Lagos traders protest as officials seal shops

There was a protest on Wednesday by some traders selling items on the premises of the Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Centre’s headquarters in the Ojodu area of the state.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the traders, on Wednesday, arrived to open their shops on the premises also housing the Federal Road Safety Corps, when they saw that barricades had been placed to prevent them from accessing their shops.

Angered by the development, the traders, who were concerned about the threat to where they make their daily income, held a demonstration to express their grievances against the development.

A staff member, who did not want his name in print, claimed that the restriction affected mainly Igbo traders as they were asked to provide their Permanent Voters Cards before being allowed to resume their businesses.

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He said, “As you know that the governorship election is near, the traders were only asked to provide their Permanent Voter Cards before opening for business this morning.

“Although, the officials specifically focused on the Igbo traders because most of them dominate the place. They were also heard threatening not to vote for APC but only the Labour Party.

“That was what angered some of the leaders here and why the place was barricaded. This place was given for free and no one collected a dime from them. So, why should they even think of doing that?”

Another staff member, who gave her name only as Bola, said a meeting was held with the traders before they were allowed to open their businesses.

“The protest was not that serious. A meeting was held with the traders and they were asked to provide their voter cards which they did. That was when some other officials intervened and pleaded on their behalf before the place was opened,” she said.

One of the traders, who also preferred to speak on the condition of anonymity for fear of discrimination, confirmed the development.

“It truly happened but the issue has been resolved. As you can see, we are going about our normal business.”

The spokesperson of LASTMA, Taofiq Adebayo denied knowledge of the incident.

“I am not aware. I will call our Ojodu office and get back to you,” he said.