Rift between Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and the State House of Assembly over the state’s 2019 budget may soon be resolved as both parties have moved to find a common ground.
In fact, a committee set up by the Assembly headed by the Majority Leader, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade met the executive team led by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Idiat Adebule at the Assembly premises on Friday for a meeting to resolve the on-going crisis amicably.
The other members of the Committee are: Hons. Moshood Oshun, Dayo Saka Fafunmi, Lanre Ogunyemi and Mojisola Lasbat Miranda
Sources close to the committee, confirmed the meeting, said to be part of an agreement to ensure that actions are taken in the interest of the state.
The House had recently given Ambode a seven-day ultimatum to appear before it and answer to allegations of misconduct and infractions in relation to the 2018 and the 2019 budgets.
It had also threatened that if the alleged infractions on the budget continues, the House would be forced to constitutionally sanction the governor, which is euphemism for impeachment.
The threat, however, led to a massive protest by admirers of the Governor to the Assembly on Thursday calling on the lawmakers to shelve the impeachment plan and let Ambode be.
This was followed by a press briefing by a coalition of civil society groups condemning the move by the lawmakers and threatening to shut down the Assembly if the action is not halted.
The current reconciliatory effort may be in response to these public outcry and concerns by the party leadership over possible backlash of such actions with election just few weeks away.
It was learnt that the committee met with some commissioners on Thursday.
A source said on Friday: “Our people have also met with the deputy governor over the current friction. The meeting is just to find an amicable ground.
“We know the executive arm actually committed the infractions, but for the interest of the state and to keep it safe ahead of the election, we have to look for a soft landing for them.”
Also, it was learnt that the outcome of the meeting may be deliberated at a parliamentary session when the lawmakers reconvene.
The lawmakers had alleged that the governor had begun spending the 2019 budget yet to be presented to the House as demanded by the constitution. Besides, the governor allegedly spent outside the 2018 budget without recourse to the House.
Nation
