The recent environmental law enacted by the Lagos State
Government, which seeks to sanction landlords who do not beautify their
residence, has been described as a misplacement of legislative priorities by
some eminent lawyers.

The Tide reports that the enactment of the law last month
led to the establishment of the new Lagos State Parks and Garden (LASPARK).

The law makes it mandatory for Lagos residents to beautify
the perimeters of their houses and stipulates a fine of N250,000 or six months
imprisonment or other non-custodian sentences for violators.

Similarly, the law provides a N50,000 fine as penalty for
felling trees without permission.

In separate interviews with our correspondent , the lawyers
said that the law has not addressed the real issues at hand, which include
inadequate accommodation, population explosion and poor urban planning.

A Lagos-based
lawyer,  Mr. Bamidele Aturu described the
law as offensive and a misplacement of legislative priorities.

He said that it did not show that the House of Assembly
understood the enormous work and special problems and needs of the people.

According to him, it is like leaving more serious issues to
take care of less important things.

He said that the law was not needed now because the
challenges faced by the people, including infrastructure and social amenities –
like power supply, quality healthcare, potable water and jobs – were still lacking.

“A hungry man cannot plant flowers or paint houses with the
little resources which he will use to take care of his family,’’ he said.

Chairman, Nigerian
Bar Association, Ikeja branch, Mr. Onyekachi Ubani said  that people would not accept the law because
it was not in conformity with reality.

He said that as such, many people would go to prison because
the law was not needed at this current time.

“The law does not address the issue of poverty, unemployment
and the system failure which affects the people of Lagos,” Ubani said.

Similarly, Mr Fred Agbaje, said that the essence of
governance was to better the lives of people and not to criminalise every of
their actions.

He said that the law was coming at a wrong time because no
provision had been made by some landlords for the planting of flowers in their
frontage.

Mr Mike Ozekhome (SAN) said that the spirit of the
legislation was well intended but that the starting point was rather too high.

He, however, called on residents of the metropolis to imbibe
the culture of keeping their environment clean.

“It is a bit high to start with this kind of penalty, but
the idea is well intended— if the law will be implemented,” Ozekhome said.