome address, Secretary to the State
Government, Mr Tunji Bello said the development confirms that
democratic institution is strong and consolidating in the State,
just as he urged the new council chiefs to build vigorously on the
landmark achievements of Governor Ambode by ensuring that laudable
developmental projects are also felt at the grassroots.

Responding on behalf of the new Chairmen and Vice Chairmen,
Chairman of Lagos Island East Local Government, Hon Kamal Bashua
thanked Governor Ambode and the people of the State as well as the
leadership of APC for the opportunity to serve, assuring that they
would not disappoint the people but hit the ground running.

…Says era of uncontrolled sand dredging over in
Lagos

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday expressed
excitement at the judgment of Appeal Court in Lagos which set aside
the judgment of the Federal High Court empowering the Nigerian
Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to regulate transportation and
sand dredging in the State, saying that the development would go a
long way to aid the efforts of the State Government in abating
flood in the State.

The Appellate Court had, on July 18, 2017, allowed the Appeal of
the State Government and set aside the judgment of the lower
court.

Speaking while swearing-in the newly democratically elected
Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 20 Local Government Areas and 37
Local Council Development Areas in the State held at Adeyemi Bero
Auditorium in Alausa, Governor Ambode described the judgment as a
major success in the quest of the State Government to control its
resources and enshrine the true spirit of Fiscal Federalism.

He said with the judgment, the era of uncontrolled dredging is
now over in the State as the State Government would now take firm
control over its inland waterways and the adjoining lands including
all sand dredging activities.

“I am delighted to inform you that the State Government has
recorded a major success in its quest to control its resources and
enshrine the true spirit of Fiscal Federalism. Last week on 18th
July 2017, the Court of Appeal Lagos Division allowed the Appeal of
the Lagos State Government and set aside the Federal High Court
Judgment which gave the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority to
regulate transportation and sand dredging.

“The era of uncontrolled dredging is over and this serves as a
clear warning that the Lagos State Government will now take firm
control over its inland waterways and the adjoining lands including
all sand dredging activities. This will further aid our efforts in
abating flood in the State,” Governor Ambode said.

Addressing the new council chiefs at a well-attended event which
witnessed attendance of key party leaders as well as families,
friends and well-wishers, Governor Ambode said with the successful
completion of Local Government election which held last Saturday,
his administration has, once again, demonstrated total commitment
to deepen democratic values and good governance at the
grassroots.

The Governor said his administration recognized the importance
of government at the Local Government level as a vibrant and
effective system at the third tier of government was critical
towards ensuring government of inclusion where everybody has a
voice, adding that it was gratifying that the chain of government
linking the Wards, Councils and LGAs to the State Government had
been completed.

He particularly congratulated the leaders of All Progressives
Congress (APC) in the State and the new council bosses on their
victory at the polls, as well as the Chairman and members of staff
of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) for
delivering a free, fair and credible election

“My greatest commendation goes to all Lagosians especially those
who defied the rains on Saturday to perform their civic
responsibility. The hallmark of democracy is the participation of
the people through the free exercise of their franchise to elect
the people they want to represent them. This is the true source of
legitimate mandate to lead a people,” Governor Ambode said.

To the newly-elected Chairmen, Governor Ambode said having
crossed the hurdle of the election, they must now settle down for
real governance especially by working hard and fulfilling all
electoral promises.

He said: “At the State level, so much is being done to harness
the potentials of our State and make it a preferred destination for
local/foreign investors and tourists. We are implementing policies
and programmes that will promote socio-economic activities and
maximise the economic potentials of the three Senatorial zones of
the State. This is in line with our commitment to ensure inclusive
growth and create opportunities for wealth and job creation.

“As you (council chiefs) settle down to the business of
governance, you must bear in mind that the participation of the
people in governance does not end with elections. The people must
be carried along and given the opportunity to have a say in policy
making process and implementation. It is from you that we get the
feedback of the people. You must be accountable and transparent in
the management of the resources put in your care for the benefit of
the people.”

Besides, Governor Ambode warned the council chiefs against all
forms of discrimination, saying that the dividends of good
governance must not only be fairly distributed to all people
without prejudice to political affiliation, gender, religious
beliefs or ethnic background, but also the cosmopolitan nature of
the State must be factored into all decisions.

Earlier in his welcome address, Secretary to the State
Government, Mr Tunji Bello said the development confirms that
democratic institution is strong and consolidating in the State,
just as he urged the new council chiefs to build vigorously on the
landmark achievements of Governor Ambode by ensuring that laudable
developmental projects are also felt at the grassroots.

Responding on behalf of the new Chairmen and Vice Chairmen,
Chairman of Lagos Island East Local Government, Hon Kamal Bashua
thanked Governor Ambode and the people of the State as well as the
leadership of APC for the opportunity to serve, assuring that they
would not disappoint the people but hit the ground running.