The agos State Chapter of PDP has strongly criticised the lagos state
government for the manner of demolishing the popular ladipo auto spare
parts market, accusing the Government of insincerity, imperialism and
misgovernance.
According to the Party in a statement signed by Taofik Gani, the good
intention that may be in the decision of the government to develop the
market has been completely overshadowed by the manner of execution of the
decision.
The Party said, “The manner which lacked any due legal process exposes the
strong likelihood of vindictiveness against Ibo dominated markets in lagos
state. There is thus urgent need for caution in the actions of the state
government in areas dominated by non indigenes.
“The PDP has thus advised the Ibo traders in the state to approach the
courts; Rights commissions and International commissions for protection
against further victimisation in the state.
“It would be recalled that the Mushin local government authority in
conjunction with the state authorities recently carried out the demolition
of the Ladipo auto spare parts market.
“We welcome radical infrastructure development in the state, but such must
also be given human face. We are aware that this recent demolition had no
prior notice to the traders. The exercise was carried out without any due
legal process like issuing of statutory notice.
“It was so sudden that the traders could not even take their property. As
a result, the traders lost unquantifiable auto parts and cash in local and
foreign currencies. The exercise appeared more of retaliation because the
market is Ibo dominated and it is believed that the Ibos voted against the
current governor in the state.
“But this is misgovernance as some Ibos must have voted for the governor.
We are also aware that the proposed development is to be financed by a
developer who probably sponsored the demolition. Is this also a case of
satisfying the investor over and above the majority traders. We admonished
this governor to eschew any act of imperialism.
Governor Ambode thus has the moral challenge to ensure that the now
displaced traders have first Right of refusal in the developed market. The
stalls must also be affordable and not over priced”.
Meanwhile, the PDP has commended the calmness of the traders aftermath of
the demolition.