Gbadebo Rhodes Vivour, the Labour Party candidate for governor in Lagos State in the 2023 election, has denounced the claims made by Rt. Hon. Mudasiru Obasa, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, that the assembly will pass laws to safeguard indigenous peoples’ property rights.
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He cautioned the Speaker against laws that will divide Lagos residents along ethnic lines.
He warned that any enacted law that seeks to reverse property rights in favour of the indigenous people of Lagos state at the expense of other residents is divisive and not in the economic interest of Lagos.
Rhodes Vivour stated this in a statement posted on his official Twitter handle on Thursday
Recall that Mudashiru Obasa had in his acceptance speech after his re-election as the Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly said lawmakers will go to any length in protecting the state indigenes even if it means reversing existing law.
Rhodes Vivour described such a move as an attempt to undermine the fundamental right of residents as enshrined in the country’s constitution, adding that well-meaning Lagosians should resist “the divisive bill”
He also said that in considering such legislation, the speaker has disregarded the Nigerian constitution, adding the law will 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,”
Rhodes Vivour said
Instead of promulgating such a law, Rhodes Vivour advocated for state laws that will rather “protect heritage, historical sites, and traditional institutions from political vandalism.”
He also urged the state government to stick to its duty of catering to the welfare of its citizens irrespective of the state of origin.
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