25th August, 2010
A coalition of over 10 ethnic and human right groups in Lagos State have called for understanding on the concessioning of the Lekki/Epe Expressway to private investors by the Lagos State government.
Members of the coalition who arrived the area in about 30 buses, appealed to residents of Ajah and Lekki communities who are opposing the project, to support the state government on the project.
Groups in the coalition include the Coalition of Oodua Self Determination Groups (COSEG), Alajobi Forum, Igede Youth Movement, Esan Collectives, Awori Youth Movement, Epe Indigenous Liberation Movement, Eti-Oso Solidarity Assembly, Okun Vanguard, Ilaje Consensus Movement and Grassroots Initiatives.
Spokesman of the coalition, Razaq Olooko-Oba, who called for understanding said “the project is never and can never be a rip-off, but rather a real step towards building a true mega city we have been yearning for over the years.
“What we know of this project is that residents of the area are to enjoy global fee, which is that you only pay this toll only once a day, unlike other business people who ply the roads. The issue of rip off does not arise.â€
—Jamiu Yisa