Gbadebo Rhodes Vivour, the Labour Party candidate for the Lagos State governorship in the upcoming 2023 election, has condemned the recent comments made by Rt. Hon Mudasiru Obasa, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, regarding the enactment of laws to protect the property rights of indigenes. Vivour cautioned the Speaker against passing laws that would create divisions among residents of Lagos along ethnic lines.
In a statement posted on his official Twitter handle on Thursday, Vivour warned against any legislation that seeks to favor indigenous people of Lagos state at the expense of other residents, calling it divisive and detrimental to the economic interests of the state.
We expect policy that compensates Indigenes for lands seized by government, education bursaries, and inclusion of an independent traditional institution in governance. Not threats to property rights enshrined in the constitution. My statement on the matterhttps://t.co/43eS8WnLmd
— Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (@GRVlagos) June 8, 2023
Vivour’s statement comes in response to comments made by Mudashiru Obasa in his acceptance speech after being re-elected as the Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly. Obasa had stated that lawmakers would go to great lengths to protect the rights of indigenes, even if it means reversing existing laws.
Vivour described such a move as an attempt to undermine the fundamental rights of residents as enshrined in the country’s constitution, and he called on well-meaning Lagosians to resist what he referred to as a “divisive bill.”
Furthermore, Vivour argued that the proposed legislation disregards the Nigerian constitution and would discourage the participation of local and international investors in Lagos’ economy.
“By considering this regressive bill, the Speaker disregards the spirit of the Nigerian Constitution and perpetuates a discriminatory system that divides our society along ethnic lines. The proposed bill undermines the principle of private ownership and could severely affect investment, economic growth, and overall prosperity in Lagos State. By considering such legislation, the Speaker is sending a damaging message to local and international investors, discouraging their participation and confidence in the state’s economy,” Vivour stated.
Instead of promoting such a law, Vivour advocated for state laws that would protect heritage, historical sites, and traditional institutions from political vandalism. He also urged the state government to focus on its duty of catering to the welfare of all citizens, regardless of their state of origin.
