WE'LL NOT BE SELECTIVE IN OUR APPLICATION OF THE LAW TO RESIDENTS-LASG

As Tokunbo Wahab, state officials visit the scene of ongoing demolitions at Lekki 2

The Lagos State Government weekend insisted that it will not be selective in its application of the law to residents, but ensure justice and fairness to all.

This commitment was made by the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab when he returned alongside state officials to the Lekki 2 Ikota Drainage channel corridors where structures built on the drainage channel were being demolished for an on-the-spot assessment.

Wahab who was besieged by pleading occupants and owners of the fully built structures constructed on the drainage setbacks and already marked for demolition, said stopping the demolition exercise at this point would amount to double standard.

The Commissioner added the demolished block of duplexes was on the same drainage setback alignment as the ones yet to be removed and that the State is irrevocably committed to reclaiming its drainage setback and restoring the masterplan.

Wahab spoke with newsmen after the tour which also took the team that included the Permanent Secretaries, Office of Drainage Services, Engr Olalekan Shodeinde and Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji respectively to Osapa London and major housing estates in Ikota, Lekki County Estate and Victoria Garden City Estate.

The Commissioner said it is sad that the State Government had to take the very difficult decision to pull down the fully built-up structures to reclaim the drainage setback for the free flow of stormwater in the area.

He stressed that the owners of the structures demolished in Ikota were aware that they had contravened and have had different engagements with the Ministry from 2020 when most of the structures were at foundation levels and several notices were served.

"At ikota, the level of encroachments is just unimaginable, people have built on the canal path and we resolved that these nuisances cannot be allowed to continue. It just had to stop" he said.

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