Emmanuel Thomas, Lagos
July 24, 2015 – South African Government has commended Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State for the decision of government to prosecute contractors that handled the construction of the collapsed Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) and the church owned by Pastor TB Joshua.
At least 116 people died, while 16 people were rescued when the church collapsed in Lagos, September 12, 2014.
South Africa made the commendation on Friday when leadership of the Africa National Congress (ANC), South Africa’s ruling party paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode just as they commended the state government’s stance of the Coroner Verdict on the September 12, 2014 Synagogue building collapse in Lagos.
ANC Treasurer General, Dr. Zwelini Mkhize expressed appreciation to the state government for its effort in ensuring that the South African nationals who were involved in the unfortunate incident were successfully repatriated to the country for burial and that South Africa is pleased of recent decision taken by government to prosecute the church and its contractors.
“We do appreciate this relationship, we must say that we are very pleased to learn of your decision in terms of the Synagogue disaster in Lagos last year. Certainly while we all appreciate the assistance that you made to ensure that all of the victims were repatriated back to South Africa, we would continue to support whatever work is being done on your side”, Mkhize said.
The ANC Treasurer said the crux of the visit was to seek ways to strengthen bi-lateral trade between South Africa and Nigeria.
He said the trade level between both countries was currently on the high side adding that both countries stand to benefit from each other in terms of trade and investments.
While responding, Ambode reiterated his commitment to boosting trade relations with South Africa, describing the visit as “a brotherhood meeting”.
He listed the areas of cooperation to include the strengthening of security towards building a safer Lagos which will not only safeguard existing investments in Lagos, will also attract new businesses into the state.
“We have established Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment, so that we can strengthen bi-lateral relationship. We need more investors to come into Lagos so that we can create employment and grow our GDP. Whatever it is you think we can do to increase investors from South Africa, we are ready to talk. We hope you would also create the same platform for business men from Nigeria who do business in South Africa”, he said.
The Governor also promised to commit to the existing relationship between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the ANC saying both have common ideology.
“We have so much to learn from ANC and we have so much to give in terms of the dynamics we (APC) have brought to the political landscape. We believe strongly that we need to do some interparty visitation and relationship”, he said.
Earlier, Chairman of the APC in Lagos, Chief Henry Ajomale said the history of the ANC and its iconic leader, late Nelson Mandela is deep rooted, adding that the two parties can benefit from each other on all fronts.
“Let me respectfully acknowledge our leader late Nelson Mandela. He is a man very respected in Nigeria. Those days during the struggle, some of us carried placards during the struggle to free South Africa.
