Protesters defy Tinubu’s appeal, continue demonstrations in Lagos
…Lagos receives thousands of calls for dialogue after hotline release – Commissioner
By Sodiq Adelakun
Despite President Bola Tinubu’s call for protesters to suspend their demonstrations, the #EndBadGovernance group resumed their peaceful protest at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, Lagos, on Monday.
Tinubu had, in a broadcast on Sunday, urged the demonstrators to halt their protests and engage in dialogue with the government.
However, in a statement by Hassan Taiwo, Ayoyinka Oni, and Adegboyega Adeniji on behalf of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Organising Committee, the group expressed disappointment that it took President Tinubu three days of protests to address the nation.
“We consider the President’s decision to address the nation an important victory for our movement.
“Without our courage and resolve to dare the odds, even this acknowledgement would not have happened. So far, we have demonstrated that a President is not greater than the rest of the country,” the statement read.
The group criticised the President for what they described as “a dual approach: offering dialogue” while also demanding an end to the protests.
They also condemned recent violence against protesters, including attacks by thugs during a Sunday morning worship session and an incident where a protester was struck on live television.
“In our view, the president cannot be approbating and reprobating at the same time. The President cannot offer an olive branch while at the same time holding a dagger to our throat,” the trio stated.
They urged the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, the media, and the Nigerian Bar Association to support their cause and not “stand idly by” as they face suppression.
“We would not be deterred by whatever means the government may be deploying to silence us. See my lips, (pointing to his lips), I was attacked by miscreants in our midst this morning, but I remain undaunted. I know they were sponsored by the government,” Tope Aloba lamented.
Taiwo, while addressing the crowd of protesters at Ojo, urged Nigerian youths and the general public to come out en-masse to join in the demonstration until the voices of the masses are heard.
Meanwhile, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu chaired the Executive Council Meeting on Monday, marking the full resumption of government activities after a four-day hiatus.
The peaceful resolution of the protests comes after President Bola Tinubu’s broadcast on Sunday, where he urged demonstrators to halt their actions to pave the way for dialogue.
Speaking at the Lagos House in Ikeja, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, confirmed the city’s tranquillity and the full return of workers to their duties.
“Lagos is peaceful and that is what Lagosians want. Mr. Governor has resumed the business of the state. Everyone is at his desk and members of the public are coming in to do business with the government,” Omotoso stated.
He further acknowledged the positive role of the protest organisers: “We want to thank those protesting that they did well and have done good service to Lagos. All Lagosians should open and go about their businesses without any fear. Lagosians have chosen to be peaceful and shun anarchy.”
Omotoso also revealed that the state government has received thousands of calls from individuals and groups seeking dialogue since the release of three contact numbers for public communication.
