A group of concerned Lagosians has expressed its unflinching support to the state government over removal of illegal structures in parts of the state.
In a statement in Lagos, the Concerned Lagosian Stakeholders lampooned some people of Igbo extractions who gave the Lagos State Government a 30-day ultimatum for removing illegal structures in the state.
The Group frowned at the Igbo National Union Worldwide, which purportedly issued a 30-day ultimatum to the Lagos State government, an action it noted is a deliberate attempt to revive what it described “as old and divisive tendencies, reminiscent of the 1952 NCNC episode in Lagos.”
The group noted that the removal of illegal structures in all parts of the state was not targeted against any individual tribe or a group of persons.
“Rather, Nigerian authorities including Lagos State, were doing so in their resolve to uphold the law and order without fear or favour and to give Lagos a befitting world class status”, the release explained.
“Furthermore, we call on all individuals and groups occupying unauthorized structures to cooperate with the government for the overall peaceful coexistence.
“Historical misjudgments must not be repeated. The Yoruba of Western Nigerian Government cherished strict compliance of building regulations, ensure public safety, and promote orderly urban development.”
The Lagosians drew attention to a recent statement by a group, calling itself the Igbo National Union Worldwide.
“However, in today’s Nigeria, silence has too often been misconstrued as acquiescence.
“While millions of Igbo residents in Lagos are peaceful, law-abiding, and respected, the Lagos State Government’s current actions to remove illegal structures should not be misconstrued.”
The group accused some people of attempting to impose external leadership on the Yoruba nation, stressing its unflinching support for the Lagos State Government and all Western development matters.
“Lagos thrives on the rule of law and mutual respect —principles that some law breakers abused, thus issuing threats or ultimatums against lawful government action. Such threats could be counterproductive, an attempt to browbeat Lagosians in their own homeland.
“That erroneous impression must be corrected. People must voluntarily comply with planning regulations and remove such illegal constructions before the government’s action, it stated.
“Ordinarily, such a statement from an obscure body would not merit serious attention when the government is striving to make the state safe and prosperous home for all Nigerians and foreign residents alike and were not targeted at any group.
“They form part of a consistent, city-wide effort to enforce members of our cosmopolitan community to obey the laws. But it is regrettable that a few elements appear to accuse the State Government over the enforcement of urban and regional planning laws.
“These measures are applied uniformly, without discrimination, and are essential to make the city clean and habitable to the residents.
“Lagos state possessed a distinct identity and worldview that are second to none, which protect lives and property from the hazards of unregulated construction.
“The path forward must be cooperation, and that generosity must never be mistaken for weakness. All residents are welcome and not confrontation. The Yoruba are known for their accommodating spirit, but detest the Igbo ultimatum to the Lagos State government.
“We urge the leadership of the Igbo National Union Worldwide to embrace dialogue. People
resident among us must continue to respect our culture, institutions, and laws.
“They need to engage constructively with relevant government agencies on legitimate urban and Lans Use Acts, not provocation.
“In conclusion, those unwilling to abide by the Laws of Lagos State and the Land Use Act should blame themselves because land administration resides in the governor of each state and should seriously reconsider their continued contravention of those laws.
“Lagos belongs to all who live and work peacefully within it, but it remains, unmistakably, a Yoruba homeland. The issuing of ultimatums and threats must cease forthwith”, thengroup warned.
