An erstwhile Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Olabode George, has called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State to halt the harassment of traders by officials and security agents in the state.
The elder statesman, in an open letter to the governor, stated that Lagos traders are not terrorists, adding that while Lagos is known as the Centre of Excellence, the traders are not being treated excellently by some security agents and government officials daily.
According to reports, due to the state environmental law that bans street trading, the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) officials often arrest and confiscate the wares of traders who display their goods on roadsides or sell in traffic.
“Apart from lamenting the multiple levies they pay to councils and being subjected to extortion most horrendously by some thugs and rough-necks, they are also harassed and flogged like criminals,” George said.
The PDP leader, who stated that street trading has been part of the culture and tradition of Lagos for decades, where he was born, explained that many professionals like lawyers, doctors, engineers, and accountants were financed educationally by what their parents made through street trading.
He added that in London, New York, and other advanced cities, there is street trading.
In the letter, George noted that some traders and hawkers stay on the roadside where they pay government officials daily due to the harsh and hostile economy in the land, as they cannot afford a shop costing as high as N1 million.
“What authorities in those climes do is to regulate street trading, not subject traders to despicable treatment.
“In the 21st century, it is an act of wickedness for government officials to treat street traders like bandits and terrorists in Lagos State.
“Where is our dignity? Why should officials subject them to harrowing experiences daily?
“They are not armed robbers, and they should not be treated as such. It is despicable to treat street traders like terrorists. They are just trying to survive, and Lagos is not the only place where we have street traders,” he said.
