Vehicular activities on the busy Lekki-Epe expressway were brought to a halt in the early hours of today as motorists and residents of Epe and environs trooped out to express their grievances over the pitiable state of the road.
The protesters in their hundreds blocked the expressway which led to paralyzing of economic and social activities in Epe and environs.
Following the report of the protest by EkoHotBlog, the Lawmaker representing Epe Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Wale Raji, weighed in on the issue to douse tension and calm frayed nerves.
Raji, who doubles as the chairman, House Service Committee, subsequently reached out to the Lagos state government to inform it about the development.
He noted that availing the state government of the situation of things in the area became imperative following the distress calls and the reports he received on the protest and road blockage.
Construction work will commence tomorrow (Thursday)
Raji said he relayed the grouse of the protesters to the state government and he was told reconstruction and rehabilitation works will commence on the road tomorrow being Thursday, 18th of June.
According to him, the contract for the rehabilitation of the road has been awarded to Hitech Construction Company who are expected to commence work soon after all logistics and documentation have been sorted out.
Lagos government says rehabilitation works delayed by paperwork.
Speaking on the state of the roads, the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat said that all logistics and documentations hindering the commencement of the project have been sorted out as at yesterday and that the contractor will commence work on the road tomorrow.
Raji lauded how peaceful the protesters conducted themselves to register their displeasure at the lamentable condition of the road.
He, however, implored them to remain calm and avoid breakdown of law and order. He also admonished them to be wary of the prevalence of the covid 19 virus and observe the guidelines on self protection so as to remain safe.
A shift from past realities.
By the same token, the publisher of EkoHotBlog, Otunba Abass, extolled the calm and peaceful demonstration embarked on by the residents of the area.
Otunba, who is also a prominent son of Epe, said the protest, having been carried out without a tinge of violence, is a commendable one.
He said “A protest without elements of violence as a vehicle to register displeasure and speak truth to power as demonstrated by the youths, is commendable”
He noted that the swift response of the Member of House of rep, Hon. Wale Raji underscores the importance of quality representation, adding that the recent crops of politician in the area had eschew the politics of divisiveness and disinterest.
He noted that the protest and the response of the House of Representatives member were an epoch moment in the political history of Epe, one that marked an essential adjustment in the sociopolitical and economic configuration of the town.
He said “the immediate response by Raji Wale exemplified quality representation. He put a call to the Deputy Governor, and his timely response is an attestation to the commitment of the state government to the development of the division.
“I believe it is a paradigm shift from the way we have always addressed our issues in the community.
” Before the present crop of politicians , the Political class have succeeded in leveraging on our dichotomy with the politics of division, which has hampered the development of the division.
” They have succeeded in defining us to their advantage, but things are becoming different now. We will not allow then to define us any longer
” We are now telling the world who we are and what we are capable of.We are focusing more on the objectives rather than the obstacles.
” Our objective is harnessing our resources collectively towards the development of the community and most importantly speaking with one united and powerful voice.”
Ogun Police Deploy 7,777 Officers for Festive Security; NSCDC Strengthens Collaboration with NUPENG The Ogun…
Six inmates graduate with top honours from NOUN. Vision Africa sponsors inmates’ education and WAEC…
Five abducted in Kwara, including Oloye Abolarin and family. N100m ransom demanded for their release.…