The Labour Party Governorship candidate in the 18 March 2023 elections, in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has described the proposed law by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, to protect the property rights of indigenes, as divisive and regressive.
Obasa had in his acceptance speech immediately after his re-election as Speaker, declared that is a Yoruba land, and the 10th Lagos Assembly would enact laws to protect the indigenes even if it means reversing the existing laws.
However, Rhodes-Vivour while reacting via a post on Twitter said the Speaker would divide Lagos residents along ethnic lines with his proposed law.
He said by considering the regressive bill, Obasa disregards the constitution of the country and perpetuates a discriminatory system.
The Labour Party chieftain believed that the law would discourage the participation of local and foreign 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.
“The Speaker of the House announced his intention to make laws to protect indigenes. ‘They will reverse the reversible’ I believe that the time for this ethnic dog-whistling must come to an end. With an election that ripped our social fabric, it is time for healing.
“We expect a policy that compensates indigenes for lands seized by the government, education bursaries, and inclusion of an independent traditional institution in governance. Not threats to property rights enshrined in the Constitution”, Rhodes-Vivour tweeted:
The governorship candidate, who is presently challenging the outcome of the election conducted in the state early in the year, urged the Assembly to rather focus attention on protecting heritage, historical sites, and traditional institutions from political vandalism.