The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has declared that the 2020 #EndSARS demonstration will not be permitted to occur again.
Appealing to the organizers of the anti-hunger protest, who have been steadfast in demonstrating against economic hardship experienced by Nigerians since President Bola Tinubu’s administration began, Sanwo-Olu revealed this information.
On Wednesday, during an address to Lagos citizens, the governor pointed out that a protest that lasted only ten days cannot accomplish what economic reforms can achieve in weeks or months. Furthermore, he mentioned the destruction of valuable items as losses which are yet to be quantified by his state.
“Contemplating the tragic occurrences during the EndSARS protest of 2020, he stated that it had started off peacefully but eventually got taken over by others leading to substantial loss and destruction.”
Our commitment is to prevent a recurring of history. The recent protests have caused immense damage to numerous institutions and properties. To name some, the Lagos High Court, 45 police stations, 12 Local Government offices, seven Fire Stations along with other facilities were destroyed.
In addition to the destruction of traditional rulers’ palaces, both Nigeria Ports Authority headquarters and City Hall were also destroyed.
The loss of malls, shops, offices and numerous brand-new BRT buses is a crippling blow to our economy and community.
Although there are challenges in the country, Sanwo-Olu acknowledged that the Federal Government is making significant efforts to alleviate Nigerians’ pain and remedy these issues.
“We have been anticipating protests to demand an end to what is perceived as ‘bad government’ for weeks. Although the motives may seem commendable, certain viewpoints that propose non-constitutional ways of changing the government are worrying.”
“He admonished that a protest is not the catalyst for progress we need at present. It cannot guarantee the disappearance of our challenges in ten days, nor can it reduce food prices or stimulate economic growth. According to him, it could even reverse the small strides we have achieved.”
Among others, the President’s accomplishments this week include highlighting minimum wage, student loans and local government autonomy as articulated by him.
A new minimum wage was recently signed into law by President Tinubu this week, while student loans are currently being dispersed to alleviate financial pressures. Additionally, local governments have obtained financial independence which is expected to improve the effectiveness of governance.
Efforts are underway to effectively deal with the foreign exchange crisis. By selling crude oil to domestic refineries in Naira, we can save $7.9 billion each year and bolster our currency’s position. Moreover, private investments have started flowing in for the Presidential Initiative on CNG.
He added that we must have patience to witness the advantages of these economic reforms. Economic changes take time, and they cannot be accomplished as rapidly as protests could achieve change in just a few days. Under the courageous management of President Tinubu, our country is headed in the correct direction.
In addition, his administration is taking steps to alleviate the impact of inflation in the country through measures such as EKOCARES, decreased transportation expenses, complimentary healthcare services and enhanced financial aid options for Lagos students.
The protesters were urged by the governor to gather at Gani Fawehinmi Park and Peace Park, which had been cleared for protests by the police. This was an effort to prevent any potential disruptions or disorder.
In order to safeguard and promote peaceful demonstrations, the Police have allocated Gani Fawehinmi Park and Peace Park as protest sites. These areas will be fortified for the protection of our citizens and to avoid any disruption.
