By Ebunoluwa Sessou

The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the Commissioner for Information and Strategy to intensify public enlightenment and sensitisation on the ongoing demolition exercises across parts of the state, in a bid to curb misinformation and prevent avoidable tension.

The resolution followed a motion moved by Hon. Stephen Ogundipe during plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Dr. Mudashiru Obasa.

The House also urged residents to exercise restraint and conduct themselves peacefully whenever they seek to protest or express grievances at the Assembly, cautioning against allowing individuals with selfish or ulterior motives to hijack genuine agitations and turn them into actions capable of breaching public order.

In addition, the lawmakers resolved that a letter of commendation be written to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Olohundare Jimoh, in recognition of his professionalism and effective handling of security situations arising from recent protests linked to the demolition exercises.

Contributing to the debate, Hon. Aro Moshood described the misrepresentation of the demolitions as unfortunate, stressing that the actions of the state government were lawful and long overdue, having been delayed in the past due to compassion and leniency.

Similarly, Hon. Kehinde Joseph noted that prolonged delays in enforcement had created opportunities for individuals masquerading as human rights activists to exploit the situation for personal gain. He therefore called for a comprehensive review of the issues surrounding the demolition exercises to ensure transparency and fairness.

On his part, Hon. Abiodun Tobun lamented that many genuine protesters had been misled by persons with selfish intentions, resulting in situations where protests were hijacked and the image of the state brought into disrepute.

In his contribution, Hon. Jubril Abdul-Kareem appealed to the state government to scale up investment in affordable housing for the less privileged, noting that proactive and inclusive housing policies would help mitigate similar challenges in the future.

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policies and actions that promote public safety, urban renewal and sustainable development, while ensuring that residents are adequately informed and protected.