The party called for the immediate provision of adequate compensation for victims affected by the demolitions, not only in Fagba/Agege but in all local government areas.
The Lagos State chapter of the Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN) has disclosed that most demolitions taking place in Lagos state are not meant for the greater good, but for the corrupt state government officials to grab land on behalf of property developers looking to make a profit.
SPN in a statement jointly signed by its Lagos Chairman and Secretary, Rufus Olusesan and Moshood Adebola Oshunfurewa respectively, denounces the recent demolition of shanties in the Fagba/Agege areas and its environs, given the lack of provision of adequate compensation for the affected victims.
The party called for the immediate provision of adequate compensation for victims affected by the demolitions, not only in Fagba/Agege but in all local government areas.
It explained that oftentimes the state government hinges on its refusal to pay compensation on arguments that victims are illegal occupants or squatters.
SPN, however, advocated for the construction of affordable, low-cost housing initiatives that are subject to democratic control and management by workers and community members.
It said, "This merciless act, orchestrated by the Lagos Taskforce under the reign of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's All Progressives Congress (APC), exposes a calculated strategy to further entrench the interests of the super-rich and the ruling party's allies while disregarding the plight of the marginalized and the poor.
"CSP Shole Jejeloye, chairman of the Lagos Taskforce, brazenly recounts the eviction process with little regard for human dignity, showcasing the authoritarian approach employed by those in power. This display of unchecked authority serves as a reminder that the marginalized are often left defenseless in the face of such state-driven actions.
"The SPN underscores that the absence of affordable, accessible housing alternatives contributes to the perpetuation of shanty settlements, and these victims deserve better and more dignified housing and social infrastructure.
"As we scrutinize the economic landscape, the recent report by Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Sam Egube, paints a disturbing picture of revenue abundance. Despite this substantial financial influx, it is truly disheartening that a significant portion of Lagosians continues to endure the squalor of shanty living conditions.
"The vast chasm between the state's financial prowess and the destitution of its citizens reveals a stark reality wherein the present socioeconomic structure is used to unleash exploitation and perpetuate inequality and massive poverty.
"The existence of shanties extends beyond Fagba, reaching into another axis of Lagos, including esteemed locales like Lekki, Pen Cinema in Agege, Ajegunles, Ikorodu, and various other Local Government Areas. This evidence provides unequivocal proof that the touted mega city concept endorsed by the APC ruling party is fundamentally flawed, grounded in a foundation of social inequality and injustice.
"We vehemently condemn these demolitions, a grievous offense amplified by the insensitivity of the governing ruling elite to the plight of people. The implementation of anti-poor policies at both state and national levels has intensified the suffering of the working class and ordinary citizens, highlighting the need for an alternative approach to governance.
"As a political party, we duly recognize that urban renewal is a permanent feature of any fast-growing city like Lagos state and that it cannot take place without frequent demolition, refurbishing, expansion and rebuilding of built structures, road networks, layout and landscapes to suit the ever-changing needs of society.
"Unfortunately, most demolitions taking place in Lagos state are not meant for the greater good, rather they are often done by corrupt state government officials to grab land on behalf of property developers looking to gentrify seized landed property for their profit-making.
"Over the years, many people in Lagos have been made homeless as a result of this criminal enterprise. This is why we in the SPN oppose these demolitions and demand that in situations where demolitions are required, the decision of how and when to go about it must be taken with due democratic consultation with the affected victims as well as community associations, trade unions and civil society.
"In light of these injustices, the SPN demands the immediate provision of adequate compensation for victims affected by the Lagos State demolition, not only in Fagba/Agege but across all local government areas. Oftentimes the Lagos state government hinges its refusal to pay compensation on the specious arguments that victims are illegal occupants or squatters."