Naira scarcity: Sanwo-Olu warns against violence, accuses POS operators of extortion

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has again urged the residents of the state to remain calm and shun violence amid the scarcity of naira notes in the state.

Sanwo-Olu said violence and destruction are not the solution to the hardship being faced by the citizens, urging the residents of the state to resist the opportunists who seek to take advantage of their anger and frustration to hijack the situation and foment trouble in the state.

The governor stressed that some Point of Sale (POS) operators and petrol station attendants have taken the current challenges as an opportunity to extort Lagosians with extortionate service charges on funds withdrawal and sale of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS, otherwise known as petrol.

He said this at a press conference in Lagos on Saturday.

Sanwo-Olu stated that there is no justification for attacking public or private property in Lagos State over the hardship being faced by the residents on scarcity of the naira, urging all Lagosians to continue to carry out their lawful activities without fear.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said: “My fellow Lagosians, this is a heartfelt call to you, as your governor, to please remain calm at this time, and avoid all forms of violence, arson, and rioting. Even in the face of the difficulties and frustrations being faced by all, violence and destruction should not and will never be the answer.

“We have noticed with dismay the rampant incidents surrounding some of the players in the financial services value chain (POS Agents/Operators); as well as petrol station attendants who have taken the current challenges to mean an opportunity to extort hard working and law abiding Lagosians with extortionate service charges on funds withdrawal and sale of PMS.

READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu to Lagosians: No need for violence, hardship’ll end soon

“Let me appeal to those involved in such behavior to desist from such sharp practices. It is especially in difficult times like these that we all need to be our brothers and sisters’ keeper and do everything we can to contribute to lessening the hardships faced by our fellow Lagosians. This is not the period to sacrifice empathy, compassion, and humanity on the altar of profit-making.

“To my good people of Lagos, please resist the opportunists who seek to take advantage of the anger and frustration that you all are feeling to hijack the situation and foment trouble.

“We know that there are unscrupulous persons who want to sow seeds of violence and discord by their very utterances and actions, all with the view of robbing you of the chance to cast your votes in the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections. Do not allow them to use you to achieve their evil intentions.

“There is no justification whatsoever for attacking public or private property. The law enforcement agents have received clear instructions to take full control and ensure zero tolerance for any and all acts of arson, violence, and destruction

“I enjoin all law-abiding Lagosians to carry out their lawful activities without fear.”

The governor further stated that the state government has been working hard to provide palliative measures to lessen the burdens being faced, listing the part of measures to include reduction in transportation charges for public owned transport across Lagos State, distribution of food packs.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the state government was equally in discussion with private transport operators not to hike fares in the state, adding: “The Lagos State Government under my watch will continue to stand by, with and for the ordinary people of Lagos.”

He, however, expressed his appreciation to the police and other security agencies that have been working round the clock to maintain the peace, law and order in Lagos State.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, therefore, enjoined security operatives not to relent in their efforts at continuing to keep the peace across the state.

The Star