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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Jimi Agbaje, has said he will retain the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) created by the Bola Tinubu administration, if elected.
Agbaje told reporters in Lagos that he would grant greater autonomy to the LCDAs and the original 20 local government areas.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 37 LCDAs created in 2003 are yet to be listed in the Constitution and recognised by the Federal Government.
The Federal Government still deals with Lagos State on the basis of the original 20 local government areas but Lagos State has been running the grassroots through the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs.
Agbaje said if elected, his administration would move on with the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs.
He said the LCDAs had been recognised by political parties.
On reconciliation with Musiliu Obanikoro who went to court after losing the party’s ticket to him, Agbaje said the party had a unity of purpose.
He said the APC administration in the state had good policies, made achievements in some areas, but recorded poor implementation of many policies due to “vested interest”.
“Vested interest will prefer building commercial houses to constructing low cost houses,’’ he said.
Agbaje said that, if elected, his administration would construct low cost houses and offer free quality health care services through a health insurance model, in partnership with the private sector.
“PDP will do things differently. We will have the boldness to do it,’’ he said.
Agbaje said that if elected, his administration would allocate five per cent of the state procurement project for young entrepreneurs and graduates, adding that he would ensure transparent public procurement process.
The governorship candidate also said the administration would exploit the aquatic nature of the state to develop its economy.
“We have not tapped the ocean’s resources. We will take advantage of our living on water and take what is there to build our economy.
“We will ensure that Epe and Ikorodu are national fisheries processing hubs and the focal points of the new ocean economy,’’ he said.
Agbaje said that his administration would ensure 100,000 vocational and internship places annually as well as local and international certification and standards for artisans and technicians.
He added that his administration would ensure that companies operating in the state employed a certain percentage of their workers from their host communities.
Agbaje said his administration would avoid multiple taxes, cancel tolls and expand the tax system
