As protests continued to trail the collection of tolls at Lekki/Epe expressway, the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), Lagos chapter, on Monday, threw its weight behind the toll system introduced by the Lagos State government.

Addressing newsmen in Lagos, the state chairman of the CNPP, Mr Akinola Obadia, said that the toll issue had become unduly politicized.

“There is over dramatisation in this issue with the argument tilting towards a partisanship tendency, rather than being level-headed, clear thinking and principle based,” he said stressing that the CNPP was aware of the need not to over-burden residents and travellers on the road.

According to him, there was need to show commitment and understanding to the toll system in question, given its international dimension.

Obadia stated that it was a world class infrastructure provided with private investor funds, in line with international financial regulations, from both state and federal governments, stressing that defaulting on such agreement could project Nigeria as a country where legally documented obligations were not honoured.

The CNPP Chairman said that such an impression could have serious implications on the nation’s capacity to attract foreign investors.

“Our concern however, must be balanced with the need for our citizens to be socially responsible by paying their dues to community development,’’ he said.

He however, appealed to the residents of Lekki, and everyone affected by the toll-gate, to collaborate with the government and avoid protests that could adversely affect the peace of the area.(NAN).




http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/12/toll-gate-controversy-cnpp-backs-lasg/