- Governor Sanwo-Olu advised Lagos residents to avoid violent protests
- The Governor recalled the EndSARS protest, stating that Nigeria cannot afford such an experience again
- Sanwo-Olu however urged peaceful protests, with demonstrators highlighting the economic difficulties facing the nation
Governor Sanwo-Olu has advised Lagos residents, to avoid violent protests, reminding them that the state is still in the process of recovering from the mindless damage to its significant heritage symbols during the EndSARS protest.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed this on Wednesday, July 31, while addressing the nationwide protest organisers, who are bent on carrying on the movement against the economic crises in the country despite advice from statesmen to shelve the protest.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu said, “Lagos has always been a beacon of hope, a city of refuge, a city of resilience and a melting pot of our diverse cultures. No other state reflects the assemblage of the brilliance and energy inherent in our diversity as a people like Lagos”.
Sanwo-Olu urged for peaceful protests
“For a few weeks now, the nation has woken up to threats of protests aimed at what the organisers have called an end to the bad government beginning from August 1-10, 2024,” he added.
Nonetheless, the governor urged for peaceful protests, with demonstrators highlighting the economic difficulties and hunger facing the nation to the Federal Government.
“We must remember that our shared goal is a peaceful and prosperous Lagos. The consequences of unrest are not just measured in the damage to property or disruptions to daily life; they are also felt in the loss of confidence, the fear instilled in our communities, tourists and foreign investors and the setback to our economic and social progress,” Sanwo-Olu state.
He also stated that while the idea of peaceful protests was likely proposed with noble motives, the resulting narratives hinting at it as a means to alter the government through non-constitutional means are disturbing.
Nigeria is still recovering from EndSARS protest
The governor, reflecting on the 2020 EndSARS protest, said, “I appeal to you all that we reflect on our past experiences during the tragic events of the EndSARS protest in 2020. What began as a peaceful demonstration was, unfortunately, hijacked by elements with devilish intentions. They unleashed an unprecedented war on our state. We saw the destruction of valuable properties, the disruption of businesses, and sadly, the loss of lives in several parts of our dear state. These events left deep scars on our state and hurt our psyche”.
“We are yet to fully recover from the mindless destruction of some symbols of our rich and enviable heritage – the Lagos High Court, Igbosere, the oldest and most recognisable court building in Nigeria built in the early 1860s and 15 other court buildings, over 45 police stations were set ablaze, 12 Local Government offices burnt, 7 Fire Stations burnt, the Forensic Centre that was the best in West Africa, the iconic City Hall, the secretariat of the oldest Local Government in Nigeria, Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, headquarters and traditional rulers’ palaces. They were all destroyed. So were several bank facilities, malls, shops, offices, hundreds of brand-new BRT buses and several other public assets”.
No true Lagosian will follow EndSARS route - Sanwo-Olu
“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 that is not our style,” he further said.
“It is pertinent to ask, is protest the practical 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 foodstuff drop by the 11th day? Will shutting down the economy for 10 days inspire the 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,” the governor added.
Asari-Dokubo warns protesters to steer clear of the Niger Delta region
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Asari-Dokubo issued a warning to the organisers of the nationwide protest, stating that the protest would be met with stern resistance in his region.
According to the report, Asari-Dokubo mentioned that the protesters are solely focused on the Niger Delta's resources, labelling them as "anarchists."