Lagos residents free to move during sanitation, says Falana; govt insists exercise valid

The Lagos State government has reaffirmed its commitment to the monthly environmental sanitation exercise, dismissing claims that it has been halted by a court ruling. Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, stated on X that the Court of Appeal affirmed the laws used for the exercise are legitimate and constitutional. This assertion comes amidst criticism from human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, who insists residents are free to go about their normal activities, calling the restriction of movement unconstitutional and contemptuous of a subsisting court judgment.

Falana, in a statement, argued that the government has not reintroduced a compulsory monthly sanitation exercise that enforces movement restrictions. He clarified that any restriction is voluntary and not compulsory, encouraging residents to participate in cleaning their surroundings. However, the state government, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has been actively promoting the exercise, with officials participating in monitoring and cleaning efforts. The government's stance is that the exercise remains valid and will proceed as scheduled, urging residents to stay home and participate fully.

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From the information at my disposal, the Lagos State Government has not reintroduced compulsory monthly sanitation exercise. To that extent, residents are at liberty to carry on their legitimate business during the sanitation exercise as the government has not restricted their movement in any manner whatsoever.

This legal and public relations battle highlights the ongoing tension between environmental initiatives and individual liberties in Lagos. While the government emphasizes the importance of sanitation for public health and the city's aesthetics, legal experts like Falana question the methods and legality of enforced movement restrictions. The situation underscores the need for clear communication and adherence to legal frameworks to ensure public cooperation and trust in government programs.

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No court pronouncement has invalidated this exercise. The state proceeded to the Court of Appeal, and judgment was delivered in our favour. The court affirmed that the laws used for the implementation and enforcement of environmental sanitation are legitimate and constitutional.