By Peter Dansu Tension has continued to mount in Badagry following controversy over the alleged handling of officers of the Lagos State Nei...
By Peter Dansu
Tension has continued to mount in Badagry following controversy over the alleged handling of officers of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps within the Badagry Local Government Secretariat in the aftermath of the recent All Progressives Congress primary election.
A group known as the Concerned Youths of Badagry Federation, in a strongly worded press statement, accused the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Atande Hunpe, of ordering officers of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps stationed at the secretariat to vacate their office over alleged political support for a rival aspirant in the just concluded APC National Assembly primary.
The group described the alleged action as an abuse of office and an affront to democratic principles, arguing that the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps operates under a state law and not under the control of any local government authority.
They maintained that no local government chairman has the legal backing to suspend, eject or discipline officers of the corps outside established legal and administrative procedures, insisting that such actions, if confirmed, would amount to a breach of due process.
The youths further argued that public officers retain their constitutional right to freedom of association and cannot be subjected to punishment or intimidation on the basis of perceived political preferences without evidence of misconduct or breach of duty.
They warned that any attempt to suppress political expression within public institutions could weaken democratic governance, erode public trust, and undermine institutional independence.
The group also raised concerns over reports that the LSNSC office within the secretariat was sealed, warning that such development could disrupt local security coordination and affect intelligence operations in Badagry.
In response, the Badagry Local Government has strongly denied the allegations, describing them as false, misleading and politically driven.
In its rejoinder, the council insisted that no officer of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps was targeted for political reasons, stressing that all actions taken were purely administrative and driven by security considerations during a sensitive political process.
According to the council, during the APC primary election collation exercise, access restrictions were imposed at the secretariat, including a temporary ban on vehicular movement into the premises to ensure order and prevent disruption.
It stated that the Commander of the LSNSC in Badagry, Mr. Samson Zannu, allegedly breached the directive by attempting to drive into the secretariat and later engaged in a confrontation with security personnel enforcing the order.
The council further claimed that the situation escalated when the commander allegedly attempted to force entry into the premises, creating tension that required immediate intervention to restore calm.
It added that a senior LASTMA officer later intervened, after which the commander reportedly apologised and left the scene peacefully.
The local government explained that concerns arising from the incident were reviewed during a routine security briefing, where it was collectively agreed that LSNSC personnel should temporarily operate from their designated duty posts outside the secretariat.
It further noted that the LSNSC office within the secretariat was temporarily sealed as a precautionary measure until Thursday to prevent further confrontation and maintain order.
The rejoinder also alleged that during efforts to enforce the directive, the Supervisor for Environment was assaulted by some personnel linked to the incident, prompting the intervention of community leaders and stakeholders present at the scene.
The council firmly rejected claims of political victimisation, stressing that no officer was sanctioned or punished for political affiliation or support for any candidate.
It maintained that all decisions taken were strictly administrative, aimed at preserving peace, discipline and security within the secretariat during a tense political period.
Meanwhile, both the youth group and the local government continue to stand by their respective accounts as residents watch closely and calls grow for calm, restraint and an impartial review of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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