Ambode backs Appeal Court judgment authorizing state to control inland waterways

Lagos state governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has 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.

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

Governor Ambode said with the judgment, the era of uncontrolled dredging was now over in the state, positing that 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,” the governor said.

Governor Ambode, while addressing the new council chiefs at a well-attended event, said with the successful completion of local government election which held last Saturday, his administration had, once again, demonstrated total commitment to deepening democratic values and good governance at the grassroots.

He said his administration recognized the importance of government at the local government level as a vibrant and effective system towards ensuring government of inclusion where everybody had 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 lauded 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.

He tasked the newly-elected chairmen settle down for real governance especially by working hard and fulfilling all electoral promises.

“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,” the governor said.

Speaking further, 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.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Tunji Bello, said in his address that the development confirms that democratic institution was strong and consolidating in the state.

He urged the new council chiefs to build vigorously on the landmark achievements of Governor Ambode by ensuring that laudable developmental projects were 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 given to them to serve, assuring that they would not disappoint the people but hit the ground running.