Traders Protest Demolition Of 500 Shops In Lagos Market

Traders protest demolition of 500 shops in Lagos market. He also called for an investigation to prosecute those responsible for what he described as the illegal demolition of the Owode-Onirin spare parts market.

Some traders from the Owode-Onirin motor spare parts market in Lagos State on Thursday protested the demolition of 500 shops in their market.

Speaking for the protesters, the association’s chairman, Hammed Abiodun, described the market as a vital hub providing spare parts and sustaining the livelihoods of numerous families and traders.

Traders carried placards with messages like: “IGP, tell police to stay away from land matters” and “Obasa, stand up for Owode traders” during the demonstration at the state House of Assembly.

Mr Abiodun urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene and halt further actions threatening the livelihoods of thousands of families who depend on the market.

He also called for a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible for what he described as the illegal demolition of the Owode-Onirin Motor Spare Parts Market.

Mr Abioidun said traders had always been law-abiding, operating peacefully and conducting their businesses in an orderly and legal manner for many years.

“On Thursday, March 6, officers of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, armed policemen, and thugs with dangerous weapons invaded the market,” Mr Abiodun alleged.

He claimed they were enforcing a court judgment against Agbajowo Market, which shares a boundary with Owode-Onirin, despite the market belonging to the Lagos State government.

“There is no court injunction, nor do we have any legal dispute with any family or individuals,” he insisted, calling the demolition unjustified and unlawful.
“When officials of LABSCA arrived with excavators, they beat us and began demolishing our shops without any prior notice,” he alleged.

He said traders received no notice to vacate or remove their goods, appealing to President Bola Tinubu and the Lagos State governor to intervene immediately.

Alex Omotehinse, president of the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR), described the demolition as an illegal act designed to impoverish struggling traders.

Mr Omotehinse condemned what he called a brazen act of land grabbing, arguing that it violated property rights and posed a threat to the state’s economic stability.

He urged authorities to compensate affected traders, ensuring they were not left without means to sustain their businesses and livelihoods.

A trader, Samuel Oluwole, stated that market traders were law-abiding citizens who promptly paid their taxes to the Lagos State government.

Traders Protest Demolition

“We plead with the Lagos State government to rescue us from intimidation and persecution,” he added, urging authorities to halt further demolitions,” he said.

Addressing the protesters, Lagos Mainland Constituency II lawmaker Adebola Shabi commended them for conducting a peaceful demonstration.

Mr Shabi assured them that Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and other House members sympathised with their plight and would take necessary action.

“The House will summon all stakeholders once the assembly resumes fully. This issue will not be ignored but will receive an accelerated hearing,” he assured.

FG To Investigate Excessive Explosives Use By Quarry Companies – Reps

FG to investigate excessive explosives use by Quarry Companies – Reps. The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to probe the excessive use of explosives by quarry companies, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory.

The decision followed a motion by Tijani Ismail, representing Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency, who highlighted the negative impact of ZEBERCED Quarry in Kubwa, Abuja.

He noted that the company’s operations have caused noise pollution, weakened buildings, and posed health risks to residents, especially children and the elderly.

Quarry Companies

Lawmakers raised concerns over structural damage, deteriorating road infrastructure, and violations of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (2007) and the Environmental Impact Assessment Act (1992).

The House directed its Committee on Solid Minerals to investigate ZEBERCED Quarry, recommend license revocation if necessary, and summon relevant agencies for an investigative hearing on the health and environmental impact of quarry operations.

Reps Advances Bill Seeking Age Limit for Presidential, Gubernatorial Candidates Passes Second Reading

Reps advances bill seeking age limit for presidential, gubernatorial candidates passes second reading. The House of Representatives has advanced a bill that seeks to bar individuals above 60 years from contesting for the offices of President and Governor in Nigeria.

Sponsored by Rep. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, the bill proposes amendments to the 1999 Constitution, setting a maximum age limit of 60 years for candidates and requiring them to hold at least a Bachelor’s degree. It amends Section 131 for the presidency and Section 177 for governorship eligibility.

Alongside this bill, several others passed second reading, including:
–Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Bill, upgrading Alvan Ikoku College of Education to a federal university.

–Creation of Ideato West Local Government Area Bill, proposing a new LGA in Imo State.
I–nclusion of Youths & Persons with Disabilities in Political Appointments Bill, ensuring reserved positions in governance.

Reps

–Trade and Commerce Bill, allowing both federal and state governments to regulate trade.
–Reserved Seats for Women Bill, increasing female representation in legislative bodies.

–Judicial Reform Bills, including proposals to expedite justice and increase Supreme Court and Court of Appeal justices.
–Creation of New States Bills, proposing Wan State (North Central) and Gobir State (Northwest).

These legislative efforts aim to reshape governance, promote inclusivity, and enhance economic and judicial efficiency in Nigeria.