Sanwo-Olu hails peaceful protest in Lagos, calls for normalcy

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has hailed the peaceful conduct of Lagosians during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest in the state on Thursday.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said the peaceful protest experienced in the state should be the norm.

The governor said Lagosians have chosen to embrace peace and shun the path of destruction while expressing their views and constitutional right to protest.

The statement reads, “The Lagos State Government has watched closely today’s protest in some parts of the State and would like to put on record the peaceful conduct of Lagosians. This is the way it should be in our dear State, according to Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

“We have also noticed the slowdown of business in some parts of the State, perhaps because of the fear that hooligans and architects of anarchy might force their evil design on us all and endanger our harmony. Thankfully, that did not happen. To a large extent, Lagosians have chosen to embrace peace and shun the path of destruction while expressing their views and constitutional right to protest.

“The message of the protest – hunger in the land – has also been well noted. It is, however, important to reiterate the fact that the Federal Government is taking steps to reverse the situation. Besides opening the National Grains Reserve, the Federal Government has suspended import duties on food items – a measure that will, no doubt, ensure that the current food shortage is addressed and high prices are rolled back. We will work with all food distributors to ensure that our citizens enjoy the resultant price reductions.

“On our part, as Mr. Governor has promised, the popular Sunday Markets will return with its 25% discount on all major food items. The Medical Outreach, which offered thousands of our people treatment free of any charge whatsoever, will also return. We are finalizing the logistics for its implementation.

“We will continue to ensure that all expectant women enjoy free delivery in our hospitals. The 25% slash in fares on all our transport facilities will continue. So will all the other measures we have put in place to relieve Lagosians of the burden of these times.”

The governor asked the protesters to call off the protest scheduled to be held from 1 to 10 August, saying that their voices had been heard loud and clear.

Sanwo-Olu asked residents to go out without any fear, saying that security agents will continue to ensure their safety and that businesses can operate without any harassment.

It added, “Considering all the Federal and State Governments have done, all lovers of peace will agree that it is time the protesters called off their action. Their voice has been heard – loud and clear.”

“It is also important to put on record the professional conduct of all our security agencies – the Lagos State Police Command, the Department of State Services, the Military, the Civil Defence, Neighbourhood Watch, Community leaders, Religious leaders, Resident Associations and others – who ensured that the peace we cherish was not compromised.

“We will continue to engage all stakeholders to ensure that our State remains peaceful and a beacon of hope for all.”