Reuben Adeleye Abati, a Nigerian journalist, television anchor, and newspaper columnist, responded to a viral video showing the demolition of buildings and structures by the Lagos State government. Citizens claimed they were given a two-hour notice to evacuate. Abati expressed his opinion on Arise TV, suggesting that the governor should not be remembered solely as the "demolition man."
He mentioned that the Commissioner of Physical Planning in Lagos State stated in an interview that over 75% of the structures in Lekki lacked approval. Although Abati acknowledged the government's right to enforce the law, he encouraged the governor to consider his long-term legacy. Abati suggested that Governor Sanwo-Olu should focus more on legacy projects such as the overhead bypass in Ikeja and the completion of ongoing projects in Abulegba.
In his words, "The commissioner of physical planning in Lagos State gave an interview over the weekend, as reported, saying that over 75 percent of the structures in Lekki doesn't have approval. I am not against the government enforcing the law. I think that a long-term view of it would be to see in terms of legacy. Mr. Sanwolu, the governor, has just about 3 years left. I think he should take a longer view of the matter. What does he want to be remembered for? I think the governor should focus more on legacy issues, like if you go to Ikeja what he has done to the overhead bypass, thats what people will remember, if you go to Aburegba what he has done with the bridge of completing and ongoing project. The administration in the remaining 3 years should devote more energy in legacy projects like that. I am saying that Governor Sanwo-Olu even why enforcing the law should not leave a legacy of been remembered as the demolition man. That would be unfair and reduce the great talent that he has shown."
Watch the video [starting at 21:21 to 23:03].