Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has stated that the state will not allow the 2020 #EndSARS protest to repeat itself.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed this while appealing to the anti-hunger protest organisers who have stood their ground to demonstrate the economic hardship faced by Nigerians since the beginning of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In an address to Lagosians on Wednesday, the governor noted that the 10-day protest cannot achieve what economic reforms can in weeks and months while citing the destruction of valuables as losses the state is still counting.
He said, “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.”
Sanwo-Olu admitted that there were challenges in the country but that 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,” he admonished.
He further highlighted 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,” he added.
He also 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.
The governor, however, appealed to the protesters to converge at the police-approved protest venues — Gani Fawehinmi Park and Peace Park — so as to avoid chaos.
“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.”
(Punch)
