The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the state government, through the Commissioner for Information, to intensify public enlightenment on the ongoing demolition exercises across the state to curb misinformation and promote proper public understanding of government actions.
The resolution followed a motion raised under Matters of Urgent Public Importance by Hon. Ogundipe Stephen, representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency I, during plenary on Thursday.
Moving the motion, Ogundipe expressed concern over what he described as a growing wave of publications and commentaries in the public domain, particularly regarding developments in the Makoko area.
He noted that many of such reports contain inaccuracies, distortions and unverified allegations capable of misleading the public and unnecessarily heightening tension against the Lagos State Government.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Moshood Aro stated that when developments occur in Lagos, members of the public often fail to consider the rationale behind government policy actions.
He said the state government ought to have embarked on urban renewal initiatives much earlier, stressing that many occupants of demolished areas were living there illegally. He also commended the Commissioner of Police for his intervention in quelling the protest.
Hon. Kehinde Joseph representing Alimosho 1 urged the state government to ensure appropriate compensation for affected persons, noting that some protesters were now receiving support from human rights groups.
He supported calls for the establishment of a special committee to address the challenges arising from the demolitions.
Hon. Abiodun Tobun, who narrated his experience at the protest venue, said the protesters nearly took over the Assembly complex violently.
He lauded the Commissioner of Police for effectively curbing the excesses of the protesters and preventing a breakdown of law and order.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa urged those affected by the demolitions to remain calm, assuring them that the House had already set up a committee to address their concerns.
He thanked the protesters for approaching the Assembly to express their grievances, but cautioned them against allowing troublemakers to exploit the situation to cause unrest.
Obasa noted that some individuals had disguised themselves among the protesters with the intention of causing mayhem, advising genuine protesters to remain vigilant and not allow mischief-makers to destabilise the state. He further urged the evictees to remain peaceful and patient while the House works towards resolving their challenges.
Following deliberations, the House adopted key measures to de-escalate tensions and foster public understanding.
These include calling on the Lagos State Governor, through the Commissioner for Information, to adequately enlighten the public on the ongoing demolitions across the state to ensure clarity and transparency.
Lawmakers also urged aggrieved members of the public to remain vigilant and avoid allowing fifth columnists or mischief-makers to hijack their genuine concerns. In addition, the Assembly called for the support of all stakeholders to enable it to engage relevant parties fully, identify the root causes of the issues and proffer lasting solutions.
