Plenary
session of the Lagos State House of Assembly was yesterday thrown into a hot
debate when a motion on the Concession Agreement for Electronic Tolling System
(ETS) of the Lekki-Ikoyi Toll Bridge was moved by the Leader of the House,
Ajibayo Adeyeye.
session of the Lagos State House of Assembly was yesterday thrown into a hot
debate when a motion on the Concession Agreement for Electronic Tolling System
(ETS) of the Lekki-Ikoyi Toll Bridge was moved by the Leader of the House,
Ajibayo Adeyeye.
While presenting the motion, Adeyeye representing Kosofe
constituency II, said “that pursuant to the Lagos State Public Private Partnership
Law, 2011, this House do resolve to approve the request for the ratification of
the electronic tolling system operations and maintenance; concession terms and
conditions for the Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge and approval of the fare regime, as
forwarded by Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State.”
constituency II, said “that pursuant to the Lagos State Public Private Partnership
Law, 2011, this House do resolve to approve the request for the ratification of
the electronic tolling system operations and maintenance; concession terms and
conditions for the Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge and approval of the fare regime, as
forwarded by Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State.”
The motion had been seconded by Sultan Adeniji-Adele,
representing Amuwo-Odofin constituency 1, and Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji,
rewpresenting Ikeja constituency I, was about to approve it, when the Deputy
Speaker, Taiwo Kolawole, who represents Ajeromi-Ifelodun constituency I,
observed that the opinions of members were not sought by the Speaker.
representing Amuwo-Odofin constituency 1, and Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji,
rewpresenting Ikeja constituency I, was about to approve it, when the Deputy
Speaker, Taiwo Kolawole, who represents Ajeromi-Ifelodun constituency I,
observed that the opinions of members were not sought by the Speaker.
Ikuforiji, however, agreed with his deputy and gave room for
members to air their views on the proposal by the state executive arm.
members to air their views on the proposal by the state executive arm.
In his remarks, chairman, Committee on Information, Security,
Strategy and Publicity, Segun Olulade, representing Epe constituency II, said,
“some things are not clear because of the volume of the document and its value
to Lagosians. We should put away the tolling for now as this would not affect
the commissioning.”
Strategy and Publicity, Segun Olulade, representing Epe constituency II, said,
“some things are not clear because of the volume of the document and its value
to Lagosians. We should put away the tolling for now as this would not affect
the commissioning.”
On his part, Bisi Yusuf, Alimosho 1, said “if you look at the
volume of the document, you will discover that it needs a thorough and
analytical mind to analyse it.
Deputy Speaker, Kolawole noted “As far as I am concerned, this has nothing to
do with PPP law. This is not about provision of infrastructure because the
bridge has already been constructed using the taxpayers’ money.
volume of the document, you will discover that it needs a thorough and
analytical mind to analyse it.
Deputy Speaker, Kolawole noted “As far as I am concerned, this has nothing to
do with PPP law. This is not about provision of infrastructure because the
bridge has already been constructed using the taxpayers’ money.
So, why should we still toll a
bridge that we have built with our money?
bridge that we have built with our money?
Speaker Ikuforiji, who disagreed with almost all the lawmakers
who spoke against the tolling proposal, said the House should be blamed for not
raising these concerns earlier, when the state government was proposing the
construction of the bridge.
Some of the lawmakers however, refused to accept the blame, because, according
to them, the government did not avail them the opportunity to ratify details of
the project.
who spoke against the tolling proposal, said the House should be blamed for not
raising these concerns earlier, when the state government was proposing the
construction of the bridge.
Some of the lawmakers however, refused to accept the blame, because, according
to them, the government did not avail them the opportunity to ratify details of
the project.
It would be recalled that a letter from the state Attorney
General and Commissioner for Justice, Ade Ipaye, was read on the floor of the
House on Monday, seeking the “Ratification of the electronic tolling system
operation, maintenance, concession terms and conditions for the Lekki-Ikoyi
toll bridge.”
General and Commissioner for Justice, Ade Ipaye, was read on the floor of the
House on Monday, seeking the “Ratification of the electronic tolling system
operation, maintenance, concession terms and conditions for the Lekki-Ikoyi
toll bridge.”
After much deliberation on the matter, the House adjourned the
plenary till Thursday, when they hope to take a stand on the matter.
plenary till Thursday, when they hope to take a stand on the matter.
The bridge will however be commissioned today, Wednesday, by the
state governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola.
state governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola.
Source: My Daily Newswatch
