Ambode charged to prosecute public utility vandals

The Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has been directed to prosecute without delay anyone caught stealing or vandalising equipment meant for the ongoing Light Up Project in the state.

The state House of Assembly gave the directive on Tuesday after considering reports of stealing and willful vandalization of equipment for the project at the House plenary. The House has also charged residents to take ownership of the Light Up Project and other critical infrastructural projects of the state government by protecting them.

In a motion under Matters of Urgent Public Importance moved by the House Majority Leader, Sanai Agunbiade, and supported by Rotimi Olowo, the House urged the police to live up to their constitutional duty by apprehending thieves and others vandalising the equipment and other critical infrastructure in the state.

Agunbiade said it was disheartening that motorists, especially commercial bus drivers, hit the streetlights recklessly, thus destroying what the government spent taxpayers money to provide.

“This House calls on the governor to apprehend and prosecute anyone that vandalises government infrastructure in the state. Police should also be empowered to arrest and prosecute anyone that vandalises government properties.

“The government should provide Close Circuit Television (CCTV) to monitor vehicular activities in the state. The contractors of the state government should also provide coverage for government infrastructure,” he stated.

In his contribution, Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, said the way motorists knock off infrastructure in the state showed that nobody is safe.