Sanwo-Olu: protest will destroy modest economic gains

By Oyebola Owolabi

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has admonished proponents of the protest to have a rethink, saying the protest will destroy the modest socio- economic gains recorded so far.

Sanwo-Olu, who addressed reporters at the State House in Ikeja, said: “It is pertinent to ask, is protest the practical catalyst for progress the nation require at this time? Will such a protest suddenly ensure that all of our challenges disappear in 10 days? Will the protest suddenly ensure the prices of food stuff drop by the 11th day? Will shutting down the economy for 10 days inspire economic growth we earnestly desire?

“I hold the strong view that a protest at this time will do none of these things for us as a nation. Rather, it would roll back the modest gains that we have made in various facets of our socio-economic life as a people.

“Are there challenges in our land? Yes. Is the government addressing them? Yes. So much is being done in many sectors to alleviate the pains of the people and prepare the path to lasting prosperity. Are quick fixes options available to government? I doubt that.

“Just this week, President Bola Tinubu signed the new minimum wage into law. As I address you, student loans are being disbursed to relieve indigent parents and students of the financial burden of getting tertiary education. As part of the promised devolution of power, the Local Governments have been granted financial autonomy to guarantee efficiency of that tier of government and bring governance closer to the people.

“Also, the foreign exchange crisis is being tackled in a creative manner that will surely yield the desired results. Besides, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the sale of crude oil to local refineries in Naira. This, experts have said, will save the nation at least $7.9 billion annually and strengthen the Naira.

“The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is attracting private investments into the establishment of conversion and refueling centers across the country. We know that CNG will bring down the cost of transportation and commuting significantly.

“Why then should there be a protest? All that we require now is to be patient for the benefits of the economic recovery policies to blossom. Protests can never achieve in 10 days what carefully crafted economic reforms can achieve in matter of weeks and months. More than ever before, our country is blessed with a courageous leader. Let me assure you that Nigeria is headed in the right direction and the benefits of these hard reforms will percolate to all.

“Peaceful protests are fundamental rights protected by the constitution in a democracy as ours. But vowing to sack an elected government in 10 days by means of protest is alien to our constitution. To the organisers of the protest, I repeat, while your intention may be noble, do not substitute your intentions with the motives of other forces. Your gathering is all they perhaps require to perpetrate theirs acts. After all, there cannot be fifth columnists if there are no columns. If your protest gathering becomes a column, then there can be fifth columnists.

“I appeal to you all that we reflect on our past experiences during the tragic events of the EndSARS protest in 2020. What began as a peaceful demonstration was, unfortunately, hijacked by elements with devilish intentions. They unleashed an unprecedented war on our state. We saw the destruction of valuable properties, the disruption of businesses, and sadly, the loss of lives in several parts of our dear state. These events left deep scars on our state and hurt our psyche.

“We are yet to fully recover from the mindless destruction of some symbols of our rich and enviable heritage – the Lagos High Court, Igbosere, the oldest and most recognisable court building in Nigeria built in the early 1860s and 15 other court buildings, over 45 police stations were set ablaze, 12 Local Government offices burnt, 7 Fire Stations burnt, the Forensic Centre that was the best in West Africa, the iconic City Hall, the secretariat of the oldest Local Government in Nigeria, Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) headquarters and traditional rulers’ palaces. They were all destroyed. So were several bank facilities, malls, shops, offices, hundreds of brand-new BRT buses and several other public assets.

“No true Lagosian or friend of Lagos will encourage us to go this route again. That is not who we are; that is not our way and that is not our style.

“Fellow Lagosians, we must remember that our shared goal is a peaceful and prosperous Lagos. The consequences of unrest are not just measured in the damage to property or disruptions to daily life; they are also felt in the loss of confidence, the fear instilled in our communities, tourists and foreign investors and the setback to our economic and social progress.

“As your governor, I assure you that our government is open to dialogue and committed to addressing the concerns of all citizens. We are actively engaging with various stakeholders to find solutions that promote justice, equality, and fairness. It is through constructive dialogue, not destructive protests, that we can achieve meaningful change.

“I urge you all to consider the potential repercussions of joining a protests that may, once again, expose us to the fiendish actions of those who do not admire our unity and common compassion for our dear state. Let us not allow our city to be plunged into chaos again. Let us work together to build a Lagos that is safe, secure, and prosperous for all. Our strength lies in our unity, and our future depends on our collective efforts to maintain peace and stability.

“In these challenging times, we must stand together as one community. We must reject violence and disorder and, instead, embrace dialogue and collaboration. Let us show the world that Lagos remains a city of resilience, where the voices of its people are heard and respected through peaceful and lawful means. Let us say NO to violence.”