PEDESTRIAN
WALKWAYS ALONG LAGOS/ASABA ROAD ARE NOT FOR TRADERS
The newly elected representatives in the two
local councils of Ika North East and Ika South areas by now must have seen the
inefficiency created in the councils by the past caretaker committees and must
have by now resolved to perform to the expectations of the people. The walkways
provided for pedestrians on both sides of the ongoing dualised portions of the
old Lagos/Asaba road is now adorned with wheel barrows, gallons of kerosene,
plastic buckets, deep freezers, fridges, generators, washing machines, watch
repairers, carpet sellers, engine oil sellers, flowers, fire for roasting
plantain and yam, electronics, loud speakers, upholstery makers among other
items and commercial activities. What would a law abiding citizen stand to
benefit by extending his or her shop to the pedestrian walkway? Why would a
citizen conduct his or her commercial affairs with impunity and without regard
for constituted authority? Whenever citizens obey laws created for our common
good, administering the people becomes easier. Acting with decency, decorum and
responsibly is the responsibility of every citizen and not waiting for council
officials to employ batons, canes and horsewhip before laws are obeyed.
Democracy which allows for freedom does not allow for unfettered freedom that
makes the society unsightly. The non charlant attitude of some traders blocking
walkways can best be described as “I don’t care”. If the immediate past
caretaker committees had acted responsibly, the mess, now created by traders
who display their wares along pedestrian walkways would have been nipped in the bud. From college
junction to almost Alika Street end along Lagos Asaba road, walkways
constructed for pedestrians are largely occupied by some traders. The officials
of the two local councils can work in synergy to rid the walkways of commercial
activities to preserve the unfolding aesthetics of the road. The walkways are
not for trading. As the sluggish construction of the road continues, it is
mandatory that all citizens use the road decently. Traders should avoid putting
undue burden on council officials who maybe compelled to use force to ensure
the proper thing is done.
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