GOVERNOR Akinwunmi Ambode led Lagos State Government has vowed to dethrone any traditional ruler found guilty of harbouring and aiding kidnappers in the state.
Mr. Muslim Folami, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, gave the warning on Friday at the ongoing ministerial briefing in commemoration of Governor Ambode’s second year in office.
The commissioner said, “intelligence reveals that some of these Baales, particularly from Ikorodu and Ishawo collaborate with the miscreants to kidnap innocent souls.
“Yesterday, I told them to their faces this might lead to dethroning and we will do just that if investigations reveal that you are part of the criminality”.
Folami disclosed that the State Government had acquired five hectares of land for the permanent settlement of the security operatives in Igbodu community in Epe to check the ceaseless attack by kidnappers, urging the residents to partner with the government in fighting kidnapping, just as he advised them to be more vigilant.
“The land has been cleared and ready for development”.
He also noted that the establishment of a virile and vibrant system of community associations had over the years enabled the government to partner with communities, sensitise them on its priorities and receive feedback on public policies.
He stated that the total number of Community Development Associations (CDAs) across the state as at March was 3,400, up from 3,292 recorded last year.
The commissioner further averred that many of the CDAs held monthly meetings to address matters of security, conflict resolution and also tasked themselves to ensure the protection of lives and property.
“Community development is one of the primary goals of this administration, it is an established fact that development cannot take place without peace and harmony,” he noted.
Unearthing the targets of the ministry before the end of the year, the commissioner assured that the initiatives would be expanded and improved to further create positive synergy between the State Government and the communities.
Such initiatives, he said include the market branding and community media campaign.
According to the commissioner, there would be an improvement of the 402 markets across the state through the provision of necessary facilities to include clinics, toilets, fencing and electrification and creche for babies.
He revealed that the first phase of the community radio would take-off in five locations of the state.
“The stations are expected to be data driven internet radio, with a view to taking advantage of the high penetration of mobile application users in the state”.
