Impeachment threat: Lagos APC leaders broker peace between Ambode, lawmakers

Patrick Okohue and Benjamin Omoike

Respite may have come the way of the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, as leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have waded into the crisis between the Governor and the state House of Assembly, which had led to an impeachment threat against the governor. Rising from a special meeting of the Governor’s Advisory Committee (GAC), yesterday, the leaders declare that the much publicized purported pending impeachment of the governor will not happen after all. The meeting which held in marina mainly aimed at resolving the conflict between the governor and the State House of Assembly was attended by APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Lagos central Senatorial Leader, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, his deputy, Dr. (Mrs) Idiat Adebute, House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, his Deputy, Hon. Wasiu Esinlokun, who all were said to have freely expressed their minds. Confirming the outcome of the meeting, Asiwaju 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.” Also speaking, the Lagos central Senatorial Leader, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, said, “the APC leader has spoken. This is just to further confirm the decisions that we reached. Conflict is an institutional part of the governance. The Executive/Legislature must work together. We have reached a decision that they must work together amicably. And very soon, both the Legislature and the Executive must resolve the grey areas in their relationship.” It will be recalled that on Monday, January 28, the members of the Lagos state House of Assembly moved against Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in an action that many see could lead to impeachment process on him. The Lagos Assembly also summoned the governor to appear before it within one week over the 2019 budget, which has caused disagreement between the two arms of government. The governor is under the heat over his failure to present the 2019 budget as constitutionally expected of him, well as issues with the 2018 appropriation law of the state. A committee set up by the House and chaired by the deputy speaker, Wasiu Sanni-Eshilokun, had reportedly alleged major infractions and gross violations. The House had afterwards adjourned to today, Monday February 4, to see the level of compliance with the invitation and decide a way forward.