The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has warned that his government will not allow the repeat of the 2020 #EndSARS in the State.
The Governor stated this while appealing to the anti-hunger protest organizers to shelve their plan.
Recall that some aggrieved Nigerians have insisted that they would demonstrate against the economic hardship Nigerians are currently faced with. They also blamed the economic woes and high cost of living on the policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
But in his address to Lagosians on Wednesday, Sanwo-Olu noted that the 10-day protest cannot achieve what economic reforms can in weeks and months. He, therefore, expressed apprehension on the destruction of valuables the protest could bring on the State.
The Governor noted, “Reflecting on the tragic events of the EndSARS protest in 2020, it began peacefully but was later hijacked, resulting in immense destruction and loss.
“We will NOT allow history to repeat itself. During the protests, we saw the destruction of valuable properties and institutions. Lagos High Court, 45 police stations, 12 Local Government offices, 7 Fire Stations, and the Forensic Centre, among others.
“The City Hall, Nigeria Ports Authority headquarters, and traditional rulers’ palaces were also destroyed.
“Malls, shops, offices, and hundreds of brand-new BRT buses were lost. Such devastation only sets us back economically and socially.”
While admitting that were challenges in the country, the Governor, stated that the Federal Government is trying to fix things.
He said, “The Federal Government is putting in significant efforts to address them and alleviate Nigerians’ pain.
“For weeks, we’ve faced the prospect of protests aimed at ending what some call ‘bad government’. While the intentions may be noble, some narratives suggesting it’s a means to change the government by non-constitutional means are troubling.
“Is a protest the catalyst for progress we need now? Will it ensure our challenges vanish in ten days? Will it lower food prices or inspire economic growth? I strongly believe it won’t. Instead, it could undo the modest gains we’ve made,” the Governor admonished.
Sanwo-Olu pointed to the minimum wage, student loans, and Local Government autonomy, among others, as some of the achievements the President has made this week.
“This week, President Tinubu signed a new minimum wage into law. Student loans are being disbursed to ease financial burdens. And Local Governments now have financial autonomy to enhance governance efficiency.
“The foreign exchange crisis is being creatively tackled. The sale of crude oil to local refineries in Naira will save $7.9 billion annually and strengthen our currency. The Presidential Initiative on CNG is also attracting private investments.
“We need patience for the benefits of these economic reforms to blossom. Protests can’t achieve in days what economic reforms can in weeks and months. Our nation, under President Tinubu’s courageous leadership, is on the right path,” Sanwo-Olu added.
On his achievements as the Governor of Lagos State, Sanwo-Olu reeled out EKOCARES , reduction in transport costs, free medical care, and increased bursaries and scholarships for Lagos students as some of the things his administration is doing to cushion the effect of inflation in the country.
He, however, appealed to the protesters to converge at the police-approved protest venues so as to avoid chaos. These are the Gani Fawehinmi Park and Peace Park.
The Governor said, “To ensure safe and peaceful expression, the Police have designated Gani Fawehinmi Park and Peace Park for protests. These locations will be secured to protect our citizens and prevent chaos.”
source: PUNCH
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