Posted by By Paul Sanusi/Tunde Lemuel on
First executive governor of Lagos state, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, has advised governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, to revive the metroline project proposed by his administration but abandoned by the military.
First executive governor of Lagos state, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, has advised governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, to revive the metroline project proposed by his administration but abandoned by the military.
He described it as the best solution to the transportation problems in the state. In a chat with P.M.News, Jakande revealed that 19 French companies had already signified intention to execute the project which was to cost only N700 million before his administration was kicked out by the military in 1983.
The project, according to Jakande, was cancelled by the then federal military government, which preferred such a project to start from Abuja or Kano.
'Metroline was, and is still the only answer to our transportation problems in Lagos state. Nobody can avoid it but can only be delayed at our own cost. The cost will be heavier in future.
'When I introduced it, the cost was just N700 million and a consortium of 19 French companies agreed to fund the project. We were only required to pay 10 per cent of the total cost and we paid it even before the project started.
'I was surprised that the project was cancelled at the last minute without any reason given. But I read from the dailies that the military government then preferred such a project to start from Abuja not Lagos,' the former civilian governor narrated.
On whether he had met governor Babatunde Fashola to discuss the project, Alhaji Jakande said he had not, but had written a letter to the governor on the imperative of the project.
Also commenting on the health of President Umar Yar'Adua, Alhaji Jakande advised him to use his position now as president to provide health facilities in the country, 'so that Nigerians would not be travelling out of the country to seek medical treatment.'
Baba Kekere, as he is fondly called by his admirers, also criticized the creation of the Niger-Delta Ministry by the federal government. He likened the newly created ministry to the Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and others which, he said, did not produce expected results.
He advised the government to provide amenities such as schools, hospitals and jobs for youths in the area, to give them a sense of belonging.