Breaking: Lagos Assembly passes VAT, Open Grazing bills | AgegePulse Magazine By Ayodele Ifasakin

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday passed the State's Value Added Tax (VAT) with Speaker Mudashiru Obasa directing the Acting Clerk of the House, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko, to transmit a clean copy to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for assent.

Obasa

The House also passed the bill that prohibits open cattle grazing in the state.

The two bills were passed after unanimous votes by the lawmakers at the sitting where they were read the third time.

Immediately after their passage, Speaker Obasa commended his colleagues for their passion to see that the state continues to grow.

"I thank you all for this historic exercise," Obasa said.

Recall that the House held separate public hearings on the bills on Wednesday with stakeholders expressing support.

Akintoye, Turaki, others, lead NINAS’ 1m march to UN General Assembly | AgegePulse Magazine

...Wants referendum for self-determination

By Ayodele Ifasakin 

Akintoye 

THE Nigerian Indigenous Nationalities Alliance for Self-Determination, NINAS, yesterday, vowed to organise a One Million March in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States from 14th to 21st September, 2021 to demand for a referendum on self-determination and abolition of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.

NINAS is the umbrella body of leading regional self-determination groups in the South and Middle Belt of Nigeria.

The 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, holds from 14th to 21st September, 2021.

In a statement by the Communications Manager to NINAS, Mr. Maxwell Adeleye, stated that the One Million March is expected to be led by a renowned Historian, Emeritus Professor Banji Akintoye; respected Varsity Don, Prof. Yusuf Turaki;  the Secretary-General of NINAS, Mr. Tony Nnadi; and National Chairman of Ilana Omo Oodua, Professor Wale Adeniran, amongst others.

The statement reads: “We have read a trending statement authored by a faceless group demanding for the ban of Ilana Omo Oodua from making presentation before the world at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, UNGA.

“We wish to say very expressly that Ilana Omo Oodua, contrary to media reports, will not be making any official presentation at UNGA.

What will be happening at UNGA is that the members of Ilana Omo Oodua under the leadership of Emeritus Professor Banji Akintoye alongside other members of NINAS from the Lower Niger and Middle Belt of Nigeria will be holding a One Million March opposite the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States from 14th to 21st September, 2021 to demand for a referendum to decide on the rights to self-determination of the people who want an end to unitary systems of Nigeria which has been turned into an apartheid state.

“We shall also be demanding, first and foremost, for the abolition of 1999 Constitution of Nigeria which we have shown to be a fraud perpetrated against the people of the South and Middle Belt of Nigeria given that the people did not make it.

“All the sons and daughters of the South East, South South, South West and Middle Belt’s clans, living in the United States of America, are being mobilised to stand up for their Indigenous Nationalities by participating in the one week one Million March for the liberation of their people.

The planned march shall be historic and epoch-making. We want the whole world to see the level of injustice, oppression and intimidation currently going on in Nigeria. The time is now.”

Vang

Breaking: Lagos Assembly Adopts Report To Stop Houses For Tinubu, Fashola, Ambode, others | AgegePulse Magazine

 

By Ayodele Ifasakin 

•Reduce Pension Of Ex-Governors by 50%

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday approved the report of its committee on establishment which recommended the reduction of pensions to former governors and other affected officials by 50 percent.

The committee also expunged the provision of houses in Abuja and Lagos for former governors as stipulated in an earlier law operated by the state.

The report further showed a reduction in the number of vehicles to be made available to former governors and their deputies.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Obasa, suggested that former governors should get two vehicles (a car and a van) instead of three as recommended by the committee.

He also suggested that the amended bill should provide that the cars be changed every four years instead of the three years recommended by the report.

While some of the lawmakers, at plenary, had suggested for an upward review of the pension for the affected public office holders by 75 percent, others urged that the pension remain as stipulated in the old law.

However, Obasa argued that it should be left at 50 percent, especially as the report had recommended the removal of houses and reduced other benefits.

While recalling the recent murder of the president of Haiti, Obasa said it was necessary to also secure the lives of the former office holders.

"By virtue of my office, I have seen former Speakers who we just had to intervene in their lives because of the situations they found themselves outside office. We have also seen former governors in a very bad situation," he said.

Obasa noted the argument of his colleagues that the projected downward review of the pension for the former governors and others could also be affected by inflation and other economic considerations, but reminded that the House must meet the wishes of the people one of which is a cut in the cost of governance.

"There is no argument, we must realise that this is democracy and it is all about the people. We are here because of the people. When we represent people, it is good for us to listen to them as well.

"We must realise that we would always go back to the people for support. So when we hearken to their agitations and reduce what existed, it shows that we listen," Obasa told his colleagues adding that his suggestion for further reduction of the number of cars was because "as you age, your needs continue to decrease."

Earlier some of the lawmakers had supported the report of the committee saying it would have a positive impact on the internally generated revenue of the state.

AMBODE PRESENTS N852.316BN Y2019 BUDGET TO HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

…Earmarks 54% To Capital Expenditure, 46% For Recurrent

…Targets N775.2bn IGR, To Complete Major Ongoing Projects

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday presented the year 2019 budget proposal of N852.316billion to the House of Assembly, with a pledge that it had been carefully prepared to be all-encompassing and dedicated to complete major ongoing projects in the State.



The Governor said N462.757billion representing 54 percent of the total budget size had been earmarked for capital expenditure, while N389.560billion representing 46 percent had been dedicated to recurrent expenditure, saying that key projects such as the Oshodi-Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road and Oshodi Interchange Terminal, among others would be completed.

He said from inception of his administration, nine key areas were given priority after careful assessment of the needs of the citizens, adding that such had informed the massive investment in the said sectors which he listed to include security, transport / traffic management, economy -including tourism and agriculture, housing, education, health, infrastructure - social and physical, water, wealth creation - skill acquisition/microfinance, e-Governance and enhanced capacity building, sustainable environment and smart city projects.



Giving details of what informed the budget size, Governor Ambode said the performance of Y2018 budget of N1.046trn as at November 2018 stood at 60 percent owing to reduction in revenue projections, while the total revenue stood at N530.192billion. 



According to him, “In the outgoing year, however, we experienced a reduction in our revenue projections, which affected our projected performance and our desired implementation of the Y2018 Budget. The overall Budget performance as at November 2018 stood at 60 per cent/N574,206billion with actual cumulative total revenue of N530,192billion/64 per cent, Capital Expenditure closed at N311,930billion/49 per cent and Recurrent Expenditure performed at N262,276billion/82 per cent.



“In preparing the Year 2019 Budget, therefore, we were very mindful of the out-going year performance, the yearnings of our people and the fact that we are going into an election year. Consequently, we are today presenting a Budget that will be all-encompassing, reflect the level of resources that will be available and with special consideration to the completion of major on-going projects in the State.”



While outlining the key components of the Y2019 budget and the sectoral allocations, the Governor said with priority given to completion of major infrastructure projects and smooth transition to the next administration, the government was proposing a total budget size of ‘N852,316,936,483,’ including a deficit financing of N77.086billion which is expected to be sourced from internal loans and other sources.



He added: “The projected total revenue for Year 2019 is ₦775.231billion, of which ₦606.291billion is expected to be generated internally, ₦168.940billion is expected from Federal Transfers while a total of  ₦77.086billion will be sourced through deficit financing within our medium term expenditure framework.



“In 2019, as was with our previous budgets, Economic Affairs still dominates the sectoral allocation of the proposed budget. This is due to our continued focus on the completion of major on-going projects such as: Oshodi-Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road; Agege Pen Cinema Flyover; Phase II of Aradagun-Iworo -Epeme Road, Oshodi Interchange Terminal; completion of JK Randle Complex, Onikan Stadium; Imota Rice Mill; Renovation/Furnishing of Lagos Revenue House, amongst others in order to meet their specified deliverable outcomes without any bias or prejudice to others.”



Expressing optimism that the revenues of the State would improve in 2019, Governor Ambode said the government had begun consolidating on the already established public financial management and technology-driven revenue reforms through data integration and use of multi-payment channels, just as he said that every strata of the society would benefit from the budget.



“The Year 2019 Budget has been carefully planned to accommodate all and sundry; women, youth and physically challenged, young and old. We will continue to spread development to all part of our state even as we embark on effective transition knowing fully well that the implementation, failure or success of the Budget depend on all of us,” he said.



Besides, Governor Ambode commended the Speaker and members of the Assembly for the support accorded his administration in the last three and half years, while also acknowledging the role of Royal Fathers, Religious leaders, members of the Business Community, Professional Bodies, Development Partners, Non-Governmental Organisations, public servants and all residents as well as members of the fourth estate of the realm for their various support and contribution during the lifespan of his administration.



 In his remarks, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa expressed optimism that the budget would be of great benefit to the people of the State, just as he assured that the House would work with the executive to pass the budget.

2019 Budget: Lagos Assembly Insists On Proper Presentation By Governor Ambode

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State House of Assembly has insisted that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of the state must appear before it to present the 2019 Budget as required by the law.

This followed the information read on the floor of the House by the Clerk, Mr. Azeez Sanni intimating the lawmakers that his office received a message from Governor Akinwunmi Ambode dated Monday 17 December, 2018, but which he received on Friday 28th December containing the 2019 Budget.

However, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who commended the lawmakers for their reaction to the message, stated that this was not the time for resentment, acrimony and agitation, adding that the stake before the lawmakers was beyond 2019.

"We must do everything to sustain our government, party and the state. You have all shed light on the issue in a matured matter.

"We went on break on 18th December, 2018. The first call I received on the budget was on 24th December that the Governor was willing to present the budget on that day.

"We normally go on break for six weeks, but we went on break for two weeks as we were waiting for the budget.
"Also, we received the budget on 28th December, when we were waiting for the New Year break.

"There is no reason to shift the blame on the House that we were not willing to receive the budget," he said.

Obasa added that the lawmakers were willing to receive the 2019 budget, saying that this was one of the reasons they were elected into office.

The Speaker however, said that this must be done properly by the Governor in accordance with the Section 121 of the Nigerian Constitution that he said states that the budget must be presented to the House before the end of a financial year.

"We are ready to receive the budget if it is done properly. We have no resentment, we have no bad blood.
"Our stake is beyond 2019. What we have here is not even a letter, it is presentation of budget by the Governor.

"The executive headed by the Governor must be ready to present the budget and we are ready to receive it," he said.
In his contribution, Hon. Yinka Ogundimu (Agege 2) said that the letter on 2019 Budget from the Governor got to the House on 17th December, 2018 and was received on Friday 28th, December, 2018.

"We normally close early, but we closed late to receive the budget,  it came about three days to the New Year and there was nothing we could have done.
"The House normally have a date with the Governor, when he would present the budget. This is a clear departure from the norm and I think this should be addressed by all," he said.
Also contributing to the matter, Hon. Olanrewaju Ogunyemi (Ojo 2) stated that he  listened to the Clerk of the House about the correspondence from the Governor, which he said ought to have been read out.

Ogunyemi said that if it was the actual budget, then they would excuse the Clerk for not reading it.
He emphasized that the budget got to the House three days away from the New Year, which he said was unusual.
According to him, the second reading of the budget could not come until January, 2019, and that the House was alive to its responsibility.

In his comments, Hon. Dayo Saka-Fafunmi (Ifako-Ijaiye 1) said that the observation raised by Hon. Yinka Ogundimu was apt, and that the budget was part of the reasons they were elected into the House.
"The first reading of the budget ought to be done by the Governor, who ought to lay the estimate before us. Since this has not been done, then we must insist on the proper procedure," he said.
This was corroborated by Hon. Moshood Osun (Lagos Mainland 2), who read Section 121 of the Nigerian Constitution, which addresses the issue of budget presentation to the lawmakers.
Oshun said that it was on record that the House normally passed the budget before the next financial year.
He said: "If the budget was brought on 28th December, there was no way we could work on it. The leadership of the House should take it up," he said.
The Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, who said that the budget issue was in public domain, revealed that he received several calls on the issue, but that he did not make any comment because he wanted to get proper information from the House on it.
"It is clear that we were ready to work on the budget before the Christmas break, but we could not work on it because we did not get it in time.
"We all know that there were always bilateral meetings between the executive and the legislature before the budget is presented to the House.
"The constitution states that the Governor should lay the budget before the House. May be the correspondence before the Clerk is about the presentation of the budget.
"So, what is before the House is a document that ought to be laid before the House and the committees of the House would sit on it. "The report could not be considered by the committees if it is not laid. "Members of the public may not know the procedure of the budget. "Section 121 of the Nigerian Constitution states that the budget must be laid before the House before the end of a financial year.

"We should handle it in our usual family way and ensure that the executive does the normal thing as we are ready to do our work," he said.

Oyo Speaker's Death: Obasa Condoles With Oyo Govt, Assembly, APC, Family

...Says He Was A Peace-loving Man

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has described the late Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Michael Adeyemo, as a peace-loving man who stood for peace, equity, justice and rule of law.

He also described the deceased as a man who strived for the good of his fellow man as well as the development, progress and growth of his state and the country at large.

The Lagos Assembly Speaker stated this in a condolence message released on his behalf by his Chief Press Secretary, Musbau Rasak, addressed to the Oyo State Government, the state House of Assembly, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the immediate family of the deceased.

"The news came as a shock but it pleases Almighty God to take him away at this particular period. Who are we then to querry His authority? We love Rt. Hon. Adeyemo but God loves him more.

"He was such a peace-loving man. A man of wisdom who strived for the good of his fellow man as well as the progress, growth and development of his state and the country at large.

"We will all miss him, particularly at the Confrence of Speakers. The Oyo State Government will miss him, his colleagues at the state House of Assembly, the entire members and leaders of the APC will miss him as well as members of his immediate family. I pray to Almighty God to give us all the fortitude to bear the huge loss. I also pray to God to grant him eternal rest," the Lagos Assembly Speaker said.

Ambode Opens Johnson, JJT Park in Alausa

…Says Former Govs, True Legends Of Lagos

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday officially unveiled an ultra modern recreational park in Alausa, Ikeja, in honour of three former Governors of the State, Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson Rtd, Alhaji Lateef Jakande and Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Governor Ambode, who spoke at a ceremony to unveil the park known as Johnson, Jakande, Tinubu Park (JJT Park) and located in front of the State House of Assembly and a few metres away from Lagos House, said it was part of efforts by his administration to immortalise heroes who worked hard for the emergence of Lagos as not only the Centre of Excellence, but also one of the most prominent City States in Africa.

He said the three former Governors were outstanding in their contributions to the development of the State and wrote their names in the sands of time, especially during their time in office.

Governor Ambode said: “One of the hallmarks of any progressive society is to always recognise and reward the efforts of heroes who contribute to the growth of that society. In the case of Lagos State, we have so many heroes who toiled and laid a solid foundation for the Lagos we enjoy today.

“Today, we are here to celebrate and honour three past governors of our dear state who were outstanding in their contributions to the development of Lagos Sate. These eminent Lagosians are some of the very few brave men that stood to be counted on the side of justice and even by their performances while in office have written their name in gold for future generations.”

“The roles played by Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson Rtd., the First Governor and Military Administrator of the State; Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the First Civilian Governor of Lagos State; and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor and Architect of modern Lagos; can never be forgotten. They are the true legends of our State, and architects of the Lagos we are proud of today.”

Going down memory lane, Governor Ambode said Brigadier Johnson, laid the foundation as the pioneer Governor of the newly created Lagos State in 1967 and constructed the 60.7-kilometre Lagos–Badagry Expressway linking Nigeria with countries in the West African sub region, the Itoikin Bridge linking Epe and Ikorodu; the Eko Bridge and a network of roads and bridges that opened up the new Lagos.

He said Alhaji Jakande, the first elected Civilian Governor of Lagos State, who held office for four years introduced masses-oriented programmes particularly in the education, housing and health sectors.

Governor Ambode added that apart from the successful implementation of the Free Education Programme, Alhaji Jakande’s administration also established new neighbourhood Primary and Secondary schools, and also constructed over 30,000 housing units indifferent parts of the State for the benefit of low income earners.

“His tenure also witnessed the completion of the General Hospitals in Gbagada and Ikorodu as well as the establishment of about 20 health centres within the State. Alhaji Lateef Jakande conceived and initiated the Metro line transit system that would have provided a solution to the challenge being experienced in the transportation sector today,” he said.

The Governor while describing Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the architect of modern Lagos, said his tenure witnessed the development of a blue print for the future development of the State and which successive administrations have continued to build upon and actualize today.

“One of the remarkable achievements of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration was the reform of the State Tax administration system which resulted in the State attaining the status of the most viable and self sustaining State in Nigeria. He also made huge investments in education and initiated new road constructions, required to meet the needs of the fast-growing population of the State.

“Asiwaju also established the institutional framework which ensured that the State was properly and efficiently run.  I

Infrastructure, education, transport, security, health sectors to get lion share in Ambode N1.046trn Y2018 budget proposal

…Earmarks 67% to capital expenditure, 33% for recurrent, targets N720bn IG

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday presented the Year 2018 Budget proposal of N1.046trillion to the House of Assembly, with a pledge that his administration will make every effort to complete all ongoing projects as well as initiate new ones to consolidate on the development recorded in the last 30 months.

Governor Ambode, who christened the 2018 Budget as “Budget of Progress and Development”, said it would be used to consolidate on the achievements recorded in infrastructure, education, transportation/traffic management, security and health sectors.

He said the Budget would also focus on mandatory capacity building for civil servants, all teachers in public secondary/primary schools, officers in the health service sector and women & youth empowerment alongside Medium and Small/Micro Size Entrepreneurs (MSMSE’s).

Outlining the key components of the budget, Governor Ambode said capital expenditure would gulp N699.082billion while N347.039billion would be dedicated to recurrent expenditure, representing a Capital/Recurrent ratio of 67 percent to 33 percent and a 28.67 percent increase over Y2017 budget.

The Governor said that despite the modest achievements recorded in 2017, there was still much work ahead, assuring that Government would not relent in its efforts to give Lagosians the best by way of continuous and efficient service delivery.

“Lagos has always been a trailblazer and we must consolidate on the economic gains made so far by initiating people-friendly programmes and projects that will attract more economic improvement in Y2018.

“It is our resolve in Y2018 to strive and complete all on-going projects in order to meet their specified completion period and embark on new strategic projects. We intend to improve on our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the face of the dwindling accruable revenue allocation from the Federal Government, sustain our vision on wealth creation and poverty alleviation,” Governor Ambode said.

The Governor also listed key projects captured in the 2018 Budget to include the Agege Pen Cinema flyover; alternative routes through Oke-Ira in Eti-Osa to Epe-Lekki Expressway; the 8km regional road to serve as alternative route to connect Victoria Garden City (VGC) with Freedom Road in Lekki Phase I; completion of the on-going reconstruction of Oshodi International Airport Road into a 10-lane road and the BRT Lane from Oshodi to Abule-Egba.

On infrastructural renewal, Governor Ambode said his administration remains committed to sustaining the tempo of continuous construction, rehabilitation, upgrading and maintenance of network of roads across the State including those within the boundary areas of Lagos and Ogun States and that the bus reform initiative would be consolidated with the introduction of high and medium capacity buses, construction and completion of bus depots at Oshodi, Anthony, Yaba and many others.
He also said the movement of Mile 12 market to Imota had reached an advanced stage and would be completed in good time to pave way for relocation next year, while the 181 Local Government Roads will be commenced as contractors will be mobilized immediately, as well as continuous gridlock resolution, junction improvement, construction of more laybys and advancement of signalization that will improve traffic congestion especially along the Lekki-Epe corridor.

In the area of job creation, Governor Ambode said the Government would construct an ICT Focus Incubator Centre in Yaba, commence the development of Imota and Igbonla Light Industrial Park as well as the provision of additional small scale industrial estate at Shala, while the State Employment Trust Fund will disburse more funds to Lagosians to support business and stimulate the economy.

Governor Ambode also assured that his administration will vigorously pursue its planned direct intervention in the power value chain towards generating 3,000MW Embedded Power Programme within a three-year plan to achieving 24/7 power supply for the State, stressing that the challenge of inadequate power supply must be resolved for the economy to perform optimally.

He said within the 2018 fiscal year, the Government would continue to rekindle its efforts in the area of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture as well as embark on some major projects that would ensure that the State emerges as the hub for tourism, sports and entertainment.

He listed some of the projects to include completion of the five new Art Theatres; establish a Heritage Centre at the former Federal Presidential State House recently handed over to the State Government; build a world class museum between the former Presidential Lodge and the State House, Marina; fast-track construction of the proposed four new stadia in Igbogbo, Epe, Badagry and Ajeromi Ifelodun (Ajegunle) and complete the on-going Epe and Badagry Marina projects.

On Housing, Governor Ambode said that all on-going projects especially those at Gbagada, Igbogbo, Iponri, Igando, Omole Phase I, Sangotedo and Ajara-Badagry would be completed for delivery under the Rent-to-Own policy.

While acknowledging the cooperation and support received from Lagosians, members of the Business Community, Professional Bodies, Non-governmental Organizations and the State Civil Servants in years past, the Governor noted that the modest achievements by his administration within a short period couldn’t have been possible without residents who have been paying their taxes willingly and faithfully.

Besides, Governor Ambode urged residents to embrace the Public Utility Levy as the Cleaner Lagos Initiative aimed at ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment would commence in 2018.

Governor Ambode also commended members of the House of Assembly for their selfless service and support, saying that they have proven themselves to be dynamic and robust lawmakers and partners in progress.

Giving a sectoral breakdown at a press briefing in Alausa, Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade said General Public Services got N171,623bn, representing 16.41 percent; Public Order and Safety, N46.612bn, representing 4.46; Economic Affairs, N473,866bn, 45.30 percent; Environmental Protection, N54,582bn, representing 5.22percent while Housing and Community Amenities got N59,904bn, representing 5.73 percent.

Ashade also told journalists that Health sector got N92.676billion, representing 8.86percent; Recreation, Culture and Religion got N12.511billion, representing 1.20 percent; Education got N126.302billion representing 12.07percent, while Social Protection got N8.042billion representing 0.77percent.

Receiving the budget, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa commended Governor Ambode for faithfully executing the year 2017 budget, saying the positive impact of such had been felt across the State with various projects such as the Abule Egba, Ajah and Pen Cinema Flyovers, among other numerous projects in various sectors.

Obasa, who specifically lauded the fact that the 2018 budget estimate had provision for continuous infrastructural development in various sectors such as transport, security, environment, housing, health and capacity building for all public servants including teachers and health workers, however assured that the House would scrutinize it and ensure that the budget delivered on its promises to stimulate the economy of the State by focusing on infrastructure development, delivering inclusive growth and prioritizing the welfare of all Lagosians.

The event was attended by dignitaries in the State including members of the State Executive Council led by the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, former Speakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly, members of the National Assembly from Lagos State, former Deputy Governors of the State, party chieftains, traditional rulers, religious leaders, among others.