Connect with us

Politics

2021 Budget: Speaker Obasa Tells Lagosians What To Expect

Published

on

The Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has urged residents of the state to be prepared for a better 2021 from the government.

Obasa said this at a 4-day retreat on Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and budget process for the staff of the state House of Assembly.

Obasa, who lamented the effect of COVID-19 on the budget of the economy of Lagos in 2020, however commended the executive arm of the government led by Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for being able to maintain a speed of development and growth for which the state is known.

He also said the House would take special focus on security of the state in the 2021 budget but added that this would in consideration with the governor’s focus and plans for the year ahead.

“It is visible to everyone in Lagos that the government of the state has continued, doggedly, to put smiles on the faces of our people.

“It simply means we have been able to gather all we can irrespective of the revenue challenge in the projection we had for 2020,” Obasa said.

He noted that Lagos has always taken a pride of place in relation to security of the state and that this would not be different in 2021. This is because, according to him, the state expends huge funds on security annually.

“You must give credit to the Lagos state government if you consider the security situation of the state in comparison with others and we will keep improving on what we have achieved.

“I am not saying we will increase the budget for the coming year for security, we are not going to do anything funny to allow insecurity to take charge of the state.

“So security will be a major consideration in the 2021 budget of the state but that is to be left for the governor to decide. As representatives of our people, we will look for that in the budget and ensure something good enough is considered for security in the coming year,” he said.

Concerning the expectations from the retreat, Obasa explained: “We are expecting the budget but before that, we have the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

“We have the responsibility of oversight functions and and you can only do this on what you know and have. That is what informed our gathering here, to take our colleagues through what MTEF is all about and what the Lagos would look like in the next three years.

“So we expect each committee to take this in and understand perfectly what would become of each sector in the next three years.”

He said he was optimistic that the retreat would add positively to the capacity of the lawmakers to collaborate effectively with the executive arm.

In his opening remarks, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni, who represented the Speaker before the latter’s arrival, said the resource persons were highly knowledgeable in budget planning and budgeting and that the participants would enjoy every bit of the programme.

Eshinlokun-Sanni said a proper understanding of MTEF would aid lawmakers’ understanding of budgeting and budgeting process.

“At the end of the retreat, lawmakers would have been well educated on the essence of MTEF to effective planning and budget process and that the knowledge would help them in their oversight duties,” he said.

Welcoming the participants, the Acting Clerk of the House, Barrister Olalekan Onafeko, said Lagos, since its emergence as a democratic state in 1979, had been playing a role in the transformation of Nigeria’s economy and making it remain the nerve centre of ECOWAS with a Gross National Product (GNP) of any West Africa Country.

“Beyond its shores, Lagos is regarded as the nerve centre of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) with a Gross National Product (GNP) that is three times that of any West African country, thus making it the hub and the springboard for innovation and development in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.

“With these critical facts in mind, it is highly instructive to note that managing a state like Lagos with such huge economy and massive population coupled with constant daily influx of citizens from other states across the nation is certainly by no means easy.

” It is said that if Lagos sate were to be a country, it would be the 5th largest economy in Africa. Thus, attaining this enviable stature has taken years of committed leadership, meticulous planning, sustainable development, collaborative efforts within the arms of government, and particularly with robust representation by the legislature,” he added.

He described the retreat as a proactive move by the House ahead of the budget presentation and passage.

Politics

ADC’s Aisha Yesufu Issues Public Apology For Listing Yemi Adamolekun Without Consent

Published

on

By

Prominent activist and African Democratic Congress (ADC) member Aisha Yesufu has issued a public apology to governance advocate Yemi Adamolekun following a controversy over her inclusion in the party’s Wise Men and Women Policy and Manifesto Committee.

The issue emerged on Wednesday after Adamolekun, former executive director of Enough is Enough Nigeria, expressed surprise on social media at seeing her name listed among members of the ADC committee.

Tagging Yesufu and ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, Adamolekun questioned the party’s process in a blunt post on X.

“ADC! ADC! ADC! How many times did I call you? This is not how to build credibility o! Please show me evidence of when I joined your party! Na wa….” she wrote.

Responding the same day, Abdullahi said the committee was designed to be expert-driven rather than strictly partisan.

“It is important to point out that not everyone on the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee is a member of the ADC. Many are not even politicians,” he said.

He added, “This is because the ADC believes that the task of developing workable public policies for the benefit of all Nigerians should not be left to politicians alone.”

Abdullahi maintained that the party had followed due process.

He said the ADC had undergone a “vetting process” and “took all necessary measures to ensure that everyone recommended to serve on this important committee was duly notified and had given their consent.”

Despite the disagreement, he expressed hope that Adamolekun would still participate, citing her “vast experience – even though she is not a member of our party.”

However, reacting on Friday, Yesufu, a member of the party’s Revalidation, Mobilisation and Registration Committee, acknowledged the error and apologised publicly.

She wrote, “This is inexcusable, and on behalf of my party, accept my apologies for this mix-up. We do not take you and your need to have a better Nigeria for granted.”

Yesufu admitted the process was flawed.

“Like you rightly pointed out, you ought to have been informed and your consent gotten before your name is published.

“This is well noted, and going forward we will continue to ensure due diligence,” she said.

She added, “Thank you for calling our attention to this. We can only get better when we get such feedback and improve accordingly.

“The work to rebuilding Nigeria is enormous, and in our eagerness to start off, we must never forget due process and diligence.”

Yesufu also extended an apology to others affected by the publication.

“For anyone that was also not contacted and consent gotten before publication, kindly accept my apologies for the mix-up,” she said.

 

 

Continue Reading

Politics

Atiku’s Son Gives Thumbs Up To Tinubu’s Economic Policies, Backs Another Term

Published

on

By

Abba Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has attributed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid to what he described as the administration’s innovative and business-friendly economic policies.

He said President Tinubu’s economic initiatives are more favourable to businesses than those of previous administrations, adding that the reforms have reshaped his political alignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Abba made the remarks during a solidarity visit to the leadership of the City Boy Movement (CBM) in Abuja on Monday evening, where he led members of the Haske Atiku Organisation, now rebranded as the Haske Tinubu Organisation.

He recalled that he formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on January 15, collecting his membership card at Gwadabwa Ward in Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, where he publicly pledged support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

According to him, his decision to back the president was driven by admiration for the economic policies introduced since 2023, which he believes are positioning the country for stronger private-sector growth and investment.

According to him, “This administration has introduced policies that have every Nigerian in mind. If anyone says this government is not doing well, I will tell them they are lying,” he said. “I believe that if given another term, the government will do even more because it is focused.”

He explained that his long-standing experience in business has given him a clear perspective on economic governance in Nigeria.

“Since the return of democratic rule in 1999, I have been in business, and I am still in business today. The economic policies of Mr. President are favourable—not just to businesses, but to Nigerians in general, who are already benefiting from these reforms,” he stated.

He also explained that his decision to join the APC and align with the City Boy Movement was motivated by his passion for the Tinubu-led administration and his desire to serve.

“My joining the APC and the City Boy Movement is based on my belief in this administration. I also intend to use this platform to serve the people of Adamawa at the National Assembly level. Mr. President has made youth inclusion in politics a reality,” Abubakar added.

The Director General of the City Boy Movement, Mr. Oluwatosin Shoga reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to youth participation in governance and leadership.

He noted that one of CBM’s core strategic mandates is to ensure that young Nigerians are deliberately positioned for leadership roles while encouraging greater youth involvement in the political process.

Abba’s delegation was received by the Director General of CBM, Mr. Shoga, and the National Coordinator, Mr. Favour Abayomi.

Continue Reading

Politics

Oriyomi Hamzat Formally Joins 2027 Oyo Governorship Race Under Accord Party

Published

on

By

Popular Ibadan-based broadcaster and founder of Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat has officially declared his intention to run for the 2027 Oyo State governorship under the Accord Party.

 

In a public declaration, Hamzat stated, “I am publicly declaring today that in 2027.

 

“I will not campaign for anyone or mobilise crowds for anyone.

 

“I will contest in the gubernatorial election under the Accord Party.”

 

The announcement signals Hamzat’s full commitment to his own political ambitions, stepping away from backing other candidates as he positions himself for the Oyo State governorship race.

Continue Reading

Trending