IBRAHIM QUADRI
Some artisans from Ifayabale Mechanics, A&B Mechanics and Young Shall Grow Mechanics from Ibeju-Lekki on Thursday stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly over alleged invasion of their site by officials of New Town Development Authority, NTDA of Lagos State.
They lamented discomfort imposed on them by the officials, who according to them, had given them eviction notice.
The protesters narrated to the lawmakers their ordeal as NTDA officials allegedly brought dealers to drive them away from the Mechanic Village approved by the government to run their daily operations.
They therefore implored the House to intervene over their predicament and stop the NTDA from further disturbing and harassing them.
Women Leader, Mrs. Keji Abass lamented that, “On Friday, some unknown Police Taskforce came to harass us that Governor Sanwo-Olu said that we should leave and we believe this is not so, as we occupy a government approved land. That is why we have come to plea to the Assembly to save us from these people.
“They have threatened our livelihood, putting us under pressure, maltreating and harassing us by removing our plate numbers and destroying properties worth millions of naira,” she recalled.
While addressing the protesters, the Leader of the House, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade who spoke on behalf of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa commended the protesters for their peaceful gathering and assured them that their petition would be fastidiously addressed by the leadership of the House.
“We are happy that you have come to express your grievances and for being supporters of the government and as long as you are residents of Lagos State following the rules and regulations of the State; we will surely listen and represent your pleas to the Rt. Hon. Speaker for immediate address,” he said.
Other lawmakers present at the protest include Hon. Solaja-Saka Nurudeen and Hon. David Setonji.
