Minister of Mines and Steel
Development, Kayode Fayemi and Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode are on a
collision course over the Court of Appeal ruling on control of waterways.
On Monday, the federal ministry
urged all duly licensed dredgers in Lagos to go about their legitimate duties
without hindrance by the Lagos State Government.
A statement by Mohammed Abass,
the Permanent Secretary said that dredgers should disregard any instruction
seeking them to stop their lawful operations.
Lagos dared the federal
government last week as it issued a seven-day ultimatum to boat operators,
dredgers and stakeholders in the state’s inland waterways sector to comply with
laws, rules and guidelines concerning their operations or face sanctions.
But Abbas in a statement said:
“It is trite to state that by virtue of the Constitution of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended), federal laws in respect of
administration of mining activities and utility of inland waterways supersede
those of states; in the instance as it affects issues on the exclusive
legislative list.”
“A cursory review of the ruling of the learned
justices of the Court of Appeal indicates a clear recognition of the powers and
responsibilities of the various arms and organs of government with respect to
administration of mining and inland waterways,” he said.
He noted that the ministry was at
a loss as to why some officials would willfully attempt to inverse the ruling
of the court to suit their much anticipated outcome.
The permanent secretary said that
the learned justices were clear about the extent and limitation of powers of
the various arms of government.
He said the ministry took the
development with all seriousness and solemn commitment, adding that the FMMSD
had already commenced the process of consultations on the issue with all
relevant and affected arms and agencies of the government.
The official, however, added that
the ministry was confident that an amicable resolution would be reached in no
time.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete