Makoko, Lagos
A coalition of civil society groups, the Coalition for Good Governance (CGG), has called for sincerity and immediate implementation of the government’s urban development programme for Makoko, a waterfront settlement in Lagos, following the recent demolitions of structures under high tension power lines.
Addressing a press conference in Lagos, Nelson Ekujumi, a spokesperson for CGG, expressed concern over the blame game between the Lagos State government and Makoko residents, saying, “The point of our concern now is, who is saying the truth about the demolitions, is it the residents who failed to fulfil what they willingly promised to do to save their own lives and preserve public safety, or the government that was forced to move in to remove structures in violations of the law, in fulfillment of it’s constitutional responsibility?”
Ekujumi commended the Lagos State House of Assembly for constituting a committee to investigate the matter and urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ensure the place is cleared immediately to prevent any disaster.
“We are also calling on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu not to rescind from ensuring the place is cleared immediately as it will be of great advantage to the people of Makoko, Lagos State and Nigerians as a whole if people are evacuated alive than moving thousands of dead bodies if a single string of that high tension power line drops inside the lagoon, God forbid,” he said.
The CGG also demanded utmost sincerity from all parties involved, citing past engagements that have exposed a lack of trust and communication gaps.
Ekujumi emphasized the need for the government to prioritize the welfare of Makoko residents, saying, “We are hereby demanding an immediate action to ensure the implementation of government urban development programme for Makoko to avert any clear and avoidable disaster.”
He further stated that the coalition commiserates with families who have lost their homes and means of livelihood due to the demolitions, but stressed that the government’s primary responsibility is to ensure public safety.
“As human beings, we commiserate with families who have lost their habitations and means of livelihood as a result of the demolitions to save lives and preserve public safety, but we must not lose sight of the fact, that the government has a responsibility to ensure that it’s citizens do not engage in actions that amounts to attempts to commit suicide and endanger public safety,” he said.
The CGG spokesperson further praised the Lagos State government for its efforts to address the issue, noting that the government had promised to enumerate affected properties and handle the situation with a human face.
However, he emphasized that more needs to be done to address the underlying issues affecting Makoko residents, including access to sanitation, clean water, electricity, and waste management.
