‘This is the way it should be’: Sanwo-Olu lauds peaceful protest in Lagos

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commended protesters for the peaceful conduct of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest in the state.

Sanwo-Olu stated that “this is the way it should be in our dear state”, saying Lagosians have chosen to embrace peace and shun the path of destruction while expressing their views and constitutional right to protest.

The governor noted that the message of the protest – hunger in the land – has also been well noted, stressing that the federal government has been taking steps to reverse the situation.

He made this known via a statement issued by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, on Thursday, August 1, 2024.

Sanwo-Olu said: “Besides opening the National Grains Reserve, the Federal Government has suspended import duties on food items – a measure that will, no doubt, ensure that the current food shortage is addressed and high prices are rolled back. We will work with all food distributors to ensure that our citizens enjoy the resultant price reductions.

Sanwo-Olu: We won’t allow repeat of #EndSARS protest in Lagos

“On our part, the popular Sunday Markets will return with its 25 per cent discount on all major food items. The medical outreach, which offered thousands of our people treatment free of any charge whatsoever, will also return. We are finalising the logistics for its implementation.

“We will continue to ensure that all expectant women enjoy free delivery in our hospitals. The 25 per cent slash in fares on all our transport facilities will continue. So will all the other measures we have put in place to relieve Lagosians of the burden of these times.

“Considering all the federal and state governments have done, all lovers of peace will agree that it is time the protesters called off their action. Their voice has been heard – loud and clear.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu also lauded the “professional conduct” of all security agencies during the first of the protest on Thursday, saying they ensured that the “peace we cherish was not compromised”.

Sanwo-Olu, however, enjoined Lagosians to go about their businesses without any fear, noting that security operatives will continue to ensure that Lagos State is safe and that businesses can operate without any harassment.

The Star