Doherty Accuses Lagos Power Brokers Of Sustaining ‘Agberoism’

The Lagos State governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Funso Doherty, has linked the persistence of agberoism in Lagos to the political machinery of those in power, arguing that tackling the problem requires political will, good governance and economic inclusion.

Doherty made the remarks in a statement issued by the Lagos State chapter of the NDC, which described agberoism as a problem with economic, social and political dimensions.

According to the statement, Doherty said the system operates through a pyramid-like structure intertwined with the political interests of those in power, making meaningful reform difficult without a government willing to dismantle the structures that sustain it.

“Nothing is as difficult to solve as what you do not want to solve,” he said.

The governorship candidate argued that the persistence of agberoism could not be separated from the political interests that benefit from the existing arrangement.

He maintained that a government that does not depend on agbero networks for political operations would be better positioned to enforce the law, restore public order and address the underlying causes of the practice.

Doherty also identified social and economic deprivation, including limited access to education and decent employment, as factors contributing to the problem.

He said efforts to address agberoism should go beyond enforcement and include measures to provide young people with alternatives through education, vocational training, skills acquisition and employment opportunities.

The NDC candidate stressed that tackling the problem required institutional reform, accountable leadership, economic empowerment and inclusive development.

The statement added that the party viewed the issue as part of a broader conversation about governance, public order and the future of communities across Lagos State.

Under its Ọ̀NÀ TUNTUN (The New Way for Lagos) banner, the party said its position was that Lagos needed a government that protects public spaces, creates opportunities for young people and upholds the rule of law.

The party called for greater accountability in governance, arguing that addressing the political and economic structures sustaining agberoism was necessary to achieve lasting change.