Senator Solomon Adeola on Sunday called asked the Federal Government to provide a special grant to Lagos State Government to rebuild critical infrastructure destroyed by hoodlums during the #EndSARS protests.
Adeola, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, also renewed the clarion call on the Federal Government to grant Lagos a Special Status.
The lawmaker, who represents Lagos West Senatorial District in the Upper Chamber, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kayode Odunaro, was among the South West Senators briefed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on the destruction of public and private properties across Lagos State worth over N1trillion following the #EndSARS protests.
Adeola insisted that agitations have been on over the years for Lagos to be accorded a special status for being the nation’s economic nerve centre and former Capital.
He said the state is home to many federal infrastructure and inhabited by a huge population of all tribes from across the country.
He added the resources of the state government alone cannot adequately cater for the population and pressure on amenities arising out of the status of the state as an acknowledged mega city with a population of over 20 million people.
Adeola said: “The issue of special status for Lagos State has again been brought to the front burner following the fallout of the protests against extra-judicial killings and Police brutality.
“With the magnitude of the destruction of critical infrastructure in Lagos State last week, it is inconceivable that the Lagos Government alone can handle the rebuilding of destroyed properties, most of which are for public good.
“It is necessary at this time to state that when the Federal Government makes intervention to assist the states like the N1billion per state to assist in efforts aimed at stemming the COVID-19 pandemic, Lagos State should be more favourably treated in view of its status.
“Nigerians who daily utilise the services of the burnt BRT Buses are not asked their state of origin before they board.”
He commended Sanwo-Olu for his adroit and patriotic handling of the crisis within the powers and resources available to him.
He called for urgent grant from the Federal Government to aid the Lagos State Government in rebuilding and replacing destroyed public facilities of all kinds during the attendant mayhem to the protest
