Front Page Comment: Lagos And Its Laws

As the Lagos State House of Assembly churns out laws to make the state a better place, we expect the government to follow such laws up with enforcement. However, the reverse has been the case.

Almost every law made in the state in the last few years has been disregarded and ignored while the authorities look on helplessly.

The last few weeks have seen the recently enacted Lagos Traffic Law rubbished by recalcitrant commercial motorcyclists popularly called Okada. In the first week of signing the bill into law, the Lagos State government and security agencies went fully into action to enforce it, but this died down after that week. Okada riders are back on the roads, and in many cases with the connivance of law enforcers.

The bus stops and road shoulders have again become markets where traders display their wares in spite of the laws against this. Kombi buses popularly called danfo have continued to stop on highways to drop or pick up commuters, though the act is illegal. The rent edict is also being rubbished by both landlords and the tenants it was made to protect.

Illegal mining of sand has continued in the coastal areas of the state, while the government seems unable to stop this, though it has made a law against it. Beggars have continued to constitute an eyesore on Lagos streets, while hawkers are doing their business unhindered, though there are laws banning these activities in the state.

Though they’ve been outlawed, at almost every bus stop, touts have continued to harass commuter bus drivers while the police and other law enforcement agents look the other way. Transport unions’ activities have been curbed, but the culture of impunity has continued, portraying government as powerless and helpless.

Our law enforcement agencies are now seen as corrupt and inefficient. Why promulgate laws if they would not be enforced? If the Lagos Traffic Law is being flouted by Okada riders and government looks on helplessly, are we not risking a total breakdown of law and order? If the restriction on Okada appears not to be solving the problem, perhaps a total ban would halt the activities of the law enforcement agents who encourage these stubborn riders.

We cannot continue to allow people to flout laws made by government to make the state better, because that is the beginning of disrespect for government which could result in chaos and disorder.

If we have to ban Okada outright, then let’s outlaw it and put in place alternatives for the people and the operators. The Lagos State government certainly needs to reorganise the transport sector. Afterall, the rickety lorries (molues), which used to ply Lagos roads were partially phased out and the heavens did not fall. BRT buses which replaced the lorries have been doing a great job, even if they are not perfect.

Most of these laws by the state are for the good of the people and more often than not, they would first be met with resistance. But government must demonstrate the will to enforce its laws.

It is time the Lagos State government began enforcing its laws to prevent Lagosians from looking at it as a toothless bulldog that can only bark and not bite.