FUNSO DOHERTY: TACKLING THE AGBERO CHALLENGE REQUIRES THE COURAGE TO CONFRONT ITS POLITICAL ROOTS “To solve the agbero problem in Lagos State, you must remove APC from Lagos.” -HE Funso Doherty The debate over the persistent challenge of street-level extortion, intimidation, and the activities of touts popularly known as agberos in Lagos State has taken a political turn following a strong statement by the Governorship Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), HE Funso Doherty. His position raises a fundamental question about governance in Lagos: can the problem of agberoism be effectively addressed without confronting the political and institutional structures that critics believe allow it to persist? For many Lagos residents, concerns about street-level harassment, transport-related extortion, intimidation, and the conduct of informal transport groups remain important public issues. Addressing these concerns requires more than public declarations. It demands political will, effective law enforcement, transparent regulation, and a government prepared to protect residents and businesses from unlawful practices. Doherty's statement challenges Lagosians to examine the relationship between political power and the persistence of these problems. His argument is that meaningful reform requires a willingness to confront the structures that sustain the status quo, rather than merely treating the symptoms. The allegation that the APC-led political establishment has enabled or benefited from agberoism is a serious political claim and remains a matter for public scrutiny. Nevertheless, it highlights an important governance question: can any administration successfully dismantle a system if the political will to confront its underlying causes is absent? A credible solution must begin with clear policies, impartial enforcement of the law, accountability for public officials, and the protection of citizens from extortion and intimidation. It must also provide a lawful framework for commercial transport operations while ensuring that no individual or group operates above the law. For Lagos to make lasting progress, the conversation must move beyond political rhetoric to measurable commitments and demonstrable results. Residents deserve a transport environment where movement is safe, businesses can operate without intimidation, and public authority serves the interests of the people. Doherty's declaration therefore serves as a call for Lagosians to scrutinise the political choices before them and demand accountability from those seeking public office. The ultimate test of leadership will be its willingness and ability to confront unlawful practices, regardless of who is responsible. The challenge before Lagos is clear: end impunity, restore public confidence, and build a system in which the law applies equally to everyone. Ó TÍ YÁ! A New Lagos Is Possible. Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Lagos State. #FunsoDoherty #NDC #Lagos2027 #OTiYa #ANewLagosIsPossible