No true friend of Lagos will protest — Sanwo-Olu
…recounts State’s losses during #EndSars
…urges protesters to embrace dialogue (Inside Lagos)
By Sodiq Adelakun
In view of the planned nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled to hold today across various states, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has stated that no true friend of Lagos will embark on a protest.
The Governor made this remarks in a statewide address while recounting the loss of the state to the #EndSars protest in 2020.
The Governor expressed concerns that the protests could roll back the gains made in various socio-economic areas and urged citizens to consider the potential repercussions of joining the protests.
The Lagos helmsman, however, queried the need for anyone to protest and the outcome to come from shutting down the economy against the backdrop of various efforts and interventions the Government had made.
He said: “For a few weeks now, the nation has woken up to threats of protests aimed at what the organisers have called “an End to Bad Government” beginning from the first day of August to the 10th day. While the original proponents of the idea of the peaceful protests may have noble intents, some of the narratives it has occasioned about its instrumentality for change of Government by another means other than the one constitutionally provided for are disturbing.
“It is pertinent to ask if the protest is a catalyst for progress the nation requires at this time? Will such a protest suddenly ensure that all of our challenges disappear in 10 days? Will the protest suddenly ensure the prices of food stuff drop by the 11th day? Will shutting down the economy for 10 days inspire economic growth we earnestly desire? I hold the strong view that a protest at this time will do none of these things for us as a nation. Rather, it would roll back the modest gains that we have made in various facets of our socio-economic life as a people.”
He further highlighted the government’s efforts to address economic hardship, including the signing of the minimum wage into law and the introduction of intervention programs.
The Governor stated, “I am therefore reiterating that the Police have confirmed to us that the Gani Fawehinmi Park and the Peace Park that we all jointly set up are two locations where the Police have assured us that they would cover and provide all the necessary security arrangements to all of our citizens.”
He emphasized the need for patience, saying, “Protests can never achieve in 10 days what carefully crafted economic reforms can achieve in matter of weeks and months.”
He said: “No true Lagosian or friend of Lagos will encourage us to go this route again. That is not who we are; that is not our way and style. Let us not allow our city to be plunged into chaos again. Let us work together to build a Lagos that is safe, secure, and prosperous for all. Our strength lies in our unity, and our future depends on our collective efforts to maintain peace and stability.”
“We are actively engaging with various stakeholders to find solutions that promote justice, equality, and fairness. It is through constructive dialogue, not destructive protests, that we can achieve meaningful change. Let us show the world that Lagos remains a city of resilience, where the voices of its people are heard and respected through peaceful and lawful means. Let us reject any attempt to throw the State into violence.”
Sanwo-Olu also highlighted the state government’s initiatives to cushion the effect of hardship, including the EKOCARES program, Sunday Discount Markets, and free medical care services.
He urged citizens to consider the potential consequences of joining the protests, saying, “Let us not allow our city to be plunged into chaos again. Let us work together to build a Lagos that is safe, secure, and prosperous for all.”
