Ambode, assembly trade blame as budget presentation fails again

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has again failed to present the 2019 budget at the House of Assembly.

The governor had wanted to present the budget on December 28, 2018, but the assembly was on recess.

It was gathered from reliable sources that the governor was supposed to present the budget yesterday, but at plenary, the clerk of the house, Mr. Azeez Sanni, stated that there was no message from the governor.

Meanwhile, sources close to the governor told The Guardian that Ambode had contacted the lawmakers that he was set to present the budget, but was not given the opportunity.

About 3pm, it seemed that the appropriation bill would be presented, because journalists trooped to the assembly.

But an official at the assembly told the newshounds that the presentation would no longer hold.

“I know you are journalists and are here to do your job, but the budget will not be presented today,” he said. “The speaker and the lawmakers are having a private session and would not like to see people at the lobby.”

Meanwhile, the state has lifted embargo on the granting of permits for the construction of petrol stations and gas plants, disclosing that all filling stations set up after a ban was placed on the granting of permits on April 26, 2017 were illegal.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Rotimi Ogunleye, at a briefing, said following the lifting of the embargo, the governor also approved the implementation of a reviewed guideline detailing the requirements to be met by operators seeking permits for fuel stations.

He promised that the government would come down heavily on stations that failed to comply with the new approved guidelines.

Ogunleye, therefore, implored residents to alert government whenever illegal fuel stations are being constructed in their areas.

According to him, the state government is concerned about improving the aesthetic value and the efficiency of operation in the planning, building control and urban regeneration of the state.

“Investors are implored to apply for planning information from the ministry of physical planning and urban development before embarking on any development for firsthand information about the kind of development that can be done in a specific area of the state.

“Planning information is a free service rendered by the ministry to the public, providing information on land use zoning, permissible use, plot size, building coverage and height, deviation setback, airspace and parking requirements,” he stated.