The Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has declared Thursday work-free day and announced movement restrictions around Ikeja and other parts of the state for President Buhari to commission a newly built bus-terminal in Ikeja.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, the government explained that “the holiday will enable Lagosians to come out en masse to welcome President Muhammadu Buhari” who is on a two-day (Thursday and Friday) visit to the state.
The state Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi also at a press briefing in Lagos House, Ikeja, hinted on adequate preparations to mitigate the impact of road diversions on residents, while access would be given to any emergency situation.
Imohimi said the President would open the new Ikeja Bus Terminal, attend a colloquium in honour of a national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and embark on a tour of the Eko Atlantic City, among others.
He said, “To ensure smooth visit, some roads will be closed at certain times; some temporary diversions will be made which might cause a little inconvenience. The road diversions will be very temporary and immediately the President leaves a certain location, that area will be opened very quickly.”
He listed the areas that would be affected to include Bank Anthony Way in Ikeja, Agege Motor Road, a section of Eko Hotel Road, Victoria Island and Old Marina and Ikoyi.
According to him, “We will not want to see commercial motorcycles plying the prohibited routes of Agege Motor Road, Bank Anthony Way and anywhere on the Island. Should that order be disobeyed, we would arrest the riders and the passengers and they will be prosecuted”.
Meanwhile, criticisms have continued to trail Ambode’s decision to lock down Lagos for the President. Mr Olufemi Awoyemi, an economic policy analyst decried the move on his Facebook page. He said, “We are not equipped for greatness or sustained excellence…. Only instances of deviation from old practices excite the people and allows governance to be a kneel level hurdle. #BusTerminal commissioning by a President? For God’s sake. Not to commission a metroline, speed train or something aspirational… a bus terminal?”
Ogbake Ivan also lamented saying, “Sad misplaced priority plus a waste of man time for serious minded people”.
Joke Fasola quipped, “ I just wonder when the tragicomedy will end. Big shame! Cluelessness raised to power 100”
A journalist, Eniola Akinkuotu wrote, “So Tinubu is celebrating his “66th” birthday on Thursday and will hold a colloquium which is expected to be attended by President Muhammadu Buhari.
“However, Ambode redefined the term ‘faux pas’ when he announced that Thursday will be a public holiday so that Lagosians can go “welcome Buhari on the streets”. I keep wondering how our leaders think. I wonder why Lagos will be acting like those backwater states where public holidays were announced in order to “pray for Buhari” when he was sick last year.
“Friday and Monday are already public holidays but Ambode wants to impress his boss. So, all Lagos State government agencies will not work until Tuesday. All court cases fixed for Thursday will be adjourned because of sheer sycophancy. No work for 5 days. Interesting! “
