Nigeria, March 25, 2016 – Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has said that White Paper on the civil disturbances that occurred at the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) on October 12, 2015 which led to the killing of Alhaji Tajudeen Disu, Managing Director of Lekki Worldwide Investment Company, would soon be released.
Ambode, who spoke while commissioning electrification project in 67 communities in Ibeju-Lekki area of the state, said no meaningful development can thrive in atmosphere devoid of peace, and as such the people should shun all acts that can lead to break down of law and order.
The late Disu was shot by assailants during an official visit to one of the villages within the zone. The villagers have been in a running battle with the Lagos State Government over sales of land for development of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, LFTZ.
Specifically, Disu was said to be resolving a land dispute between members of Okunraye community and some private companies embarking on various massive projects within the LFTZ.
Ambode, it would be recalled, had set up a five-man Panel of Inquiry chaired by a retired judge of the Lagos State High Court, Justice Adesuyi Olateru-Olagbegi, to look into the remote causes of the civil disturbances, and recommend steps to be taken to permanently resolve the issues connected to the clash.
Justice Olateru-Olagbegi, while submitting the report of the panel to Governor Ambode, had said members looked into the remote and immediate causes of disturbances which claimed the life of Disu.
He said that the tribunal also considered ways and means to be adopted to prevent a recurrence. Olateru-Olagbegi said that the tribunal received 22 memoranda and had 33 witnesses, while 24 recommendations were made.
According to him, the LFTZ has vast potentials to transform the economic landscape of the state in terms of job creation and revenue generation, among others.
Speaking on the planned release of government white paper, Ambode appealed to residents of the state to continue to live together in peace and avoid any act that may result in loss of lives and wanton destruction of lives and property.
“I also make a special appeal to you all especially our community leaders for your cooperation to allow development to come to your communities.
“The disturbances we have had at the Lekki Free Trade Zone are not acceptable as we must join hands together to allow peace to reign. A government white paper into the panel of inquiry into the recent civil disturbances will soon be released,” Ambode disclosed.
The Governor also said himself and his team would soon commence a tour of all the Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas in May to inspect and commission projects.
Ambode assured that he would also utilize the opportunity of the tour to listen to community leaders, adding that his administration remained committed to run an all-inclusive government.
