The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has declared that the state would not allow history to repeat itself.
Reflecting on the tragic events of the EndSARS protest in 2020, the governor said that although it began peacefully, it was later hijacked, resulting in immense destruction and loss.
In a statewide address to residents on Wednesday, Sanwo-Olu expressed commitment to the well-being and prosperity of the state.
He said: “We will NOT allow history 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.
“Our goal is a peaceful and prosperous Lagos. We must avoid economic destabilization that can make us poorer. Let’s unite, embrace dialogue, and build a peaceful, prosperous Lagos.”
Sanwo-Olu, who doubles as the Chairman of the Southwest Governors Forum, noted that while the intention for the protest may be noble, there are some narratives suggesting that it is aimed at removing democratically elected government.
According to him, the protest will not catalyst for progress, lower food prices or inspire economic growth, but would rather undo the modest gains the government has made.
Sanwo-Olu, who appealed to the residents to be patient, listed some of the initiatives of the government.
“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.
“Are there challenges? Yes. Is the government addressing them? Absolutely. Significant efforts are underway across many sectors to alleviate our people’s pain and pave the way to lasting prosperity.
“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.
“In Lagos, we launched EKOCARES to cushion the effects of economic reforms. From discount markets to reduced transport costs, and free medical care, we are committed to easing the burdens on our people.
“We’ve increased bursaries and scholarships for Lagos students, ensured free education for new elementary students, and our workers earn above the national minimum wage,” he said.
To ensure that the protest is peaceful, he said the Police have designated Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota and Peace Park in Ketu for the protest.
“These locations will be secured to protect our citizens and prevent chaos.
“Let’s 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 maintaining peace and stability,” the governor added.
Meanwhile, the state police command has said it would enforce a court order, which restricted the protest to the two aforementioned locations.
A Lagos High Court had on Tuesday granted an exparte application filed by the state’s Attorney General, Lawal Pedro, SAN, seeking to restrict the planned nationwide protest in Lagos to the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota and the Peace Park in Ketu.
In a statement, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the command is in receipt of the court order.
“…the Command is in receipt of an order from a court of competent jurisdiction restricting peaceful public protest, rallies, procession and meetings to Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ikorodu Road, Ojota Lagos and Peace Park, Ketu, Lagos from 8am to 6pm on 1st – 10th August, 3024. The Nigeria Police Force, as a law enforcement agency, shall duly enforce this order.
“To this end, the Command hereby assures everyone willing to join in the proposed protests that maximum security will be provided at the indicated locations. Intending protesters are, therefore, advised to abide by these security arrangements as they have been mapped out to ensure zero breakdown of law and order and ensure proper optimization of human and operational resources, effective coordination of security, and prevention of hijack of the protests,” he advised.
