- Sanwo-Olu Renews Call for Special Status, State Police in Lagos
- Emphasizes the need to officially recognize the 37 LCDAs
- Sanwo-Olu urges all stakeholders and citizens to actively engage and express their opinions
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu, has once again emphasized the urgent need to grant Lagos State a Special Status, stating that this request is long overdue, Eko Hot Blog reports.
Represented by his deputy, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the Governor explained that the demand has become necessary due to the state’s strategic importance, particularly as a former federal capital and the heavy responsibilities it continues to shoulder.
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Governor Sanwo Olu made this appeal on Saturday during the South West Centre A (Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States) public hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, held at Watercress Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.
He also renewed the call for the establishment of State Police, stressing that the idea is not merely about terminology but about effectively safeguarding lives.
He argued that when a nation relocates its capital from one state to another, it should not leave the former capital to manage the consequences alone. Instead, the affected state should be compensated with special privileges.
He urged the federal government to treat Lagos fairly by recognizing its unique role and granting it a Special Status.
Sanwo Olu stated, “Any state that once served as the federal capital should not be left to bear the full burden of the assets and liabilities it inherited. We must be fair to the people of Lagos by acknowledging its continued responsibility and granting it a special status.”
The Governor further emphasized the need to officially recognize the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the Nigerian Constitution.
He explained that since their establishment in 2003, these LCDAs have significantly contributed to bringing governance closer to the people and fostering development at the grassroots. Therefore, they should be constitutionally acknowledged.
He concluded by stating that the public hearing goes beyond being a routine constitutional process. It represents an important chance for the people of Lagos and the wider South West region to actively participate in shaping the nation’s highest legal framework.
He said, “As we embark on this critical process of reviewing our constitution, we must be guided by the principles of inclusiveness, equity, and justice. We must listen to everyone, men and women, young and old, from all corners of our communities. Their hopes, worries, and dreams should shape the amendments that come out of this process.”
While commending the House of Representatives Committee for its dedication to a transparent and inclusive constitutional review process, the Governor urged all stakeholders and citizens to actively engage and express their opinions with a clear sense of purpose.
He reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance, and adherence to the rule of law. “We will continue to support all efforts aimed at strengthening our constitutional framework and deepening democratic values,” he said.
Earlier, the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives and Chairman of South West Centre A, Rt Hon Isiaka Ibrahim Ayokunle, emphasized the committee’s full commitment to a fair, open, and transparent review. He acknowledged the vital contributions of stakeholders and their essential role in shaping the nation’s future.
Ayokunle explained that the goal of the committee is to ensure the review process reflects the diverse aspirations of Nigerians while promoting justice and equity. He stressed the importance of transparency and keeping stakeholders informed throughout the entire process.
He assured the public that all memoranda and suggestions submitted to the committee would be carefully reviewed, consolidated, and given due consideration at the National Assembly.
In their goodwill messages, the Speakers of the Houses of Assembly from Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States expressed support for several key issues.
These included constitutional recognition for Traditional Rulers, the devolution of powers from the central government, the establishment of state police, inclusion of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the Constitution, transfer of control over waterways to state governments, and tackling insecurity, among other concerns specific to the region.
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