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Flooding: Lagos Insists On Demolishing Buildings On Drainage Right-Of-Way

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In a bid to tackle the persistent flooding in the state, the Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the restoration of right-of-way of all drainage channels in the state.

Mr Tokunbo Wahab, The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, stated this when he undertook an on-the-spot assessment of some drainage channels in the state on Wednesday.

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Wahab said the government was determined to restore the environment from all sorts of infractions that had altered the landscape.

He noted that the government had awarded contract on restoration project in the axis in order to accomplish the task of making Lagos flood-free.

“The governor has awarded contract for the restoration of some critical projects on this axis around Ishashi, Oke-Odan, where we have witnessed people purposely building on the channel.

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“They have been served notices; so we have to start enforcement along with the contractor who is ready to move to site,” Wahab said.

He said that all concerned had been served contravention notices which had elapsed and as such, enforcement would commence on  Thursday, September 5.

He said the law would take its full course as it was observed that some people along the System 40 drainage channel in Ojo Local government Area have built on the canal path and narrowed the primary channel.

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He said the development had led to incidents of flooding in the axis.

He stressed that the government would not back down on the enforcement, adding that it would ensure that seven metres drainage setback on all drainage channels were restored.

The commissioner said that 15 metres drainage setback is the standard right-of-way to be restored at Alaba International Market outfall.

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He, however, said that the House of Assembly member representing the area, Mr Olusegun Ege, who was also present on the tour, advocated for less than 10 metres to be observed.

“This is just to let people know we are not dropping the ball and the weather has been very favourable so we have no excuse than to just move to the site.

READ ALSO: VIDEO: Lady Laments As Lagos Issues Demolition Notice Two Months After Property Purchase

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“We will clean up the drains and restore the right-of-way and then take ownership of the public infrastructure.

“The development of any city is a deliberate plan; it is not magical, things will not happen unless the plan is enforced,” Wahab said.

He noted that the ministry had engaged in a series of sensitisation and advocacy, adding that it would not stop enforcement processes where necessary.

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According to him, where there is a law in place, there is always provision for enforcement.

Wahab advised developers and homeowners in other parts of Lagos to ensure they did not encroach on public infrastructure such as drainage collectors or channels, be it primary or secondary.

He added that the government would come someday for its infrastructure.

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Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Environment, Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, said the unwholesome practices of some developers and business owners were regrettable.

Rotimi-Akodu said that their habit of converting the right-of-way into land and fully building on it has exposed other property owners to the dangers of loss of property.

He charged all residents to support the government’s efforts in making Lagos a safe, clean, flood-free and sustainable one.

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In his remarks,  the President-General, Alaba International Market, Chief Nnamdi Amajioyi, said the market executives have shown state officials the challenged areas, adding that they would cooperate to find a lasting solution.

“We have challenges whenever it rains. I believe that if we go by what the ministry said, the problem of flood will be a thing of the past,” Amajioyi said.

The commissioner was accompanied by the the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Mr Mahamood Adegbite, as well as heads of agencies and some directors, during the inspection tour.

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The places visited included Isheri/Aiyetoro/Ologe Primary Channel at Anuoluwapo /Oke-Odan Street Ishashi, Ojo Town and Alaba Rago Primary Channel (System 40B).

Others included the Alaba International Market Primary channel (System 40) and the Ojo Local Government Area.

 

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DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials

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The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.

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The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.

The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.

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Continuing, DSS said Ezenwa’s arrest underscores the Service’s determination to safeguard Nigerians from the fraudulent schemes of unpatriotic elements. “Citizens are therefore encouraged to remain vigilant, verify information from official sources and report suspicious recruitment adverts or individuals attempting to extort money under false pretense.”

The agency assured that it will continue to protect the integrity of its recruitment process while ensuring that perpetrators of fraud face the full weight of the law.

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‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu

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Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.

In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”

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READ ALSO:Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.

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Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu

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Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.

In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.

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Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!

“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.

READ ALSO:Obi Blames Tinubu For 70% Investment Crash

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The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.

As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.

“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.

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“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.

READ ALSO:Tinubu Subsidises Kidney Dialysis Cost By 76% In Federal Hospitals

Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.

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I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.

“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.

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