A day after the Lagos State governor accused the Federal Ministry of Works of frustrating some of his plans in Lagos State, the minister has replied.

In a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode accused the federal ministry of two things: failure to allow the state government rebuild the Oshodi road that leads to the Lagos Airport and failure to ensure the proper handover of the Presidential Lodge in Lagos to the state government as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

On Thursday, the Works minister, Babatunde Fashola, who is Mr. Ambode’s predecessor as Lagos governor, denied the allegations.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Hakeem Bello, Mr. Fashola said his “response is to ensure that members of the public are not misled by deliberate or inadvertent mis-statements” of the Lagos governor.

The minister explained that the request of the Lagos government to take over the Oshodi-airport road, as well as three other federal roads in the state, was still being discussed at the Federal Executive Council.

“Federal Executive Council Memorandum are debated and commented upon by all members and in cases of roads, surveys, maps and other material have to be provided to assist members to understand the location and connectivity of the roads, (in this case Four roads), in order to assist how they vote on the Memorandum,” Mr. Bello said.

On the presidential lodge, Mr. Fashola’s aide said it was currently being run by the presidency and that his ministry was working with relevant security officials for the handover.

“The Presidential Lodge is a high-security location, and officials of the Ministry also require security clearance to enter in order to do any works,” he said.

Mr. Bello, who listed some other areas the works ministry has cooperated with the Lagos government, then questioned his successor’s motive for the allegations.

“The motive behind these public accusations must, therefore, be scrutinized coming barely a week after the Governor spoke with the Honourable Minister, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN on the outstanding requests of the state for several minutes …”

I am really disappointed with Fed Min. Of Works inactivity in Lagos State in the past two years. It is inexcusable when one realizes that the immediate past governor of Lagos is the head of the ministry.

If Lagos State does not enjoy Federal Govt presence now that the state is in affinity with the ruling party, tell me when is it going to happen?

JAGABAN pls call ur children to order

what a scientific response.

Fashola doesn't like the shine Ambode is getting in Lagos.

mr not a rocket science

Mortiple:
I am really disappointed with Fed Min. Of Works inactivity in Lagos State in the past two years. It is inexcusable when one realizes that the immediate past governor of Lagos is the head of the ministry.

If Lagos State does not enjoy Federal Govt presence now that the state is in affinity with the ruling party, tell me when is it going to happen?

It's simple. Lagos always shines best in opposition. So we can safely assume they're still in opposition since both parties want to make us believe they can't work together without making public show of shame out of it.