…demolition will push families into unemployment market
…Reconstruction in good faith, say Police
Juliana Francis
The Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, has given reasons for the planned dislodgement of over 1000 traders using the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) Shopping Complex, in Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos State.
This move, will not only affect the occupants of the shops but also their immediate and extended families, plunging more people into poverty and biting hunger.
Not only will this move plunge many families into poverty, but will by implication escalate crimes and criminality, worsening the already tense atmosphere in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.
Similarly, this planned action is coming amid Nigerians crying and lamenting over the economic hardship being experienced in the country since the removal of the fuel subsidy.
It is instructive to note that the Nigeria Police through its spokesman, did not mention compensation or a refund for these traders, especially those who had already renewed their rent for their shops.
Contrary to the Police insistence of serving the traders due notice, the traders had vehemently denied getting any notice from anyone, let alone their landladies, who should be in the best position to serve them notices and brief them on the latest developments concerning dislodgement.
Adejobi said: “The Nigeria Police Force has been inundated with enquiries concerning the planned demolition of the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) Shopping Complex, Ikeja, Lagos.
“It has become imperative to properly establish that the complex, a property of the Nigeria Police Officer’s Wives Association, which is officially allocated to wives of Police Officers and their relatives, has been scheduled for demolition to enable the Force to commence immediate construction of a modern shopping complex on the same land.
“The decision to demolish and reconstruct is predicated on the fact that professional opinion indicates that the structure as it is constitutes a looming environmental hazard, as the site is prone to flood, and may be susceptible to sudden collapse, hence the need for immediate landscaping and reconstruction.
“The planned demolition and reconstruction will be in phases and is in good faith for the betterment of all concerned.
“All necessary legal requirements have been duly met. The current occupants of the complex have been given more-than-enough notice of the demolition to enable their evacuation from the facility in good time, and necessary steps have been taken to temporarily accommodate them within the same complex while the reconstruction lasts.
“Equally, the relevant Lagos State Government agency, according to its expert advice, has been approached, required help sought, and necessary approvals for demolition obtained.
“While the demolition will proceed as planned, Nigerians are hereby urged to disregard frivolous claims, unsubstantiated protests, and media blackmail alleging wrongdoing and illegality on the part of the Force or the POWA. The Police and its affiliates, like the POWA, will always be committed to better welfare and standard of living for its personnel and their families.”
