George: It’s Double Jeopardy to Lose Livelihood, Land Without Compensation

Segun James

A former Deputy National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, yesterday, said the decision by the Lagos State Government to appropriate the land of residents, who suffered a recent fire disaster at Dosunmu area of Lagos Island as wrong, saying he was ready to fight their cause.

George, who made an on-the-spot assessment of the scene of the fire incident, said government’s decision amounted to a double jeopardy for the people, who not only lost good worth several several billions of naira to also lose their land.

He urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently intervene by compensating them in order to ameliorate their plight.

The PDP chieftain, who was in company of other party leaders, made the charge while addressing the market men and women at the scene of the disaster.

George thanked the marketers for their patience, saying their efforts would not be in vain.

“I praise you for being patient. I was not around when the fire incident happened. I want to assure you that I will be committed to your cause. This is my area, this is where I grew up.

“I will fight like a wounded lion, Government should make life comfortable for the people. I assure you, I will take it up. I will lead the fight for you.

“You shall reap the fruits of your labour. The government needs to be here and map out this place and decide what is best for you,” he said.

No fewer than 14 buildings were gutted by fire, and four structures collapsed as a result of the incident. The fire was reportedly caused by the careless refuelling of a generator in the penthouse of one of the buildings.

Sanwo-Olu had ordered the closure of the market after visiting the place.