By Olasunkanmi Akoni
The Lagos State Government has canceled the monthly environmental sanitation day earlier scheduled for Saturday even as residents were implored to observe the clean up exercise in their domains.

Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Muiz Banire who made this known, yesterday said Governor Babatunde Fashola issued the directive in the light of the on-going electioneering campaigns in the country.

The non restriction of movement was predicated on the need to further create an enabling environment for all political parties to mobilise support for the forthcoming election.

According to Banire, “some political parties had already slated rallies for Saturday and the government would not want to be seen as hampering the movement of their supporters. We are tolerant and accommodating and as such would not give room to detractors to accuse us of using the instruments of office to intimidate opposition parties as it is being done in some states.”

Banire added however that the accolades that the State has been getting for cleanliness and sustainable environment were achieved through the cooperation of the people a gesture which is highly appreciated by the state government.

He opined that, the need to live in a clean and healthy environment is not lost on the people of Lagos and cannot be compromised.  He therefore counseled residents to turnout in large numbers to clean their environment.

The commissioner said Environmental Health Officers, men of KAI Brigade and other related officers would be at all local government areas to monitor environmental activities and ensure that residents comply with government directives on environmental sanitation matters.

Banire, further said that these Officers have been mandated to bring to book, residents of filthy tenements while Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA will deploy its men and materials to ensure prompt evacuation of waste generated during the exercise.