Lagos APC elders urged the two organs of government to promote a culture of communication, consensus building and understanding, which are ingredients of democracy.
Acknowledging conflict as an essential element of politics, the elders advised both arms of government to embrace compromise and conflict resolution mechanisms offered by the party structures.
Members of the Governorship Advisory Council (GAC) converged on the State House, Marina, for a special meeting to review the conflict between Ambode and legislators and its implications for the ruling party in the state in the run-up to general elections.
At the meeting were the APC stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Lagos Central APC senatorial leader Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Ambode, his deputy, Dr. Idiat Adebule, Obasan and his deputy, Wasiu Esinlokun.
Tinubu thanked the governor and the lawmakers for reposing confidence in the GAC, stressing that they have demonstrated respect for the party leadership in Lagos.
Acknowledging the expression of grievances on both sides, he said it is normal in politics.
The former governor spoke of the need for key actors to do what is right, if they want to build institutions and encourage consensus building.
Tinubu stressed: “We held a meeting on behalf of entire Lagosians. In the last one week or so, there has been some talk about conflict between the executive and legislature in Lagos. This is of great concern to us. We looked at the source of the conflict, which is normal in 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. 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.”
Olusi, a Third Republic member of the House of Representatives, said the legislature and executive must always endeavor to work in harmony, urging the two arms to understand their differences and promote peace.
He said: “The APC leader has spoken. That is just to further confirm the decision that we reached. Conflict is an institutional part of governance. The executive and legislature must work together. We have reached a decision that they must work together amicably. Very soon, both the legislature and the executive must resolve the grey areas in their relationship.”
Also at the meeting were: Former Deputy Governor Abiodun Ogunleye, one-time Finance Commissioner Wale Edu, APC Chairman Tunde Balogun, Chief Lanre Rasaq, Chief Mutiu Aare, Seriki Bamu, Busura Alebiosu, Muftau Taiwo, Murphy Adetoro, Olofunfunmi Basorun, Oladele Ajomale, Majority Leader Sinai Agunbiade; Chief Whip Rotimi Abiru, Lagos APC governorship candidate Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his deputy Femi Hamzat, Lagos East Senatorial candidate Bayo Osinowo, Dr. Yomi Finnih and Prof Tunde Samuel, among other principal officers of the Lagos Assembly.
