Commotion in Nigerian Senate Over Special Grants for Lagos

The Senate plenary became rowdy on Wednesday during the reading of a bill sponsored by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, seeking special fund for Lagos, Punch reports.

During the second reading of the bill, the Chief Whip, Senator Olusola Adeyeye, one of those who supported the bill, had asked why the Federal Capital Territory was being subsidised by the Federal Government, whereas taxes were being paid for same government services in Lagos.

He also asked why some northern states which banned alcohol consumption were benefiting from the revenue from the VAT paid on alcohol consumed in Lagos.

Describing the FCT as “a rotten pampered child,” temper rose in the chamber, making the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the plenary, to ask Adeyeye to withdraw the statement, which he did.

By then, several aggrieved lawmakers had risen up, while some headed for the door.

The bill, which sought to compel the Federal Government to recognise Lagos as the country’s commercial capital, which was entitled to one per cent of the nation’s revenue, was squashed by the lawmakers.

More to come.

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