A civil society group, Congress of Good Governance for National Unity (CGGNU), has criticised former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, over his recent call for the Lagos State Government to halt the enforcement of laws against street trading.
The group accused George of promoting environmental disorder and inciting lawlessness in the state. In a statement issued by its National President, Abiodun Fanoro, the CGGNU expressed concern that George’s position could worsen public health conditions and contribute to the emergence of slums in Lagos.
The group noted, “For a state still grappling with the effects of the court’s suspension of the monthly sanitation exercise, exposing it to further environmental chaos would have dire consequences on residents’ health and the state’s overall environment.”
The CGGNU urged George to reconsider his stance, warning that his call for leniency towards street traders could embolden them to resist law enforcement officers, potentially leading to clashes, riots, and even loss of lives. The group stressed that George’s statement contradicts his background as a senior military officer who should prioritise law and order.
The statement added, “We are baffled that Chief Bode George, known for his disciplined military background and stature as an elder statesman, would support actions disregarding environmental health standards. Such actions could obstruct smooth traffic flow, disrupt business activities, and hinder emergency services from reaching those in need.”
Fanoro further pointed out what he described as George’s double standards, alleging that the former PDP chieftain does not tolerate street trading or hawking around his residence in Ikoyi yet advocates for it in other parts of Lagos. The group criticised this position, arguing that it undermines efforts to build a modern, investor-friendly Lagos.
“We cannot reconcile Chief George’s support for street traders with his past role as a state chief executive, where he would not have condoned acts that could destabilise public order or violate established laws. This is certainly not how to transform Lagos into the mega city that Nigerians aspire to, nor is it a strategy that would attract foreign investments to Nigeria,” the CGGNU concluded.
