A group known as the Nigerian Slum and Informal Settlement Federation has demanded the retraction of a seven-day ultimatum issued by the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, to waterfront communities across the state.

The group said the notice was a continuation of the anti-poor policies of the Lagos State Government.

The letter dated October 11, 2016, was signed by leaders of Ago Egun, Ebute-Ilaje in Bariga, Orisunbare, Sogunro, Ofin in Ikorodu, Ajagbe Sari Iganmu, Abete Ojora, Itun Agan, Mosafejo Oworonshoki, Tarkwa Bay, Olufunke Majidun, Tomaro, Oko Agbon, Otumare Ilaje, Baiyeku, Irede and Otodo Gbame communities.

Ambode had last week said all illegal structures on the state’s waterfront would be demolished following the rising cases of kidnapping.

The group said it had on October 4 delivered a letter to the governor during a peaceful protest, demanding for partnership towards a pro-poor urban agenda in Lagos.

Its letter read in part, “During our peaceful protest, we were addressed by the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Civic Engagement and invited for a meeting on October 5, at which we presented the concerns of three different constituencies of the urban poor such as persons living in slum settlements, persons working in the informal economy and persons living with disabilities.

“At the close of the meeting, we agreed to have another meeting on October 11 to present proposals on core issues of housing, security of tenure and protection of livelihoods to help Lagos become an inclusive megacity. It was with great shock and dismay that we heard the public announcement on October 9, purporting to give a seven-day notice of demolition to all informal waterfront communities across Lagos State.

“Consequently, and with heavy hearts, we hereby denounce your announcement of October 9 and demand official and immediate retraction. We have no choice but to suspend all dialogue until such a notice is retracted.”

The group said forced eviction would not solve the administration’s problems or set the state on its part to becoming a global mega city.

“The only path to a real mega city status is to embrace the urban poor and partner with us to find lasting solutions to challenging urban problems such as security and development,” the group added.

PUNCH.