Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commended the people of the state for their peaceful conduct during Day 1 of the national protest against hardship on Thursday.
In a statement late Thursday, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso said that the government noted the slowdown of business activities in some areas, which it attributed to the “fear that hooligans and architects of anarchy might force their evil design on us all and endanger our harmony”.
He however noted that the protesters embraced peace while expressing their views and constitutional rights.
The statement read: “The Lagos State Government has watched closely today’s protest in some parts of the state and would like to put on record the peaceful conduct of Lagosians. This is the way it should be in our dear state, according to Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“We have also noticed the slowdown of business in some parts of the State, perhaps because of the fear that hooligans and architects of anarchy might force their evil design on us all and endanger our harmony. Thankfully, that did not happen. To a large extent, Lagosians have chosen to embrace peace and shun the path of destruction while expressing their views and constitutional right to protest.
“The message of the protest – hunger in the land – has also been well noted. It is, however, important to reiterate the fact that the Federal Government is taking steps to reverse the situation. 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.
“On our part, as Mr. Governor has promised, 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.
“It is also important to put on record the professional conduct of all our security agencies – the Lagos State Police Command, the Department of State Services, the military, the Civil Defence, Neighbourhood Watch, community leaders, religious leaders, resident associations and others – who ensured that the peace we cherish was not compromised.
“We will continue to engage all stakeholders to ensure that our state remains peaceful and a beacon of hope for all.
“Lagosians are enjoined to go about their businesses without any fear. Security agents will continue to ensure that our State is safe and that businesses can operate without any harassment”.
