25th August, 2011
The 25 riverine communities in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria, have reported the illegal activities of the Lagos State water ways Authority (LASWA), to the state governor, Babatunde Fashola.
In a petition to the governor, the communities listed the atrocities of LASWA officials to include seizure of outboard engines without respect for the lives of the passengers; collection of illegal and exorbitant levies and recently, issuance of a no-movement order on water from 6 p.m.
At a village square meeting held in one of the communities, Itun-Agan, last weekend, stakeholders agreed that their petition should be forwarded to Governor Fashola, who they claimed, had agreed to give them a hearing in his office this week.
The letter was signed by High Chief Asemudara, the Anerunniledoye of Ilajeland, chairman; Mr. Solomon Hennu, the CDC secretary, Amuwo-Odofin; General Joshua Adekunle, treasurer and Mr. Dansu Peters, PRO.
The meeting had in attendance Chief Agandado Joseph, the bale of Whalakoji; Chief Olusesi, the bale of Ilado-Odo; Chief Lots Ikuesan, the bale of Itun-Agan; Chief Adepetu, the bale of Araromi; Chief Asemudara and Rev. Matthias Esanmore, chairman of the CDA, Itun-Agan.
Also at the meeting were boat owners and operators, market women and fresh and dry fish sellers.
They alleged that the issues generating conflict between them and LASWA officials should be resolved soonest, arguing that they were ready to pay taxes and rates, but should not be arbitrarily fixed by LASWA officials.
They said the 6 p.m. restriction order was not realistic because some residents, who travel to Marina, Ajah and other far places in within the state to earn their living would like to return home after each day’s work.
When asked what will be their next line of action if the harassment and extortion continued, the community members said they will stage a peaceful protest at Alausa, Ikeja, the seat of power in the state.
—Moyo Fabiyi