Ahead of the August 1, planned nationwide protest, youths in Lagos State have warned those they termed “troublemakers” hiding their intention to unleash terror in the state under the guise of the protest to steer clear of Lagos in the interest of peace and harmony.
The youths, under the umbrella of Indigenous Youth Network, comprising young people and youth groups from all the five traditional divisions in Lagos, gave the warning on Sunday, during a press briefing at the “Three Wise Men” statue, along Olowopopo Way, Ikeja, beside Lagos Ibadan-Expressway.
Led by Mobolaji Ogunlende from Badagry Division, Lagos indigenous youths said they were not opposed to citizens exercising their fundamental rights to demonstrate peacefully whenever they were not satisfied with any policy of the government,but vowed to defend their heritage against any form of violence during the planned protest.
According to Ogunlende the group strongly believed the planned protest was politically motivated, adding that youths in Lagos would only support move bordering on constructive dialogue rather than joining opposition forces bent on destabilising the country under the guise of demonstrations.
The group advised those sponsoring the protest to have a rethink, while pledging support for President Bola Tinubu, whom they described as “kind and humane” leader.
“We, the Lagos Indigenous Youths Network, stand before you today to reflect on our progress as a State and express concern over the planned protest in Lagos. While we acknowledge the fundamental right to protest, we believe it must be constructive and in the best interest of the people.
“We are not against the citizens constructively engaging their leaders when it is crucial but the moment when such engagement becomes a platform for tension and warmongering sponsored for political scores, then it is time to call for caution. This is what we have observed.
“Intelligence gathered reveals that the planned protest is politically motivated and not in the interest of Lagosians, who are peace-loving and hardworking. We are coming together to defend our heritage and State against any possible destruction by agents of violence masquerading as lovers of the people,” he stated.
Ogunlende recalled the violence that trailed the EndSARS protests of 2020 during which Lagos suffered targeted arson attacks on its numerous public properties, and stressed that the state was yet to recover from the incident, “taxpayers still paid for the effort to rebuild the torched facilities.”
Rather than causing crises that would make government spend on rebuilding, he said the state’s resources should be channeled into productive initiatives in benefit of the residents.
Reeling out various State Government-led efforts and initiatives that had been of benefit to residents Ogunlende said: “Do you know Lagos is paying above the minimum wage and does not owe workers salaries? Lagos does not owe pensioners.
“This is the only state that has cleared all pension backlogs. Lagos does not discriminate between indigenes and non-indigenes. Our hospitality is second to none. Lagos provides free healthcare to expectant women, while also providing subsidized education to all residents, regardless of their origin.
“Lagos built Red Line and Blue Line rail projects that have changed the face of transportation in our State forever. We have Independent Power projects powering key infrastructure in the State. Lagos developed its own port and the Lekki Free Trade Zone. Lagos has built more roads, bridges and flyovers to cater for the growing population. Lagos built BRT systems and has provided sufficient buses for municipal transportation,” among others.
Ogunlende said Lagos deserved the support of the youth in order to do more, rather than being destabilised under the guise of a protest. We have a Government that prioritises the affairs of the youth beyond rhetoric
