Lagos Government is intimidating us – Ladipo Market traders

The Association of Japanese Spare Parts Dealers in Ladipo Market in Mushin Local Government Area has decried the recent demolition of their shops by the council in the early hours of Tuesday, describing it as an act of intimidation and lack of respect for their fundamental human rights.

The association made this known during an inspection tour by the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Lagos State chapter, Mr. Fabin Onwuhalu. Speaking during the inspection, Onwuhalu said the recent demolition of shops at Ladipo Market was clear of intimidation by the state government and its agents against the traders because the government wants to use such opportunity to extort money from the traders.

He also explained that the demolition of those shops are uncalled for because the people are doing businesses which he said boost the automobile industry and transport sector, thereby contributing immensely to economic growth.

While stating that this was their only source of livelihood of the people, the Ohanaeze chief said destroying it would amount to denying them their sources of income.

According to him, “This is exercise by the state government is a complete denial of the fundamental human rights of the traders. Let me say here that every Nigerian irrespective of tribe has the right to do business in any part of the country, therefore I see no reason why this demolition exercise should be embarked upon just to endanger other people’s businesses and source of livelihood.

“This action exemplifies that we are not practicing constitutional democracy in this country and we lack love and respect for one another. I want to say here that this is a reflection of corruption at the highest order.”

He further expressed the desire of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo as a concerned group for the Igbo tribe to support their brothers whose shops were demolished and property worth millions were damaged, promising that the group would ensure that justice is achieved in their situation.

He also commended them for their conduct after the unfortunate incident took place.
Continuing, he added that: “We are going to follow due process of the law in seeking for justice and compensation for the damages suffered by our brothers. Presently, the case is in court and we are hopeful that justice will be taken. We can only embark on peaceful demonstration, because we do not allow violence protest. We believe that at the right time, the perpetrators of this inhuman act would be sanctioned and arraigned before our disciplinary committee and they would be tried. At the moment the issue is an allegation.”

[ThisDay]