Lagos Contnue Ikoyi Tollgate Collection Despite Court Orders

A civil rights group, Legal Defence and Assistance Project, LEDAP, yesterday, condemned the Lagos State Government for allegedly disobeying last week’s order of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, which nullified the collection of tolls at the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge, Lagos.

National Coordinator of LEDAP, Mr Chino Obiagwu in a statement, said “despite the order of the court, toll fees are still being collected from motorists on the bridge.”

He added that “The judgment of court was issued in the presence of lawyers of the state government. The Attorney General of the state, Mr. Ade Ipaye said at a press conference after the judgment said that the government will appeal against the judgment. Such excuse is not reason for disobeying the court order. It is elementary that an appeal or a motion for stay of execution, without a positive order of the court, does not prevent parties involved in fully obeying the judgment 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 for the rule of law.

“We urge the plaintiff 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. We also call on 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.”