…warns protesters against hijack
Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, to direct the Commissioner for Information and Strategy to intensify public enlightenment and sensitisation on the ongoing demolition exercises in parts of the State.
The call followed a motion moved by Hon. Stephen Ogundipe during plenary presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.
The House also urged residents to exercise restraint and conduct themselves peacefully whenever they seek to protest or express grievances at the Lagos State House of Assembly, cautioning against allowing individuals with selfish or ulterior motives to hijack genuine protests and turn them into acts capable of breaching public order.
In addition, the lawmakers resolved that a letter of commendation be written to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Olohundare Jimoh, in recognition of his professionalism and effective handling of security situations arising from recent protests.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Aro Moshood described the misrepresentation of the demolition exercises as unfortunate, noting that the actions of the State government were lawful and long overdue, having previously been delayed due to compassion and leniency.
In his submission, Hon. Kehinde Joseph stated that prolonged delays in enforcement had created opportunities for individuals posing as human rights activists to exploit the situation for personal gain.
He therefore called for a thorough review of the issues surrounding the demolition exercises.
Also speaking, Hon. Abiodun Tobun lamented that genuine protesters had been misled by persons with selfish intentions, leading to situations where protests were hijacked and the image of the State brought into disrepute.
In his contribution, Hon. Jubril Abdul-Kareem appealed to the State government to increase investment in affordable housing for the less privileged, noting that proactive housing policies would help prevent similar challenges in the future.
