Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour to Obasa: Your discriminatory property bill is divisive, unconstitutional

Says bill sends damaging signal to investors about Lagos

 

Emmanuel Thomas, Thursday, June 8, 2023

 

LAGOS, Nigeria – Governorship candidate of Labour Party, Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has reacted to statement credited to Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly to the effect that the Lagos House of Assembly will make property laws that will favour only indigenes of Lagos State against none indigenes.

In a statement, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour condemned such brazen utterance, adding that the Nigerian constitution which remains supreme law of the land recognizes the rights of all citizens, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background to own and enjoy property.

He added: “This fundamental provision is grounded in the belief that every citizen should be treated equally under the law, irrespective of their origin or indigenship. It is a crucial pillar of our democracy and must be safeguarded at all costs”, he said.

By considering this regressive bill, the speaker disregards the Nigerian constitutions and perpetuates a discriminatory system that divides our society along ethnic lines

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Besides, he pointed out that property rights are vital to economic and individual empowerment.

“By considering this regressive bill, the speaker disregards the Nigerian constitutions and perpetuates a discriminatory system that divides our society along ethnic lines”, he said, adding, regrettably, “this move threatens to erode our progress in promoting unity, national integration and equal opportunity for all Nigerians”.

The LP governorship candidate noted that proposed bill undermines the principal of private ownership and could severely affect investment growth and overall prosperity in Lagos State.

‘By considering such legislation, the speaker is sending a damaging message to local and international investors, discouraging their participation and confidence in the economy”, he warned.

He said that government role as progressive politician is to create enabling environment that fosters unity, equality and economic progress for all citizens. “It is also the government’s responsibility to protect the rights and welfare of every Nigerians, irrespective of their state of origin or indigen-ship”.

He called on well meaning Lagosians, civil society organisations, elders and statements and every citizens to resist “this divisive and unconstitutional bill” and that the speaker should focus his efforts on legislation that promotes inclusiveness, social justice and the overall welfare of all residents of Lagos State.

Specifically, he charged Obasa to make laws to tackle youths unemployment, misappropriation of public funds and infrastructure financing.