Lagos PDP carpets Ambode over market demolition

Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party, 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.

In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Taofeek Gani, the PDP said 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, adding that the manner which lacked any due legal process exposed the strong likelihood of vindictiveness against Ibo dominated markets in Lagos State.

It said there was thus urgent need for caution in the actions of the state government in areas dominated by non indigenes, even as it advised igbo traders in Lagos to seek succour from the courts, rights and international commissions against further victimisation in the state.

It would be recalled that Mushin Local Government authority in conjunction with the state authorities recently carried out the demolition of the Ladipo auto spare parts market.

Gani said: “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 Igbo dominated and it is believed that the Igbos voted against the current governor in the state. But this is misgovernance as some Igbos 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?”