Nationwide protests: Sanwo-Olu commends Lagosians for rejecting anarchy

By Adeola Ogunrinde

As the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest ended in Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday praised residents for rejecting anarchy and conducting their protests peacefully.

The protest, which has seen incidents of death, looting, and harassment by security operatives across various parts of the country, ended in Lagos State following a nationwide broadcast by President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, the governor announced the opening of new engagement channels between the government and the people.

The commissioner quoted the governor: “Your cessation of the protest today is a clear affirmation that your collective voice has been heard by the government. What you have done is not only noble but the civilized thing to do.

“In demonstration of the Lagos State Government’s commitment to continuous engagement with the youth, Mr. Governor has directed that despite the cessation of the protest, the dialogue and engagements which the state government initiated prior to the action must continue.

“Consequently, Mr. Governor has directed the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the Ministry of Information and Strategy, and the Office of Civic Engagement to immediately open wider channels of engagement with various stakeholders, including the protest leaders.”

He added that the Executive Council members in charge of these ministries can be reached via the following dedicated Citizens Access Lines:

• Office of Civic Engagement: +234 802 522 4347
• Ministry of Information & Strategy: +234 811 965 5788
• Ministry of Youth & Social Development: +234 707 717 8295

The governor continued, “Now it is fit and proper to, once again, warn our citizens to be very vigilant. Those who seek to divide us are yet to give up. They may continue to post fake news via audio and video channels. Lagosians must never give room to war-mongering, scare-mongering, and rumor-mongering. That is not our way; that is not who we are. That is not our style.

“Mr. Sanwo-Olu, once again, praises Lagosians for rejecting anarchy and embracing peace. He commends the professional conduct of all security agencies, including the Police Command, Department of State Services, the military, Civil Defence, and Neighborhood Watch.

“The Governor notes with great pride the roles of our traditional rulers, Civil Society Organisations, Community Leaders, Religious Leaders, Student Leaders, and others who ensured Lagos remained peaceful.”

He urged all Lagosians to continue their businesses without any fear.