By Bimbo Ogunnaike
The Association of Lagos titled chiefs, have re-affirmed its total support for the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, for his integrity, steadfastness and fecundity.
The association, a non-political association of honorary chiefs and prominent members of the Lagos Community who have served the state and the nation meritoriously, was reacting to allegation of the transfer of N90 billion from Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) to the Office of the President for purpose of financing the 2019 election.
The Association in a statement signed and released by its Secretary General,Chief Engr Olawumi Gasper (mni) to newsmen in Lagos on Wednesday,said the debate has, however, attracted diverse views and demands.
Against this background, the association said it re–affirmed its total support for Osinbajo “for his integrity, steadfastness and veracity.”
The association also said the President is constitutionally empowered to create bodies and appoint members therein to assist him in the governance of the nation and the discharge of his duties, as long as such creation or appointment do not in any way derogate or is contrary to the provision of the constitution.
Commenting on National Economic Council(NEC) chairmanship,the chiefs said Osinbajo remains the council chairman, noting that the creation of the new economic body, the new body Economic Advisory Council (EAC) by ” President Muhammadu Buhari does not appear to clash with or in any manner disturb the working of the Council of which Osinbajo is the Chairman.
“However, Mr. President should graciously ensure that any future creation or appointment does not in any way give the impression that his Vice is being sidelined. Mr. Vice President could easily have been made the Chairman of the new body so that the scope of his duties on the Council would seem enhanced and enlarged and the Vice –President could also benefit from the experts Mr. President appointed on the new body,” the statement said.
The association is also of the view that the contemplated increase in Value Added Tax(VAT) ” is probably not necessary in view of the present state of the economy, such an increase will further compound the hardship presently occasioned by all.”
The association also said the distribution of the proceeds of VAT should be re-examined so that those states from where much of the VAT proceeds are collected are correspondingly compensated.