Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour warns Lagos State speaker against passing divisive legislation

NEWLY-re-elected speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Hon Mudasiru Obasa has been warned by the Labour Party's gubernatorial candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour to abandon plans to introduce controversial laws on the right of indigenes.

Earlier this week, Hon Obasa was elected for w third term in office and said that during the tenure, the House will pass new laws to protect the property right of Lagos State indigenes. His comments have generated a lot of tension across the state and Mr Rhodes-Vivour has waded into the crisis, cautioning 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 indigenous people at the expense of other residents is divisive and not in the economic interest of Lagos. Mr 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.

In his acceptance speech after his re-election, Hon Obasa said lawmakers will go to any length in protecting the state indigenes even if it means reversing the existing law. He also said that in considering such legislation, the law will discourage the participation of local and international investors in Lagos’ economy.

Mr Rhodes-Vivour said: “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."

Instead of promulgating such a law, Mr Rhodes Vivour advocated for state laws that will 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.