Bola Babarinde, the former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in South Africa, has urged Nigerians, especially Lagos residents, to uphold the rule of law and responsible citizenship.

Mr Babarinde made the call in a statement on Sunday in Lagos, in reaction to the demolition of illegal structures, makeshift buildings, and unapproved constructions at Oworonshoki, Lagos State.

He said the incident exposed the widespread culture of lawlessness that had become part of daily life in Nigeria’s urban centres.

The APC chieftain noted that such disregard for laws and regulations had contributed to infrastructural decay, insecurity, and disorder in society.

He said that while due process and professionalism should guide government actions, the bigger concern lies in citizens’ disregard for building regulations and civic responsibility.

Mr Babarinde lamented that many Nigerians now take pride in violating traffic regulations, dumping refuse indiscriminately, and disobeying environmental laws.

“It is common to see motorists flouting traffic rules with impunity and even attacking anyone who dares to correct them,” Mr Babarinde said.

He stated that public hygiene had deteriorated due to people’s reckless disposal of waste, describing it as a “culture of impunity” that threatened both the environment and public health.

Mr Babarinde also criticised the conduct of commercial bus drivers, popularly known as danfo, for disregarding traffic lights and endangering lives.

He acknowledged that corruption existed among a few law enforcement officers but insisted that it should not justify citizens’ disobedience.

The former APC chairman further condemned the increasing invasion of roads and public spaces by scrap collectors and cart pushers.

According to him, some of these individuals are foreigners who neither understand local regulations nor respect civic laws.

He said their activities had contributed to the theft of public property, such as metal drain covers, thereby worsening environmental and security challenges.

Mr Babarinde, however, commended the Lagos State government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for efforts to restore order in the state.

He praised the head of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Gbolahan Oki, for enforcing building regulations despite criticism and pressure.

Mr Babarinde lauded Mr Sanwo-Olu for standing firm on the side of law and order, urging residents to support the government’s urban renewal efforts.

“May Lagos continue to rise as a city of discipline, innovation, and pride for all law-abiding residents,” he added.

(NAN)