Some lawmakers of the Lagos House of Representatives have reacted to the demolition exercise carried out by the state government in the Owonifari area of the Oshodi market.
He said: “When you go round other parts of the world, you will hardly see a market in such a place and constructing a bus terminal there will beautify the place and change that environment for good. It will add colour to the megacity that will are dreaming for Lagos and this is bold step towards achieving the transformation plan.
The demolition was carried out on Wednesday, January 6. The state said it issued a notice before the demolition although some market owners claimed they were not informed. They were moved to the Isopakodowo market in Oshodi.
In a statement issued by Aruna Habib, the chief press secretary to Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday, January 8, the lawmakers said they were in support of the move of the government.Hon.
Taofiq Adaranijo representing Agege federal consistency said the plan the government has for Oshodi is a way of achieving its mega city project.
He said: “When you go round other parts of the world, you will hardly see a market in such a place and constructing a bus terminal there will beautify the place and change that environment for good. It will add colour to the megacity that will are dreaming for Lagos and this is bold step towards achieving the transformation plan.
“Those are the things we want the Governor to continue to do. Although it is going to be hard and it will be a difficult decision to take, at the end of the day, people will appreciate it. They may not see it at the beginning but at the end of the day, they will appreciate it and that is a good step in the right direction.”
Another lawmaker, Segun Olulade said the demolition was not done due to any bad intention but to salvage the state from criminal activities.
He said: “Some people are claiming that the traders were not given enough notice to quit the market before the demolition exercise took place as required by law, but when situations like this arise, nobody will say they were adequately notified. There is no reason for anyone to be mischievous about the demolition. The Governor means well for the State and that was why the leadership of the market was severally engaged before the government went on to demolish the market.
“Once again, the people should understand that the administration of Governor Ambode has good intentions. I believe that once government comes on board with its plans for the market, we will all commend government for a job well done and appreciate the action taken.”
Dayo Fafunmi representing Ifako/Ijaiye constituency 1 said the plan of the government was to make Oshodi a place safe for everyone.
“I am very much aware that the government gave the traders enough notice. The duty of regulating and maintaining the environment for the overriding public interest is paramount in the State.
“I just want to implore our people to cooperate with the government because the administration of Ambode has good plans for the people.”
