A coalition of Civil Rights Organisations (CSOs) has called for compensation for victims affected by the demolition of properties in the Okun-Ajah area of Lagos State.
By Deborah Akpede
A coalition of Civil Rights Organisations (CSOs) has called for compensation for victims affected by the demolition of properties in the Okun-Ajah area of Lagos State.
The coalition expressed its grievances during a protest held on Wednesday at the Federal Ministry of Works’ Glass House in Obalende, Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the groups carried placards and banners bearing various inscriptions expressing their demands, while chanting and waving them.
National Coordinator of Activists for Good Governance, Comrade Declan Ihekaire, appealed to the Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi, to engage in dialogue with those whose properties were demolished and ensure they were duly compensated.
“Our demands are simple. In a road construction that involves the government, there is always a time for negotiation between the owners of property that have been destroyed and the government.
“Once he does that and there is an alignment or agreement between him and the people, then there will be fairness.
“But at this time, what we are seeing is an oppression against the people, ” he said.
Ihekaire alleged that during the minister’s last visit to the project site, a man identified as Mr Obanla—who works as a security guard in the area—was abducted by soldiers present at the scene.
He said: “We have been asking for his release, the minister should do the needful by making sure that Obanla is released to the family members, ” he said.
According to him, the Federal Government has been calling on Nigerians in diaspora to put down their money to invest in this country.
“Many whose property has been destroyed are in the diaspora.
“How do you want them to come again and put down their money when they have suffered labouring overseas? putting so much effort in building structures and acquiring lands, ” he said.
He called on the President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the alleged injustice.
“Mr President should call for a committee of inquiry to look into what has gone wrong . That will definitely go a long way to showcase that he is a listening president, ” he said.