By Divine Sam.
The Lagos State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has criticised successive administrations in the state over what he described as policies that prioritise wealthy residents while leaving ordinary Lagosians struggling with basic needs.
Rhodes-Vivour, popularly known as GRV, made the remarks on Sunday during a governorship debate organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium in Lagos, where candidates presented their plans for addressing the state’s challenges.
He faulted what he described as 20 years of government policies that favour affluent neighbourhoods, particularly in housing and urban development, arguing that the interests of ordinary residents had not received adequate attention.
The ADC candidate specifically cited the situation in Makoko, expressing concern over urban development approaches that could leave residents displaced and deprived of their homes and communities.
He also questioned the impact of Lagos State’s impressive internally generated revenue (IGR), arguing that the growing figures had not translated into better living conditions for the majority of residents.
“Lagos government, in the last 20 years, has focused on elite policies, eyebrow areas for housing. That’s why on paper, Lagos celebrates a high IGR, but on the ground, people are not feeling it. We would focus on people, our policies are tailored towards that,” he said.
Rhodes-Vivour maintained that his political agenda was built around improving the welfare of residents, noting that his proposed policies would address some of the most pressing challenges confronting the state.
He identified poor waste management, persistent traffic congestion, inadequate healthcare services and the shortage of affordable housing as key areas requiring urgent attention.
“My manifesto has always stood with the people, putting the interest of the people first. I have that track record. We’re bringing solution thinking to the problems of Lagos State, waste management, traffic, healthcare, housing,” he said.
He further promised that an ADC administration would pursue people-centred programmes, including his proposal to construct 100,000 housing units to address the state’s housing deficit.
The debate was organised by the Nigeria Debate Consortium, a coalition comprising The PUNCH, Channels Television, TVC News, TheCable and Vanguard.
Lagos continues to grapple with a growing housing deficit, traffic congestion, urban renewal challenges and pressure on basic infrastructure as its population and urban settlements expand.
Makoko, one of the state’s prominent waterfront communities, has remained at the centre of discussions surrounding urban redevelopment, demolitions, displacement and the protection of residents’ rights.
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