THE Lagos Government Thursday drafted a combined force of armed soldiers and mobile policemen to Ladipo Auto-parts Market, Mushin, to enforce compliance with the newly appointed Baba Oloja leadership on the traders.
The presence of the security agents prevented many of the traders who had gone to the market for the weekly sanitation exercise from performing the exercise. Their shops were locked while they stood on the road discussing the latest development.
The traders, mostly from the southeastern states, have refused to recognise the new Baba Oloja as the leader of the market, insisting that Igbo traders comprise over 99 per cent of traders in the market, accusing the state government of bullying and intimidation, instead of resolving the crisis amicably.
The President-General of Ladipo Auto Central Executive Committee, Mr. Ikechukwu Animalu, said the policemen were brought to the market to impose Alhaji Oki on the traders. Animalu said they heard the hint that the soldiers, policemen and members of OPC would take over the market.
“We will not recognise him. If he wants to lead the market, he should wait for my tenure to expire and then contest for the leadership of the market. We have always elected our leaders, not by imposition of the government,” he stated.
He disclosed that he immediately alerted the Area ‘D’ Commander, Mushin and the state command of the development, adding that the matter was being investigated. He, however, advised the traders to remain calm.
Operatives of OP-MESA were seen in their vehicle with registration number DD 47 KTU positioned in front of Warehouse A. Also seen in the market were about 15 pick up vans with armed mobile policemen. Many of the traders did not open their shops yesterday in fear of clashing with the security officials.
No comments:
Post a Comment