The Lagos State Government has strongly defended the recent demolitions at the Trade Fair Complex, dismissing claims that the exercise was illegal and an overreach of state authority.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, issued the defense following fierce condemnation from Senator Victor Umeh, who represents Anambra Central.
Senator Umeh’s Condemnation
On Monday, Senator Umeh, a former National Chairman of APGA, described the Lagos government’s move as “unlawful and beyond the jurisdiction” of the state.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, he argued that the Trade Fair Complex is federal property, managed by the Federal Government’s Trade Fair Management Board, making Lagos State’s actions an “intrusion.”
Umeh insisted that the Board, not the State, handles all approvals and administrative functions for the complex, and neither the board nor the traders received prior notice before the demolitions began on September 25.
Lagos State’s Defence
In a swift and direct response, Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab stated that every action taken by the Lagos government “is backed by the law.”
Wahab questioned the senator’s specific focus on Lagos, pointing to similar recent contravention removals in other states: “Was it illegal when Gov. Alex Otti removed contraventions in Abia State? Was it also illegal when Gov. Charles Soludo removed contraventions in Anambra?”
The Commissioner emphasized that the State remains resolute in its enforcement duties, regardless of public outcry. “Here in Lagos, every of our actions is backed by the law and we stand by it all,” he said. “We remain committed to enforcing the laws without distraction, irrespective of whose ox is gored.”
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