LAGOS ASSEMBLY HALTS REMOVAL OF LCDA CHAIRMAN

The Lagos State House of Assembly, on Thursday, halted the removal of the Chairman of Lekki Local Council Development Authority, Mr. Tajudeen Ajayi.

The Assembly directed that the status quo be maintained pending the conclusion of investigation into the process leading to his removal.

Taiwo was allegedly removed from office by a four man ad-hoc Committee set up by the local council.

The Speaker of the House, Mr. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, has constituted a four man ad-hoc committee, to be chaired by Mr. Olamilekan Adeola, Alimosho II, to investigate the matter and report back to the House within a week.

Other members of the committee are Dayo Fafunmi, Ifako-Ijaiye I); Adio Saheed, (Ojo I); and Babajide Akinloye (Eti-Osa I).

Adeyemi said, 'Pending the outcome of the investigation by the committee, status quo should be maintained, meaning that the Chairman is still in charge, while the councilors are enjoined to maintain peace and wait for the outcome of the ad-hoc committee of the House.'

The Clerk of the House, Mr. Taiwo Olatunji had read a letter written by the legislative council of Lekki LCDA to the House of Assembly, informing it of their resolve to impeach the chairman for alleged financial recklessness and misappropriation of fund among other allegations.

The House Majority Leader, Kolawole Taiwo, while responding to the letter, urged the House to ensure that due process is followed in the removal of the chairman.

'Though the councilors have constitutional power to remove the chairman, notwithstanding, due process leading to his impeachment must be followed to the letter,' he said.

The lawmaker representing the Lekki area, Mr. Musiliu Alogba, expressed regret at the development, saying, however, that he was in support of the House' decision.

He said, 'It's a pity the letter emanated from the Lekki LCDA but notwithstanding, due process needs to be followed.'

In a related development, Mr. Rotimi Olowo, Somolu I, called on the Lagos House to organise training programmes on legislative proceedings for councilors from across the state, saying this would facilitate and further build their capacity in the lawmaking process.

In his own contribution, Sinai Agunbiade, Ikorodu I, said that the councilors should be invited to brief the House and give further clarification on the impeachment.