Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared that the state will not permit a repeat of the 2020 #EndSARS protests.
Sanwo-Olu made this statement while appealing to the organisers of the planned anti-hunger protest, who remain determined to demonstrate against the economic hardship experienced by Nigerians since the start of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In an address to Lagosians on Wednesday, the governor emphasized that a 10-day protest cannot accomplish what economic reforms can achieve in weeks and months, citing the ongoing tally of losses from the destruction of valuables during the previous protests.
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He said, “Reflecting on the tragic events of the EndSARS protest in 2020, it began peacefully but was later hijacked, resulting in immense destruction and loss.
“We will NOT allow history to repeat itself. During the protests, we saw the destruction of valuable properties and institutions: Lagos High Court, 45 police stations, 12 Local Government offices, 7 Fire Stations, and the Forensic Centre, among others.
“The City Hall, Nigeria Ports Authority headquarters, and traditional rulers’ palaces were also destroyed.
“Malls, shops, offices, and hundreds of brand-new BRT buses were lost. Such devastation only sets us back economically and socially.”
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Sanwo-Olu admitted that there were challenges in the country but that the Federal Government is putting in significant efforts to address them and alleviate Nigerians’ pain.
He added: “For weeks, we’ve faced the prospect of protests aimed at ending what some call ‘bad government’. While the intentions may be noble, some narratives suggesting it’s a means to change the government by non-constitutional means are troubling.
“Is a protest the catalyst for progress we need now? Will it ensure our challenges vanish in ten days? Will it lower food prices or inspire economic growth? I strongly believe it won’t. Instead, it could undo the modest gains we’ve made,” he admonished.
The governor appealed to the protesters to converge at the police-approved protest venues — Gani Fawehinmi Park and Peace Park — so as to avoid chaos.
“To ensure safe and peaceful expression, the Police have designated Gani Fawehinmi Park and Peace Park for protests. These locations will be secured to protect our citizens and prevent chaos.”
