20/03/2020
STAKEHOLDERS AIRED THEIR VIEWS IN APAPA-IGANMU LCDA WITH NEW PROPOSED BILLS
* Bill to reestablish Annual Grant to indigent students in Apapa-Iganmu LCDA
* Bill to amend Environment and other related purposes:
- Prohibition of Abandoned vehicles on
roads/dumping of refuse on roads,
drainages, and canals
- Prohibition of Cow rearing within the
Community
- Establishment of Environmental taskforce
- Prohibition of Sales on Walkways
* Bill to restrict people from total blocking of Roads/Streets for Party/Social and Religious activities in Apapa-Iganmu LCDA
* Bill to amend Traffic and Parking Control in Apapa-Iganmu LCDA
* Bill to amend the Control of Kiosks, Workshops and Private Lock Up Shops Rates and Permit
* Prohibition of Gas Shops within the Streets in Apapa-Iganmu LCDA
- Fire Extinguisher and Fire Fighting
Equipment control
Issues surrounding the abovementioned new proposed/amendment bills were discussed at a day stakeholders public hearing held at the Council Secretariat on Thursday March 19, 2020.
A bill entitled, "A Bill For Annual Grant to Indigent Students of Higher Institution of Learning in Apapa-Iganmu LCDA" addresses issues such as benefits and criterion of selecting the indigent students every year. The criterion clearly stated and discussed at the public hearing; Application shall be opened to all tertiary students in Apapa Iganmu LCDA with copies of Admission letter, School Identity card, Birth Certificate and Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA Card).
A stakeholder, Mrs. Shade observed that the Executive Chairman of the LCDA and Vice Chairman doubled as Supervisor for Education should be part of the selection process as committee.
Mrs. Shade added that the selection base on merit; That it shouldn't be on favour and or politicize.
Speaking on the other bills, Mrs. Shade observed that A bill to restrict people from Total Blocking of Streets/Roads for party, social and other religious activities should be total ban so as avoid misconception of the law to block a side of the road for such activities in a case of emergency. She added that anyone planning for an event should as well plan to rent a befitting venue for the event not blocking of roads.
Also speaking, Comrade Ola Ayobami from the Nigeria Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association, Lagos State Chapter NLPGA called for clarification on a Bill to restrict Gas Shops within Apapa Iganmu LCDA, which concerns NLPGA as they have operational rights given to them by the Government.
He admitted that the way most of their members operate is unlawful and that needs to be checkmatted but he will urge the government not to deprived them of the operational right rather than regulate their operation.
In his submission, Comrade Ola Ayobami said there are rules and regulations guiding their operation and urged the legislative council to take time in studying the guidelines before passing the bill into law.
Speaking on behalf of the Youth Council, Comrade Dayo Adodeyin toed the line of Mrs. Shade on a Bill to Reestablish the Annual Grant to indigent students of Higher Institution of Learning in Apapa Iganmu LCDA to make sure it is done base on merit so that a common man will benefit from this laudable idea.
Comrade Dayo speaks on a Bill to Restrict people from total blocking of Streets/Roads for party, social and other religious activities should retain its standard instead of total ban; people should allow to use the street for party but outright blocking of Streets should not be allow. According to him, many cannot afford paying huge amount to rent event hall or space. He also urge the Legislative Council to also come up with a bill to curb insecurity so as to address the current menace in Apapa Iganmu LCDA.
Speaking on the Bill to amend the Control of Kiosks, Workshops and Private Lock Up Shops Rates and Permit, the representative of Baba and Iya Oloja appeal to the Council that amendment on shop rates and permit shouldn't be an increment on the rate.
Hon. Dr. Funmilayo Akande-Muhammed, the Executive Chairman of Apapa Iganmu LCDA commend the 4th Legislative Council under the leadership of Hon. Mujidat Funmilayo Lanihun for their job well-done.
Responding to some of the observations, the Executive Chairman, Hon. Dr. Alhaja Funmilayo Akande-Muhammed said her government will not support any act that will endanger the citizen of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA. With that reason, she will support and ensure the enforcement of the proposed bills after passing into law especially the bill on gas shops.
On the Gas bill, the Executive Chairman now charged the NLPGA to provide the council with list of authorized gas dealers to know which of the gas shops operating out of their guidelines.
Responding to Comrade Dayo on his observation on the issue of insecurity, the Executive Chairman reaffirmed her administration commitment in curbing the issue of insecurity. "My adminstartion is working tirelessly with the security agencies in ensuring peaceful society for all." She explained.
The Leader of the House, Hon. Mujidat took her time in explaining the purpose and terms of each bills and assure the public observation will be considered.
"The purpose of the proposed bills is to enhance and compliment the good work of the Executive Chairman of the LCDA as well as putting in place the law in cautioning the people of Apapa Iganmu LCDA when going out of order." Hon. Mujidat explained.
