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- The Senate has rejected a bill seeking to compel the Federal Government to recognize Lagos as the country’s commercial capital.
- Based on the bill, the recognition will entitle Lagos to one per cent of the nation’s revenue. The bill, which was sponsored by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was rejected in a rowdy session on Wednesday.
- During the second reading of the bill, the Chief Whip, Senator Olusola Adeyeye, one of those who supported the bill, had asked why the Federal Capital Territory was being subsidised by the Federal Government, whereas taxes were being paid for same government services in Lagos.
- He also asked why some northern states which banned alcohol consumption were benefiting from the revenue from the VAT paid on alcohol consumed in Lagos.
- After he described the FCT as “a rotten pampered child,” tempers flared in the chamber, making the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the plenary, to ask Adeyeye to withdraw the statement, which he did. By then, several aggrieved lawmakers had risen up, while some headed for the door.
- Source: Punch