Veteran activists drawn from various rights groups have issued a warning that Lagos may be heading towards a state of lawlessness if the government fails to swiftly enforce the law to curb the gradual return of commercial motorbikes, popularly called Okadas, to restricted routes.
It is recalled that the government had long ago banned Okadas from plying certain designated routes in the state, including motorways. However, operators continue to flout these rules, daring the consequences.
The activists, including Comrades Declan Ihekaire, Shina Loremikan, Rasak Oladosu, Olufemi Lawson, Dayo Ogunlana, Jubril Ogundimu, Gbenga Soloki, and Oyinlola Akande, among others, expressed their concerns at a press conference held at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja.
They also expressed their support for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s recent announcement of a total ban on street trading and hawking and the closure of certain markets, describing it as a welcome decision and a step in the right direction.
The spokesperson for the group under the aegis of Veteran Activists, Comrade Ihekaire, issued the warning and urged the state government to take action against what he described as ‘this unhealthy march to chaos.’
He pointed out that the findings showed that an alliance between the riders, the transportation unions, and some law enforcement agencies had fueled the return of this menace.
“This brings us to the gradual return of commercial motorbikes (aka Okada) to the routes on which they have been restricted.
Our findings show that the unholy alliance of the riders, the transportation unions, and some law enforcement agencies has fueled the return of this menace.
“If this is not swiftly checked with the enforcement of the law, we will be heading for a state of lawlessness.
This cannot be right. The government should wake up to arrest this unhealthy march to chaos,” Ihekaire said.
Ihekaire, who is the National Coordinator of Concerned Human Rights Nigeria (CHRN) and also the National Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Societies for Good Governance (CCSGG), hailed the Lagos State government’s move on a total ban on street trading and hawking and the closure of some markets.
He stated that it was the right decision, considering the flagrant disobedience and arbitrary violation of the Lagos State Street Trading and Illegal Markets Law of 2023.
He noted that some groups of people had tried in vain to condemn the decision.
He quickly pointed out that the state government’s ban on street trading and hawking was to curb the activities of criminals who, under the guise of being street traders and hawkers, unleash mayhem on unsuspecting innocent people, rob motorists, and disrupt the free flow of traffic.
“The market men and women affected by the closure of markets have not disagreed that they are fond of uncoordinated and indiscriminate waste disposal, in spite of consistent and rigorous awareness and sensitization by the government on the negative implications of such actions.
“Why then should some people cry more than the bereaved? Should the government put the lives of millions of Lagosians at risk so that trading can go on in a dirty and inhumane environment?
Why will the government not enforce the Lagos State Environmental Management Law of 2017?” Ihekaire queried.
“Statutorily, the government’s main duty is the protection of the lives and properties of its citizens, including their welfare and wellbeing.
Aside from the loss of lives and valuables occasioned by the menace of criminals who disguise themselves as traders and hawkers, as well as the attacks on motorists, some hawkers are known to have died in road accidents.
There are also traffic jams caused by street trading, which impedes the free flow of vehicular movement,” he stated.
Speaking further, the rights activist said street hawkers had other opportunities to engage in, disclosing that “Lagos has 19 vocational centres where they can learn any trade of their choice at no cost.”
“When they graduate, they will receive free equipment. Isn’t this a decent and more dignified option than hawking in the traffic?” Ihekaire queried.
“We all witnessed the importance of cleanliness and proper hygiene during the outbreak of Ebola and COVID-19.
The government, to avoid another epidemic due to wanton and indiscriminate refuse disposal by market men and women in their various markets, decided to be proactive.
Where were these activists before the government took firm action?” he further queried.
“Health is wealth, and cleanliness is next to godliness, as they say. A healthy environment produces equally healthy and productive people. This is the lesson.
“Veteran Activists are clearly stating to some people who are ignorant of the salient fact that the government owes it a duty to the people to ensure the safety of their lives and properties, even as their health is of utmost priority.
This necessitated the decisions taken so far. The people, in return, owe it a duty to the government to show understanding by displaying good citizenship.
“We, Veteran Activists, are known rights activists of different political views, but we always find a common ground to either support good government policies or criticise the government when the need arises,” he argued.
Comrade Lawson, in his remarks, emphasised that the press conference addressed not only issues related to environmental challenges but also the security of lives and properties in the state.
He urged the state government to ensure the serious enforcement of the “laws that it has made.”
“The press conference is to challenge the state government to enforce the laws that it has made.
“The government must ensure the serious implementation of the laws it has made. Many of us have fallen victim, having been robbed on several occasions in traffic.
“Many of us can’t go into Mile 12 Market without hiring rain boots at the gate. The government should make the enforcement of environmental laws a must,” he said.
Also speaking, Comrade Dayo Ogunlana condemned those who were against the implementation of environmental laws in the state, urging the Lagos State House of Assembly to urgently pass a bill into law to regulate street trading and hawking in the state.
In his submission, Shina Loremikan frowned at the ugly incidents between motor unions and vehicle operators, resulting in clashes while the former was trying to forcefully collect dues on the roads.
This led to unavoidable traffic hiccups. He also recalled incidents that led to the relocation of the abattoir from Maalu Road to the Agege area of the state during Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande’s administration in the Second Republic.
He equally charged the Sanwo-Olu administration to ensure strict enforcement of environmental laws in the state to restore orderliness.
Comrade Oladosu commended the state governor, Mr Sanwo-Olu, for appointing Hon. Tokunbo Wahab as Commissioner for Environment, stating that as the new person in charge of the ministry, Wahab had shown “he is the right person for the job.”
Oladosu appealed for support from stakeholders, including the media, stating that addressing the environmental challenges in Lagos State is a process that must move forward. He declared that incessant flooding in the state must be put to an end.”
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