The conflict between the Lagos House of Assembly and Governot Akinwumi Ambode over budget matters appears to have been resolved, at least for now.
The House had given Ambode seven days to answer to a query from it or face impeachment, leading to demonstrations from groups and residents rooting for the governor and daring the House to continue with its plot.
A group had disclosed that the plot was allegedly the handiwork of an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain punishing Ambode’s reluctance to release N200 billion for APC’s 2019 campaigns in Lagos.
But after a meeting of party chieftains in Lagos under the platform of the Special Governor’s Advisory Committee (GAC) meeting in Marina, Lagos, former Lagos Governor and party leader, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, said, “We held a meeting on behalf of entire Lagosians. In the last one week or so, there has been some talk about a conflict between the Executive and the Legislature in Lagos.
“This is of great concern to us. We looked at the source of the conflict, which is normal in a democracy and that is why there are also conflict-resolution mechanisms.
“We examined the grievances on both sides. As leaders, we also looked into areas where there has to be compromise.
“In order to build institutions and encourage consensus-building, we have to do what is right.”
“There is no impeachment. Let there be more communication and consensus-building and understanding. All these are inbuilt in the democratic system.
“We thank the Speaker and the leadership of the House. We thank the Governor and the Deputy Governor.
“They have all demonstrated respect for the party leadership in Lagos. You know when Lagos sneezes, other areas catch cold.
“We are happy that we are able to resolve the conflict and things will start moving well going forward.”
Among those at the meeting were Ambode and the House leaders.