Lekki residents association gives conditions which should be met before toll gate re-opens

NIGERIA's ongoing furore over the Lekki Tollgate Plaza in Lagos State took another twixt today after local residents outlined several conditions that must be met before the facility is re-opened following the fatal shootings there last October.

 

Protests resumed at Lekki last weekend as youths decided to resume their #EndsSARS demonstrations at the location were several of their members were shot by the Nigerian Army last year. Bringing about a brutal end to their protests, soldiers opened fire on the unarmed protesters who were demonstrating against police brutality and calling for a dissolution of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (Sars) police unit.

 

Last week, tension rose in Lagos State as the youths pledged to return to protest following plans to re-open the toll gate but the federal government vowed not to tolerate any fresh gathering. In defiance of the government, the protesters gathered to demonstrate but the police were quickly despatched and they carried out numerous arrests.

 

After bitter clashes between the police and protesters over the weekend, leading to several arrests, the Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association has waded into the crisis giving conditions for the re-opening of the toll gate. Among their demands are that the state government and managers of the road provide viable alternatives to the tolled road, implement round figure toll fees and immediately improve the tolling system technology to guarantee the free flow of traffic.

 

Olorogun  Emadoye and Gbemi Adelekan, the president and  general secretary of the association respectively, signed a statement to this effect on behalf of the residents. They noted that their members have been victims of insecurity and disruption of movement since the #EndSARS protests in October, which led to the destruction and eventual closure of the toll gate and Saturday’s protest its reopening.

 

“Our road experience prior to the October 20th shutdown of the toll gates was that of hardship and suffering, with the long traffic at the toll plazas. A tolled road is supposed to provide a quick, safe and motorable experience, where users will be happy to pay for.

 

“Without a doubt, we are the only citizens in Nigeria that are forced to pay toll on a road that is less than 25km, completed in 14 years. With the poor experience and services at the toll plaza, we are actually paying for inconveniences rather than for convenience, as we spend an average of 20 to 30 minutes to pay.

 

"We, therefore, ask for viable alternative roads to the tolled roads, implementation of round figure fees at the toll and immediate improvement of the tolling system technology to guarantee free flow at the toll gates before the commencement of tolling,” their statement read. Also, while appealing for restraint among angry youths, the association called on the government to allow free expression of discontent in a way that guarantees protection of lives and properties.

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