Lagos APC leaders halt moves to impeach Ambode

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos have asked the state assembly to drop the move to impeach Akinwunmi Ambode, the governor.

The conflict between the governor and the lawmakers was resolved at a special governor’s advisory committee (GAC) meeting held in Marina, Lagos, on Sunday.

Among those who attended the meeting were the governor, Idiat Adebule, his deputy; Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governorship candidate of the APC in Lagos; Bola Tinubu, a national leader of the APC; Mudashiru Obasa, the speaker; Wasiu Eshinlokun, deputy speaker; and Tajudeen Olusi, an APC leader in Lagos Island.

Addressing reporters after the meeting, 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.”

On his part, Olusi expressed optimism that both arms of government will work amicably henceforth.

“The APC leader has spoken. This is just to further confirm the decisions that we reached,” he said.

“Conflict is an institutional part of the governance. The executive and 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.”

The lawmakers had threatened to oust the governor over the 2019 budget, accusing him of incurring expenses from it without presenting it before the assembly.

They had given him a week to appear before them, threatening that failure to honour their invitation would lead to the commencement of impeachment proceedings.