The Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. ( Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa has said that devolution of power by the Federal government to State and Local governments would bring rapid development in the country.

He said the devolution of power should not be seen or likened to the disintegration of the country.

Obasa said this in his speech after the passing into law the Appropriation Bill 2021 by the assembly.

His words: “Decentralization or devolution of power from the federal level to the state and local levels will spur rapid development in Nigeria as we have never seen before.

“If we truly practice federalism, it is of utmost importance that we allow the devolution of powers which is its key element.

“The federal government should endeavor to shed weight by transferring some items in the Exclusive legislative list to the Concurrent legislative list to enable states to have a direct responsibility on state police, community police, and prisons among others.

“It is gratifying to note that the Amotekun Security outfit formed in Southwest is working assiduously to address some of the issues in their little way.”

The Speaker also said if the federal government allows each state to manage its police, it will go a long way to curb insecurity in the country.

Obasa said that the monumental increase in the capital expenditure at both the federal level and the fact that the capital expenditure is higher than the recurrent expenditure in the Lagos State’s budget is an indication of the positive change the APC government is preaching and implementing for Nigerians.

The speaker also used the occasion to thank Lagosians, community leaders, and the corporate world for their unflinching supports to the House of Assembly and the APC.

He wished Nigerians and Lagosians in particular a superb and prosperous new year 2021.

He prayed that their lives would be filled with lots of celebrations and happiness in the new year 2021.