The Lagos Central Business District has declared its readiness to prosecute anybody that violates traffic and environmental laws in the State by using mobile Courts to expedite justice immediately any offender is arrested.
The Special Adviser, Mr. Olugbenga Oyerinde, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting with leaders of Market Associations in Lagos, led by Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Mrs. Folasade Tinubu-Ojo and members of Community Development Associations, CDAs, within the Lagos Island Business District at the Agency’s office over the weekend.
Oyerinde, while appealing to the stakeholders to caution members of their communities against violating traffic and environmental rules, stated that the introduction of Mobile Courts underscores the fact that CBD must create a conducive environment for business to thrive within all areas designated as business districts within the State.
He reiterated the determination of the present administration to restore the original master plan of the Lagos Island Business Districts and its adjoining axis by checking the activities of street traders and developers, who have converted all available spaces like walkways, streets and roads to shops.
Speaking on the need to open up the roads and streets blocked by traders especially Breadfruit, Mcween and Gbajumo Streets, the Special Adviser said the State Government is determined to restore safety and environmental sanity to all nooks and crannies of the Lagos Island Business District, saying that illegal activities of shops and plaza owners, who violate the physical planning laws, will be checked.
Warning miscreant who attack government officials on lawful duties, Oyerinde said no amount of resistance and intimidation by hoodlums parading as “Omo Adugbo” can make the State Government go back on its resolve to clean up the entire Lagos Island Business District.
The Special Adviser called on traders, especially those selling on the streets and walkways, to remove their extensions and makeshift shops from the roads immediately.
He also cautioned street urchins and area boys parading as developers to desist from supporting the illegality of converting streets and roads to trading places forthwith or face the full wrath of the law, stressing that no pleading on behalf of anybody convicted by the court will be entertained by his Office.
Speaking at the meeting, the Iyaloja-General, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, pledged the cooperation of members of the market associations in realising the goals and objectives of the Agency.
She, however, requested for joint inspection of areas and shops that are notorious for violating the physical planning laws of the State in a bid to correct the anomalies.