The Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, has called on residents to refrain from engaging in violent protests that could lead to the destruction of public property, referencing the 2020 #EndSARS protests as a cautionary example.
Salu-Hundeyin made this appeal on Tuesday while addressing journalists after a routine security meeting with local government secretaries at the state secretariat in Alausa, Lagos.
Recalling the 2020 #EndSARS protests, where youths demanded the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Salu-Hundeyin highlighted the extensive damage caused by hoodlums, including the burning of public properties such as a Bus Rapid Transit terminal, and the tragic loss of lives.
In response to the rising cost of living and staple foods, some Nigerians are planning a new protest titled “End Bad Governance in Nigeria,” set to begin on August 1, 2024, and continue until August 10. The protest aims to draw attention to the hardships faced by citizens.
While affirming the right of every Nigerian to protest, Salu-Hundeyin urged residents to avoid violence and maintain the peace that Lagos State has been enjoying. She emphasized the state’s commitment to good governance and ongoing development projects.
“This is a state that does not owe any pensioner a kobo. If you retire today, you can expect your pension immediately. The Lagos State Government is doing so much,” she said. “It is a legitimate right for citizens to protest; there’s nothing wrong with it. The only concern is to prevent violence, as the peace and development we enjoy in Lagos should not be disrupted.”
Salu-Hundeyin highlighted various state initiatives, including the Ilera Eko Insurance Medical Schemes, the construction of a new university, and the blue line rail project, as evidence of the government’s efforts to improve the lives of residents.
Echoing her sentiments, Akeem Dauda, chairman of Scribe 57 and Ikeja SLG, described the planned protest as “unnecessary.” He stressed the importance of engaging local communities to discourage participation.
“We have resolved that the protest is uncalled for and unnecessary based on what Lagos State, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has accomplished in the last year. We strongly believe in educating our communities about why this protest is unnecessary,” Dauda stated. “As local government representatives, we will communicate to our children, family members, and communities the importance of protecting the progress we have made. We will continue to convey the needs of the people to the government.”
