The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ade Ipaye has reiterated that the state government would appeal yesterday’s judgment by the Federal High Court, Lagos which held that there was no law authorising the collection of tolls on the Lekki-Ikoyi bridge.
Ipaye, made the statement while briefing newsmen in reaction to the judgment delivered by Justice Saliu Saidu in a suit suit filed by a legal practitioner, Ebun Adegboruwa, against the Lagos State Government over collection of tolls on the bridge.
The judge had held that the power to control the Lekki Lagoon and other Federal Navigable Waterways lies with the Federal Government.
According to him, the bridge is not a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative for which the collection of tolls can be allowed.
Reacting to the judgment, Ipaye said it did not specifically address many questions raised by the applicant, neither did it grant any of the declarations sought.
“However, the pronouncements referred to above are capable of being interpreted as court orders, hence our decision to appeal and seek a stay of execution immediately,” Ipaye said.
The AG noted that the court did not bar the government from collecting tolls on the bridge, adding that motorists should maintain the status quo pending the determination of their appeal.
Ipaye said tolls can be collected on any public infrastructure irrespective of its construction history.
He said the collection of toll was to augment the states Consolidated Revenue Fund, enable it to offset debts incurred on the construction and to keep the bridge properly maintained.
