Lagos indigenes agitate for special status

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State

Lagos indigenes have called on the Senate to revisit the case of granting a special status to Lagos State, being the former Federal Capital Territory and the economic nerve centre of the nation.

The indigenes, under the aegis of Eko Heritage Foundation said it was regrettable that the Senate recently turned down a bill sponsored by Senator Oluremi Tinubu requesting for a special grant for Lagos.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Scott Femi and the General Secretary, Laguda Ishola, the group said “it is completely regrettable how some senators in the red chamber turned down this glorious bill for the betterment of Lagos despite the hospitality and accommodating nature of Lagos to external citizens.

“Most of these senators have families or relatives who reside in Lagos and even have businesses they do in the state to the extent of having political positions either elected or appointed. Playing politics with our bill that is well deserved for the betterment of Lagos is not what we deserve from senators. We appeal to the senators to recall this bill and stop playing politics with it as it will improve the economic and infrastructural imperatives of Lagos.”

The indigenes also condemned the spate of kidnapping in Lagos and warned kidnappers and the Niger Delta militants to stay away from the state.

“The kidnap of a royal father in the state recently was an insult to the traditional institution of Lagos, the gods of our land shall punish them one by one. The recent abduction of school vice principal and students is completely criminal.

“We appeal to the necessary security agencies to double their efforts in making sure that life and properties are secured in Lagos. We also commend the Lagos State Government for its effort in providing security for people in the state,” the group said.