THERE seems to be no end in sight to the ongoing imbroglio between the Lagos State government and residents of Makoko waterfronts, as the latter marched to the Government House, Alausa, on Monday, to show their grievance over the ongoing demolition of their houses by the state government.

According to findings by Nigerian Tribune, the protesters, carrying placards bearing various inscriptions, had arrived in the premises of Alausa, Ikeja, as early as 10.00 a.m and did not leave until 3.00 p.m, to protest what they termed the subversion of their fundamental human rights.

Addressing the protesters, who were about 100 in number, the Executive Director of Social and Economic Rights Action Centre (SERAC), Felix Morka, said there were indications that the government had another motive for demolishing the Makoko shanties, saying that the group would stop the development.

“We are already making efforts to get a court injunction that will stop the demolition. We are seriously in consultations, with our lawyers to ensure that our rights are not trampled upon.

“We are human beings and deserve some respect. They may be in power, but we put them there to serve our needs,” Morka said.

The protesters, comprising the young and old, as well as clerics wearing their religious cloaks, stormed the area in a convoy of buses.

One of the protesters, who simply identified himself as Moses, said “we will not rest until the government listens to us.”

Speaking on the reason for the displacement, the state governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola, on Monday, said his administration had to intervene to halt the continuous expansion of the community into the lagoon, with its negative impact on the environment.

Addressing scores of Makoko residents who came to the Lagos House, Ikeja, Governor Fashola said while the state government was finding a solution for residents within the recognised boundaries, it would not allow further expansion of the community.

He said sequel to several meetings with leaders of the community and an agreed boundary set, the state government had been working in the area to find solution to the difficulties which the indigenous residents encountered, by way of providing basic infrastructure and amenities to uplift the standard of life of the people who, according to him, had been there for a long time.

Expressing the readiness of his administration to meet with genuine representatives of the community, Governor Fashola advised them to be wary of people who were profitting from their difficult situation, while also advising members of the community to resist being used by people who wanted to take advantage of them.

The governor said piling saw dust on the lagoon, discharging wastes in it and blocking the discharge points for storm water had contributed to the flooding in places like Bariga, Shomolu, Ebute-Metta, Ogudu, Owode, Ajegunle and Ikorodu, among others.

Meanwhile, residents of Makoko community have appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji M. D. Abubakar, to ensure that justice prevail in the murder case involving one of the chiefs in the area.

The Baale of the community, Chief Jeje Ayinde, also appealed to Governor Fashola to consider the displaced residents of the community.

Chief Ayinde, while speaking with the Nigerian Tribune on Monday, during a visit to Makoko by the state Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, called on the police boss to “fish out” the killer of the traditional leader and ensure justice.

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