The Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party have criticised the All Progressives Congress-led Lagos State Government over reports of unpleasant odour in various parts of the state.
The criticism comes after complaints by the Lagos residents who took to their various social media handles, particularly X.com, to share their concerns about the foul smell in some parts of the state.
In the last few days, issues about the hygienic condition of some areas in Lagos have dominated debates on the social media.
A Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps member, Ushie Uguamaye, had on her X handle described Lagos as ‘smelling state.’
She later apologised, clarifying that her intention was not to insult those who called Lagos home but to share her honest observation as a visitor.
Following her post, many Lagos residents also took to the social media to share their observation about the state.
An X user, Rinu Oduala, posted, “I am a Lagosian. Born and bred in Lagos. My family are generational Lagosians. I come from a royal family in Lagos. Yes, Lagos stinks! Do something about it!”
Another user, Sheni Coker, said, “The air you people breathe in Lagos is not fresh air. Go to Capetown or even Kigali and breathe fresh air. Lagos stinks like mad. Overhyped piece of filth. Stop defending nonsense.”
Also, Iyebiye posted, “2 truths can exist. Lagos life can be sweet if you have the funds. Lagos is also a very stinking place.”
Locations such as Iyana Iba, Igando Oko Filling, Ojota, and the Ajah under bridge were specifically mentioned as particularly affected.
Speaking to Saturday PUNCH, the Lagos PDP Deputy Chairman, Tai Benedict, urged the state government to take immediate action to address the problem.
He said, “The APC government should please help us out of the smelly atmosphere. We beg them to think twice so they don’t put lives in danger. Health is wealth.
“This issue affects health, and there is a need for them to do something about it. We have spoken to them several times, but they do not listen.”
Reacting in a statement via X.com, the 2023 Lagos State Governorship Candidate of the Labour Party, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, stated that the state should engage in proper waste management and stop the creation of landfills in the centre of the city.
He said, “When citizens tell you the city stinks, introduce organic biofilters and microorganisms in biofilters which can convert organic waste into CO, and incorporate covering waste with soil and specialised membranes to minimise exposure to air. Incorporate composting and landfill gas capture into the waste value chain.
“Stop dumping faeces in our waterways and lagoons. Build the state-of-the-art water treatment centre you cited for construction at Odo-lyalaro to service the canal channels linking the mainland and Kosofe environs.”
Among several suggestions to improve the state, Rhodes-Vivour recommended enhancing air quality by planting more trees.
“Create a holistic plan to preserve trees and plant more trees, as opposed to felling trees, which reduce air quality, increase the amount of dust in the air, and create a concrete jungle,” he added.
Meanwhile, in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, the Lagos APC Spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, said the opposition parties were playing politics.
“These are parties that do not know how to be in the opposition. They are always looking for
excuses. I think they should get very serious, organise their party properly, and let the electorate have confidence in them.
“If they cannot run their party, how can they be trusted with the mandate of the people?”
Seye, however, stated that it would be fair for the APC government to address concerns on the matter.
