- APC led Lagos state government shuts down Igbo dominated Ladipo market using questionable excuses
- Ethnic profiling and physical harm were allegedly deployed by the APC to retain power in Lagos
- Leaked audio conversations allegedly by Shettima and Ibikunle, both as former governors, discussing economic genocide plots against the Igbos
Traders at the popular Ladipo Spare parts market in Lagos were left stranded as the Lagos States government sealed the market for the second time after the controversial 2023 general elections.
The traders came to the market as usual to conduct their lawful activities, only to discover that the market had been shut down by the APC Sanwo Olu led Lagos state government.
According to the commissioner for environment in the state, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, the market was sealed because of environmental concerns. In a statement signed by Kadiri Folashade, director of public affairs quoted Wahab as saying that the Ladipo market, with the vast majority of traders being Igbo, was shut down for alleged unhygienic reasons, including non-payment of waste bills.
Wahab said the market will remain closed until the mandatory conditions of redress have been met by traders and market stakeholders. He said the move is part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with regulations in markets across the state.
“It is imperative that markets in the state adhere strictly to environmental laws and regulations put in place for the wellbeing of residents,” Wahab said.
“The closure of Ladipo market serves as a stern reminder that no entity, regardless of its size or influence, is above the law.”
He stated that the state government is fully committed to collaborating with stakeholders to facilitate necessary adjustments and improvements, in a bid to enable them meet required environmental standards.
“Ladipo market, a prominent hub for automotive spare parts and related services, has been a focal point for environmental concerns due to various activities that contravene established regulations,” the commissioner said.
“LAWMA’s intervention is a significant step towards rectifying these issues and bringing the market to compliance.”
In his reaction, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), said the closure would allow for a thorough assessment of the environmental impact of market activities and the implementation of necessary remedial measures.
He said this should serve as a clear signal that LAWMA would not hesitate to take decisive actions, where and when environmental laws were flouted.
However, concerned citizens, professional bodies, some members of the Nigeria bar association, believe that the constant sealing of the market may not be unconnected with the fallout emanating from the last general elections where some members of the APC had vowed to deal decisively with people from certain tribes in NIgeria, for not voting for APC during the last election.
Recall in 2017, Nigerians were shell-shocked when a leaked audio conversation, allegedly between former governor of Borno state, Kashim Shetimma and then governor of Ogun state, Ibikunle Amosun, surfaced online. The chilling phone chat, not only unmasked the profiles of a genocidalist from the north and his passive enabler from the south west, but the haunting reality tribes in the eastern region of Nigeria find themselves
IMAGE: The Eagle
AUDIO: Youtube
IMAGE: Web
