The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has given assurance to work with whatever is the outcome of the 2024 budget estimates, saying there exists a bond between him and the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.
This was just as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr. Mudashiru Obasa, promised that the quick passage of the budget will be a New Year gift to residents.
Sanwo-Olu spoke in Abuja where Lagos State lawmakers held a budget retreat, describing the lawmakers as the best among their counterparts in other states.
Sanwo-Olu had on Wednesday presented a historic Year 2024 Budget of N2.246, 234 trillion to members of the State House of Assembly.
In the budget, the Capital Expenditure is a total figure of N1.224 and recurrent expenditure of N1.021 trillion. The recurrent expenditure stands at N1.021,954trn (45%) while capital expenditure represents N1.224,280 (55%).
Speaking with the lawmakers at the retreat, Sanwo-Olu said: “This is the best and finest and it is worthy of emulation. I want to thank you and say this is indeed how we should always organise ourselves. Keep up raising the bar.”
He thanked the Speaker, members, the Assembly Commission, and staff of the House for always putting Lagos first before other considerations.
His words: “You see, what Lagos State is doing shows that we are leading the way for other states to copy. We show the way in legislative, executive and judiciary affairs.
“This is an avenue for you to bond, interact, appreciate one another and effectively do the job that Lagosians have asked us to do.
“There is the talk around town that we have a big budget, but I also tell them it is because we are big people. I appreciate the fact that you have huge responsibility and I pray God Almighty to give you the ability and courage to do the work dispassionately.
“Whatever is the outcome, you can rest assured that the Governor will stand by it and work with you.
“There is no animosity between the Speaker and myself. We are two different sides of the same coin. We are brothers and friends, and God will lead us to a level where we can take Lagos to an irreversible state.
“Mr. President is watching us. He has no other state that he can call his own. He is the President of Nigeria, but he has his roots in Lagos. Our success is his success and Nigeria’s success. When we get it right, the whole nation will be on its way to getting it right.”
Describing the Governor as a leader, brother and performer, Obasa noted that Sanwo-Olu had always supported the House to carry out its functions.
According to the Speaker, “He has always answered our calls at every point in time. Thank you for coming to check on us and for everything you have been doing.
“We also thank you for not being like other governors who seal up the Assembly complex or who remove roofs of Assembly buildings. That is why Lagos is great and the Lagos State House of Assembly is above the common standards of excellence.
“We are working on the 2024 budget and that is why we are here. I want to assure you that we will do our best to return the approved budget to you as soon as possible. It is going to be a New Year present to you and the people of Lagos,” the Speaker said.
Segun James
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