The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has inaugurated the Panel of Inquiry to probe the Ikoyi collapsed building with a charge on members to discharge their duties without fear or favour
The Governor signed an executive bill to give legal backing to the panel during the ceremony at the headquarters of the Lagos State Waterways Authority, Falomo where members of the panel would be sitting.
He expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident and said no stone would be left unturned to ensure that justice is served and to bring closure to families who lost loved ones in the incident.
“You have all of the instrumentality of government to do whatever it is you want to do and do it without fear or favour, you will dispatch it with the highest sense of professionalism because you have been well recommended to us and that’s why we feel confident that coming out from the recommendations, not only we will be duty bound to audacious work with it, but indeed, the hope and the trust of our citizens would be fully restored” the Governor said.
Chaired by the President of the National Institute of Town Planners, Mr Toyin Ayinde, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged members of the panel not to hesitate in seeking an extension in case the thirty days term of reference given is not enough.
In an opening remarks, the State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat noted that the establishment of the panel became imperative to enable the State learn from the occurrence and prevent future occurrence.
He said: “the truth of the matter is that anybody could have been in that building at that time, anyone of us, so, for our future, this committee has a major responsibility to make sure that even if we as a State government has made mistakes, let it be known”
Giving a vote assurance, the Chairman of the panel, Mr Toyin Ayinde promised that their recommendations would surely make a difference and prevent future occurrence.
“We promised to be guided by professional standards and hope that we will collectively be able to chart a new course that would guarantee the safety of the life of the Nigerian citizen as far as the construction industry is concerned” Mr Ayinde stated.
A minute silence was observed for the repose of the souls of those who died in the incident
As at noon on Thursday, fatalities from the collapsed building was put as thirty six.
Immediately after the Inauguration, the Governor and members of the panel went to the site of the collapsed building for an on the spot assessment of the search and rescue operation which is still ongoing.
RADIO NIGERIA