Hardship: Sanwo-Olu, Fashola, others make case for the vulnerable

By Lukman Olabiyi

The Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his predecessor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), have stressed the need for urgent sacrifices to alleviate the current hardship caused by the economic downturn rocking the country.

The duo spoke during the 18th edition of the state Executive and Legislative Parley organised by the office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, with the theme, “Engaging All for an Inclusive Governance; Hands On for a Greater Lagos Rising.”

They emphasised the need for more empowerment programmes to cater for the vulnerable and small businesses in the state, while also relaxing some taxes and levies being paid by the people

Sanwo-Olu said: “This parley stands as one of the enduring and significant legacies of our leader, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is a platform that has played a significant role in promoting mutual understanding and a harmonious relationship between the Executive and Legislative arms of government.

“There is no gainsaying that the understanding and mutual respect brought about by this parley has been a key driver of the milestone achievements that successive administrations in the state have recorded.

“It is also important to state that this forum has also provided the opportunity for serving members of the executive and legislature to benefit from the knowledge, experience and wisdom of our leaders who are our forebears in public service and governance.

“I wish to acknowledge the fact that both the executive under my watch and the legislature have continued to maintain an uncompromising posture in the pursuit of the vision of a greater Lagos which is fast on the rise.”

The keynote Speaker at the parley, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, said governments can relax some taxes and levies currently being paid by the people for them to heave a sigh of relief from the hardship.

He said: “If you look around the world, democracy is increasingly dysfunctional. People are asking, is it what we signed off for?