TheCable

Akinwunmi Ambode, governor of Lagos state, has expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) for “delivering a free, fair and credible election”.

Speaking while swearing in the chairmen and vice-chairmen of the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas of the state, the governor thanked Lagosians for defying the rain to partake in the exercise.

Ambode said the completion of the election has demonstrated the total commitment of his administration to deepen democratic values and good governance at the grassroots.

He said his administration recognised the importance of local government, which he described as a vibrant and effective system which is “critical towards ensuring government of inclusion where everybody has a voice”

“My greatest commendation goes to all Lagosians, especially those who defied the rains on Saturday to perform their civic responsibility,” he said.

“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.

“I 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.”

Ambode warned the council chiefs against all forms of discrimination, saying the dividends of good governance must be fairly distributed to all people without prejudice to political affiliation, gender, religious beliefs or ethnic background.

The governor also expressed excitement over the judgment of the appeal court 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.

He said the development would go a long way to aid the efforts of the state government in abating flood in the state.

On July 18, the appellate court had allowed the appeal of the state government and set aside the judgment of the lower court.

He said with the judgment, the era of uncontrolled dredging is now over and 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,” he said.

“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.”