OVERSIGHT: LAGOS ASSEMBLY EMBARKS ON INSPECTION EXERCISE TO JOINT ACCOUNT COMMITTEE FUNDED PROJECTS; COMMENDS LGA AND LCDA CHAIRMEN ON PROJECT EXECUTION

In a bid to monitor the Joint Account Committee (JAC) funds issued to Local Governments in Lagos State, the Lagos State House of Assembly’s Committee on Local Government Administration and Community Affairs on 1st March 2021 embarked on an inspection tour on all 20 Local Governments and 37 LCDAs in the state to have a first hand knowledge on how the funds are expended.

The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Olawale Olayiwola Abdul-Sobur, who led a 5-Man delegate on the inspection, noted that the tour is aimed at checking the excesses of the Councils in terms of infrastructural developments, health care provision, road networks, drainages, education and also; to look into the relationship between the Executive and the Legislative arms in the Local Governments.

The first port of call was Agege Local Government where the Committee was conducted round by the Council boss Hon. Ganiyu Kolawole Egunjobi. Egunjobi showcased already completed projects as well as the ongoing projects. Part of the completed projects are the Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa legislative building, rehabilitation of council secretariat and Agege Primary School while the Agege health center under construction is set to finish by end of July 2021.

Other councils visited were Orile Agege LCDA, Ojokoro LCDA, Ikeja Local Government, Onigbongbo LCDA, Ojodu LCDA, Mosan Okunola LCDA, Ayobo Ipaja LCDA, Agbado Oke LCDA, Alimosho Local Government, Egbe Idimu LCDA, Igando Ikotun LCDA, Kosofe Local Government, Agboyi-Ketu LCDA and Ikosi-Isheri LCDA.

Hon. Olawale Abdul Sobur while commending the Chairmen of the Councils visited so far, said “we have seen the good job they have put in place, we have examined their books and seen the list of projects completed and the ongoing projects which is part of the reason we are here”. What we have seen in the Councils so far is commendable and we encourage them to do more so the electorates can feel the impact of quality representation in their various Local Government Areas.

Speaking on the harmonious relationship between the Legislative and the Executive in the council, Hon. Sobur urged Chairmen to see that there is synergy between then and implored them to promote cordial relationship for ease of work. He further urged the Chairmen who have their legislative buildings under construction to emulate the newly constructed legislative building in Agege Local Government.

Hon. Kehinde Joseph a member of the Committee, in his remarks while at Agboyi-Ketu LCDA said “The way the Council Chairmen have utilized tax payers money in carrying out laudable projects is very commendable and we pray them not to relent in their good works’

However, Hon. Nureni Akinsanya after commenting the council Chairmen noted his displeasure in the erection of structures on existing structures, he said ‘ while inspecting we noticed some new structures being erected on existing buildings which I totally do not support. For safety and integrity of the building, it is best to bring down the old building and construct a new one”. Hon Akinsanya cited an example “If you look at the 411 road in Okunola, the contractor started drainage with 16mm rods and at the end they started using 10mm. If the council engineers are on ground to surpervise the contractors such things won’t be seen”. He therefore advised the council engineers to give their best while carrying out their duties.

Hon. Rasheed Makinde while adding his remark at Agbado-Oke LCDA said “The Chairmen have done well, this shows that tax payers money are been used and expended on projects that will benefit lagosians and the general public” I commend the Chairmen for what they have done within their 3 years in office.

Other members in the committee on the inspection tour are; Hon. Olawale Age-Sulaiman, Hon. Kehinde Joseph, Hon. Nureni Akinsanya and Hon. Rasheed Makinde.

The second phase of the inspection tour will commence 8th March 2021.