Lagos Guber: Gov Sanwo-Olu wins at the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of Nigeria, Friday, affirmed the election of Sanwo-Olu as the authentic governor of Lagos in the March 18 general electron. The five-man panel of the Apex Court thereby rubbished the appeal brought before it by the Labour Party(LP) and its governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour. The court held that the petition seeking the disqualification of Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy Obafemi Hamza from the poll totally lacked merit. In a unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Garba Lawal, the court held that the allegations of renouncing Nigerian citizenship by the Lagos State Deputy Governor for the United States of America cannot be used to disqualify the respondents. The Apex Court said that since Obafemi Hamza is a Nigerian by birth, his acquisition of American citizen has not taken his right as a Nigerian from him. It also maintained that the Petitioners failed prove with credible evidence that the Deputy Governor indeed renounced his Nigerian citizenship. Consequence to the above, the court upheld that the decision of the Court of Appeal which had on November 15 dismissed the earlier appeal filed by Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and Labour Party against the election of Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Recall that the Court of Appeal three-member panel led by Yargata Nimpar, had in a unanimous decision affirmed the judgement of the Lagos State Election Petitions Tribunal that upheld the victory of Sanwo-Olu as the elected governor of Lagos in the March 18 election.

Controversial Information: Procurement Agency Apologizes To Sanwo-Olu, Deputy

The Lagos State Public Procurement Agency has formally apologized to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat in light of the controversy caused by information published on its website. Recently, the agency released details regarding government expenditures during the current administration, sparking considerable discussions on various social media platforms. In a statement attributed to the director-general, Fatai Onafowote, the agency reiterated its unwavering commitment to upholding transparency, accuracy, and accountability in all governmental transactions.  Onafowote underscored the agency’s strict adherence to the provisions laid out in the Lagos State Public Procurement Law. Acknowledging the confusion that arose from the information on the website, Onafowote clarified that the lack of descriptive clarity in certain details led to misunderstandings and unintended reactions. “We deeply regret any confusion stemming from the insufficient descriptive information in our project disclosures, impacting both governmental bodies and our corporate partners,” the statement mentioned. Expressing empathy for public concerns, the agency extended heartfelt apologies for any distress caused.  They emphasized that their intent was never to sow doubt or create misunderstandings that could harm the reputation of esteemed individuals or organizations involved in these transactions.

Environmental Degradation: Sanwo-Olu Seals Mile 12, Owode Onirin Markets

Lagos State government has sealed the Mile 12 International Market and the Owode Onirin Market on Friday for creating environmental malfeasance. The Ministry of Environment and Water Resources stated in Ikeja, that the markets were sealed because of indiscriminate dumping and burning of refuse, the filthy environment, and blocked drains. It stated that the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, directed the Lagos Waste Management Agency and “KAI’’ to seal the markets. “The reasons for sealing the markets are not unconnected with the indiscriminate dumping and burning of refuse, filthy environment, blocked and littered drains. “The action also followed illegal and indiscriminate parking and abandonment of trucks on the highway leading to the two markets, impeding free flow of traffic,’’ the ministry stated. 

Elevator Tragedy: Sanwo-Olu hands installer over to police for questioning

The Lagos State Government has handed the installer responsible for the faulty elevator that led to the death of medical doctor Vwaere Diaso at the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island, over to the police for questioning. NIGERIAN ANCHOR had reported that the incident occurred last Tuesday, prompting the government to initiate an inquiry into the accident. In a statement, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Olumide Sogunle, stated that a panel has been set up to investigate the incident. The panel includes experts who will conduct a thorough mechanical and electrical examination of the elevator. The lift installer was immediately interviewed by the panel and handed over to the police for further interrogation to ensure his availability for additional questioning. Representatives of the medical associations and six house officers were appointed as witnesses and allowed to be part of the panel. The panel has been given 48 hours to complete their investigation, and a report of their initial findings is expected on Saturday. The appropriate authorities will take any necessary further actions based on the panel’s report. Meanwhile, the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has continued its indefinite strike in three hospitals to protest the death of their colleague. Further updates on the investigation and the strike are yet to be confirmed by the appropriate authorities.