Lagos Won’t Allow Repeat of 2020 #EndSARS Experience – Sanwo-Olu
The Lagos state Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu says the State Government won’t allow a repeat of the destruction that greeted the 2020 #EndSARS demonstration.
The Lagos governor said this in an address to residents of the state on Wednesday.
Reflecting on the events of 2020 #EndSARS protest Sanwo-Olu noted that the protest began peacefully before it was hijacked, leading to wanton destruction of property and looting.
He appealed to organisers of the protest to exercise patience and allow President Bola Tinubu’s economic recovery policies to blossom.
The governor noted that the 10-day protest cannot achieve what economic reforms can in weeks and months.
“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,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu admitted that there were challenges in the country but noted that the federal government has been making 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 10 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 said.
He highlighted some of the gains of the Tinubu administration to include the newly signed minimum wage, student loans, and local government autonomy, among others.
“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.
Sanwo-Olu added that Lagosians 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.
The governor listed 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 appealed to the protesters to converge at the police-approved protest venues, the Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota and Peace Park, Ketu 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.”
