SENATE APPROVES LAGOS LOAN REQUEST

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode

The Senate, on Tuesday, approved a $200 million loan from the World Bank for the Lagos State Government.

President Muhammadu Buhari had written the Senate seeking approval for the Lagos Government’s Development Policy Operation Loan.
In his contribution to the debate on the loan request, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Danjuma Goje, said the legislative body should withhold approval for loans that could impose huge burden on future governments.
Mr. Goje, however, added that he supported the Lagos’ request.
Also, George Sekibo asked the Senate to ensure it monitors utilisation of loans approved.
Meanwhile, there was a mild drama in the chamber Wednesday as Remi Tinubu temporarily sat on the seat meant for the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.
She was on Mr. Ekweremadu’s seat to enable her to get close to the Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, for a discussion.
While on the seat, she signaled her intention to second the motion for the approval of the loan request.
She was, however, rebuked by PDP senators.
Mrs. Tinubu, bowing to the PDP Senators’ demand, left for her seat to second the motion but returned to Mr. Ekweremadu’s seat to continue her discussion with Mr. Ndume.
Mr. Ekweremadu was absent at Wednesday’s plenary.