LAGOS GOVT HAILS SUPREME COURT RULING ON LOTTERY REGULATION

The Lagos State Government has applauded the Supreme Court ruling which nullified the National Lottery Act, and reaffirmed the constitutional authority of state governments to regulate lotteries and gaming activities within their jurisdictions, describing the Apex Court judgement as a landmark decision.

The state government also described the judgement as a historic victory for the rule of law, federalism, and the constitutional rights of states across the country.

It would be recalled that the Supreme Court gave its ruling in respect of Suit No. SC/1/2008 between the Attorney-General of Lagos State & Ors and the Attorney-General of the Federation & Ors.

The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said this in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday, noting that the decision was also a significant affirmation that the regulation of lotteries and gaming is a residual matter, falling squarely within the purview of state governments.

According to him, the judgement is a vindication of the consistent belief of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, regarding the nation’s quest for true federalism, saying that it was gratifying to see that the restructuring battle he had led was coming to fruition during this administration.

“The judgement is a historic victory for the rule of law, federalism, and the constitutional rights of states.

“The Supreme Court’s decision is a significant affirmation that the regulation of lotteries and gaming is a residual matter, falling squarely within the purview of State Governments. This judgement reinforces the principles of true federalism, empowering States to chart their path for effective regulation,” the commissioner said.

“The judgement is a vindication of the consistent belief of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, regarding the nation’s quest for true federalism. It is gratifying to see that the restructuring battle he has led is coming to life during this administration,” he added.

Omotoso, while further noting that the Apex Court judgement on the nullification of the National Lottery Act was a fitting tribute to Tinubu’s visionary and progressive leadership, said it was also worthy to salute the tenacious belief of his successors in office, former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), who ensured that he followed the traditional pathway Tinubu had charted to test all contentious constitutional issues in court.

“This judgement is a fitting tribute to his (Tinubu) visionary and progressive leadership.

“It is also worthy to salute the tenacious belief of his successor in office, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, who followed the traditional pathway Asiwaju Tinubu had charted to test all contentious constitutional issues in court.

“Mr. Fashola’s courage to follow through with the suit has brought the nation to yet another dawn of light,” Omotoso stated.

Besides, he also hailed the steadfast leadership of the incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, saying that his “commitment to upholding the rule of law and defending the rights of Lagosians has been pivotal in securing this outcome.”

“This outcome would not have been possible without the vision and resolute backing of Mr. Governor whose commitment to integrity in governance has set a benchmark for true federalism.

“The Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) remains the sole regulatory body for lotteries and gaming in Lagos State. It will continue to ensure that gaming activities are conducted transparently, responsibly, and in alignment with international best practices,” Omotoso said.

The commissioner, therefore, called on all illegal and unlicensed lottery and gaming operators in the state to immediately approach the LSLGA for regularisation or face prosecution, assuring that the state government would foster a conducive environment for legitimate operators and safeguard residents from the adverse effects of unregulated gaming activities.

Omotoso further assured that the state government remained committed to creating a business-friendly environment for licensed operators by “ensuring that the gaming sector contributes to the state’s economic growth and prosperity of its citizens.”