APC Chieftain Reacts To The Claims Of Demolishing Oshodi Market Was Targetted On Igbo Traders

The state government carried out the demolition exercise on Wednesday, January 6 and the action has elicited reactions from Lagosians with some claiming Igbo people were targeted as they owned shops in the demolished market.
Chukwueke who served as special assistant on Women Ethnic Group Mobilisation/Empowerment to former Lagos state governor, Babatunde Fashola said the exercise was don’t out of good intention for Lagosians and the rule of law was also followed.
She said: “I have told a lot of my people from the East that the exercise was carried out in good faith by the State Government to rid Lagos of crime, restore sanity to the area and ensure the master plan of Lagos State is not tampered with.
“From facts available, the State Government gave enough notice to these traders and even provided alternative market for them to relocate to but many of them refused to go because they believe they won’t make much sales if they go to the new place.
“The truth is, we must rally round the Governor to ensure that Lagos works. The Governor means well for Lagos and he stands to gain nothing by demolishing people’s shops. There are laws of the land and it must be obeyed by all for the state to progress.”
Hon. Alabi Kolade David, the chairman of Conference 57 said those insulting Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of the developmental move lacked foresight.
He said the plan of the governor was to transform Oshodi as it was an international gateway into Lagos and Nigeria.
“What the Governor has done is a wonderful thing as it will ease off a lot of things in Oshodi. Those people that are saying negative things about the Governor are the people that do not want Lagos to transform into the megacity that we are all yarning for.
“That place is an international gateway to Nigeria. It is the face of Lagos and face of Nigeria because Lagos represents Nigeria. If we want development for Nigeria, if we want development for Lagos and if we want to be put in our rightful position, that market must be demolished.”
In a related development, some lawmakers of the Lagos House of Representatives reacted to the demolition exercise carried out by the state government in Oshodi. They said the intention of the governor was to transform Oshodi for the benefit of Lagosians.