"Government should temper justice with mercy": Badagry stakeholders plead as economy crashes

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Sato drum used to illustrate the story 

Chief Abel Mautin Ogunbiyi, the Hengo Badagry Youth president emeritus, has pleaded with the federal government to temper justice with mercy on the ongoing issues with the security agencies, as it is having a painful return on Badagry's economy. 

Speaking with journalists on Sunday, Ogunbiyi said government should investigate the matter properly but should consider the adverse effect of economic disruption in the border area.

He said burglary is on the rise in the border community as there is no industry, and all economic activities are totally disrupted. "Even those selling sachet waters are not making any sales to tell you how worse it is now in this border community. You cannot even leave your car outside before you know they pick the battery, stealing pumping machine.

Actually, the economy downtown in Badagry is now a serious issue. My appeal to the federal government is to temper justice with mercy and look into this case deeply, and the security agencies should stop listening to hearsay. If they discover any illegal business, security Operatives should do their job independently.

Another issue is the case of informant activities in Badagry this is becoming a major problem. If you go to the security agencies, they will say you should go and take care of your community, and these guys that are informants are not indigenes of Badagry.

Mr. Aladeotan David, a youth advocate, said, "It should be clearly stated that in this part of the nation, people are really suffering. There's no electricity, no good roads, and the 25-kilometre petrol saga is affecting our people. Our people have been going through all this stress, and the only thing they have been doing is the formal economy to provide food for their families and send their children to school, and I see some young people serving as informants to disrupt the economy, which is very wrong.

There is a need for a continuous dialogue to make sure that security agencies understand their roles and, of course, the people engaging in formal economy also do what is normal.