Residents storm governor’s office, demand end to demolitions

Scores of Lagos State residents yesterday stormed the state secretariat, which houses the Governor’s Office and the Lagos State House of Assembly, demanding an immediate end to all demolition in the state.

The protesters, who came under the auspices of the Federation of Informal Workers Association of Nigeria (FIWON), accused government of using the state’s megacity dream as an avenue to rob hapless residents of their lands, markets and businesses. The group comprised mechanics, traders, farmers and other artisans.

General Secretary of FIWON, Gbenga Komolafe said: “The state government has been trespassing on the rights of the informal sector. They use officers of the task force to intimidate residents who are going about their normal businesses. They harass and lock them up in prisons. Now we understand that due to lack of space at Kirikiri, those arrested are now being taken to Badagry.”

The Special Adviser to the governor on Transport, Mr. Olanrewaju Elegushi, promised to convey the message of the protesters to the governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode. “Everything you have said has been taken note of, and it would be channeled to the appropriate quarters. Your complaints will be looked into, and very soon you will hear from the government,” he said.