Give Lagos special status, Akiolu tells conference of speakers
By OBA Riliwanu Akiolu I, the Oba of Lagos, on Saturday, urged the Speakers of State Assemblies to give Lagos a Special Status
Akiolu made this remark when the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa led the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria to his palace on a courtesy call.
The Oba, who said that Lagos has some peculiar issues added: “I beg all of you, give Lagos Special Status. You have seen our problem. This is not politics”.
He described President Muhammadu Buhari as a non-materialistic minded public officer.
“God loves this country and we are very lucky. My appeal to you, my sons and daughters is that let peace return to this country. Nigeria is not going to break.
“If all of us will cooperate together, Nigeria will move forward. We are all one and we should regard ourselves as that.
“If you watch the life of President Buhari, he is not materialistically minded like the other people.
“Cooperate with the national government. I believe in the corporate existence of Nigeria,” Akiolu urged the speakers on the challenges facing Buhari’s administration.
The Oba, who noted that politicians were the same, urged Nigerians to watch as 2019 elections approach.
Akiolu, who urged the speakers to see the giant strides of the Lagos Assembly and Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode, said that number one problem of Lagos was the concession of Apapa Port.
He urged the politicians to have the welfare of the citizens at heart and ensure the security of lives and property.
The Oba, who advocated funding for security agencies, called for cooperation in the area of intelligence for security agencies to end the ongoing security challenges facing the country.
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Akiolu, who commended Ambode for massive investments in security, said that he had not hidden the fact the Ambode would serve the second term as governor.
The traditional ruler urged media practitioners to be professionally and avoid sensational reports in a bid to build a strong and united country.
The Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Alh. Ismailia Kamba said Akiolu was the Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State when he was a commissioner for Agriculture.
“He (Akiolu) served and left a very remarkable mark during his service and you played a fatherly role to ensure peace. Everybody in Kebbi always remember this indefatigable commissioner of police,” he said.
Kamba, the Speaker, Kebbi State House of Assembly, said that apart from deliberations on national issues, the conference would discuss the autonomy for the legislatures.
Obasa, who led the team to the palace described Akiolu as a mentor, counsellor, father and benefactor, who had dedicated his life to public service.
Obasa, who noted that the state was hosting the conference of Speakers for the second time, said that the conference aimed at discussing national issues as it affects various states.
He said that Akiolu had worked to ensure peace and tranquility in the state.
The Speaker, who noted that the Oba had contributed immensely to the state political development, urged other speakers to support the quest for special status for Lagos State.
The conference, who was declared opened earlier in the day in Ikeja, is expected to be rounded off on Sunday with a communiqué
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