Lagos
residents heading for their workplaces and other destinations on Thursday were
stranded after the state government blocked some major roads over the visit of
President Muhammadu Buhari to the state.
Punch learnt that among some of the areas
affected were Iyana Ipaja, Ikeja, Maryland, Iyana Oworo, Airport Road, among
others.
Punch
correspondent gathered that many commuters were forced to trek for hours due to
absence of vehicles, while residents travelling out of the country trekked with
their luggage to the airport.
A
resident, Ayodeji Iyanu, said he trekked from Iyana Ipaja to Ladipo, Oshodi. Iyanu,
who shared his experience on Twitter, accused the police, who
manned the blocked roads, of eye service.
Another
resident, Ayoade Rufus, who spoke on a traffic platform, Gidi_Traffic, said the
Victoria Island area was also affected.
“Outer
Marina (was) barricaded from Odulami Junction. People are trekking to Victoria
Island. Walking for Mohammadu Buhari was voluntary. Now it’s compulsory,” he
wrote.
A
motorist, Tony Bekederemo, said he spent about three hours driving a short
distance. “I
spent two hours and 43 minutes driving from Apongbon to CMS. Lagos na
wa o,” he said.
A
popular Twitter user and self-acclaimed adviser of the state governor, with the
alias, Lagos Class Captain, said he trekked from Sango, Ogun
State to Mangoro, Ikeja area of Lagos.
“Hello
Sir, Akinwunmi Ambode, this morning I have trekked from Sango to Mangoro
because Say-Baba is coming to open bus stop in Lagos. Is it
fair like that? Sir, there’s pandemonium everywhere. Please help,” he wrote.
One
Davizs said a lot of damage had been caused by the shutdown of Lagos roads.
He
said, “You have actually ruined a lot today (Thursday) dear Governor Akinwunmi
Ambode for so called opening. By closing the roads, business (was) closed,
funds lost, tickets wasted, flight missed, plans trashed, and more. Just
because you want to please our President, a city was displeased.”
Also,
one Seun, condemned the action of the state government.
He
said, “An example of a dysfunctional state goverment is blocking all access
roads to your three airport terminals because someone wants to commission a bus
terminal/ bus stop in 2018 – a project of a local government chairman. Mega
city my foot!”
One
IK Mosina recalled that a similar lockdown occurred in the state during the
administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He
said, “It’s quite shameful that what was totally condemned by the government of
Lagos State during GEJ’s visit to the state still happened during the man
called Mr. Better. Who is deceiving who? I am not a GEJ fan, neither am I
a member of any political party. But I hate people doing what they condemn others
for; hypocrisy of the highest order.”
The
experience made some rights organisations, activists and celebrities to call
out the state government.
A
civil society group, Enough is Enough Nigeria, said shutting down
the state over Buhari’s visit could not be justified.
“The
decision to shut down a commercial city like Lagos is totally unreasonable and
unnecessary. How many cities in the world are shut down due to a presidential
visit? Lagosians deserve better!” it said.
Founder,
Stanbic IBTC, Atedo Peterside, described the development as unfortunate.
“Today’s
Lagos road closures are totally unnecessary and unfortunate. In the 21st
century, nobody closes down a mega city. The President and governors should
simply have used helicopters. No right thinking person will close down New York
or London or even Sydney,” he tweeted.
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