LEDAP CHIDES LAGOS STATE GOVT FOR DISOBEYING COURT ORDER ON LEKKI TOLL GATE Release date: March 31 2014: Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP) condemns the Lagos state government for disobeying last week’s order of the Federal High Court Lagos nullifying the collection of toll charges at the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge. Despite the order of the court, toll fees are still being collected from motorists on the bridge. The judgment of court was issued in the present of lawyers of the state government. The Attorney General of the State Mr Ade Ipaye said at a press conference after the judgment that the government will appeal against the judgement. Such excuse is not reason for disobeying the court order. It is elementary that an appeal or a motion of stay of execution, without a positive order of the court, does not prevent the parties involved in fully obeying the judgement of the court. The primary condition of constitutional democracy is that judgments and orders of court must be complied with by all persons concerned, including the government. It is regrettable that the Lagos State government, governed by the major national opposition party, will flagrantly disobey court order, and continue to collect toll on the Lekki-Ikoyi bridge. The conduct of the government in this regards smacks of impunity, and a complete disregard of the rule of law. LEDAP urges the plaintiffs in the case to return to the court to commence contempt proceedings against the concerned officials including the governor and the Attorney General of the state. LEDAP calls on the motorists using the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge to resist payment of toll on the bridge. The people must stand to resist abuse of power by public officials. Chino Obiagwu National Coordinator LEDAP – Legal Defence & Assistance Project
Posted on: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 20:22:16 +0000