Nigeria, Oct 5, 2016 – Physically challenged persons in Lagos are angry with the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.
They are angry because of recent onslaught by the Lagos State Government on illegal structures and they decided to show this by moving enmass to Alausa, the seat of government where they registered their grievance on Tuesday, October 4. They were joined by traders in the protest.
Armed with placards, the called on Ambode to stop destroying their homes, market and schools.
“ We are in recession now, why destroying our economy; We are part of Lagos, don’t displace us and others”, the said with their placards.
They alleged that they are intimidated by incessant arrest in disguise of removing beggars from major highways in the state.
Speaking on the development, Seriki Arewa of physically challenged persons in Agege Local Government, Mallam Haruna Abdullahi, alleged that over 20 physically challenged artisans were arrested as beggars by the official of the state government.
Muhammed Zana, secretary to the physically challenged persons, argued that the action of the state government was unconstitutional, adding “the officials do not check. All they do was to arrest any person who is physically challenged.”
In the letter sent to the Governor and read on behalf of the protesters by Raymond Gold, said “We are deeply concern by the recent crackdown by the Lagos State Government on street trading and begging. The attack is on the poor especially persons living with disabilities, is inconsistent with inclusive governance.
“It is pathetic that inspite of our appeal last year against forceful eviction, the State Government last month evicted some residents of Ilubirin. Such hard-line policies do not solve the social problems that plaque Lagos State. It will not put Lagos on the road of achieving the sustainable development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
“We call on the Lagos State Government to abandon hard-line policies that do not solve social problems. Instead, the state government should partner local and international agencies in developing strategies that enable informal workers to gradually pull themselves from poverty and enter formal sector. This will increase government revenues,” he added.
Responding on behalf of the State Government, Mr. Taiwo Ayedun, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Civic Engagement, assured the protesters that issue would be investigated, adding “in order to investigate it, we will like to meet with your leaders tomorrow.”
