Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged residents to reflect on the aftermath of the 2020 EndSARS protests and reconsider participating in the upcoming nationwide demonstration.
The protest, themed #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, is set to begin today and last for ten days.
In a broadcast on Wednesday, Sanwo-Olu cautioned that the planned protests might not achieve the desired results and could instead reverse the progress made in various sectors.
Sanwo-Olu questioned whether a ten-day protest could resolve pressing issues like soaring food prices or stimulate economic growth.
He expressed scepticism about the effectiveness of such demonstrations in bringing about immediate change, arguing that carefully crafted economic reforms might be more beneficial in the long run.
“Will the protest suddenly ensure that all of our challenges disappear in ten days?” Sanwo-Olu asked. “Will shutting down the economy for 10 days inspire the economic growth we earnestly desire?”
The governor emphasised the importance of patience while waiting for the benefits of current economic policies to materialise.
Sanwo-Olu also reminded Lagosians of the destruction caused during the 2020 EndSARS protests, which began as a peaceful demonstration but was eventually hijacked by elements with “devilish intentions.”
He highlighted the severe damage inflicted on the state, including the destruction of the Lagos High Court, numerous police stations, local government offices, fire stations, and other public properties.
“The EndSARS protests left deep scars on our state,” Sanwo-Olu said. “We are yet to fully recover from the mindless destruction of valuable assets.”
“No true Lagosian or friend of Lagos will encourage us to go this route again,” Sanwo-Olu said. “Our shared goal is a peaceful and prosperous Lagos.”
Meanwhile, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa and lawyer to one of the groups organising the protest, has urged youths to shorten their planned nationwide protest against bad governance and economic hardship to one day.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Adegboruwa praised the organisers of the “Hunger and End Bad Governance Protests” for their dedication and noted that their campaign had already achieved a significant impact, prompting a response from government officials.
Adegboruwa acknowledged the efforts invested in the protests and expressed approval of their impact on government actions.
He highlighted the need to address “bad governance practices” and halt excessive spending by officials, such as the procurement of new jets and expensive renovations, while the public suffers from high inflation and economic strain.
“I salute the courage of the organisers,” Adegboruwa said. “Your efforts are not in vain. The government’s reaction to the planned protests shows that your voices have been heard.”
He commended the protesters for their bravery and called for an immediate end to government extravagance.
“It is unacceptable for the president to buy a new jet while the people suffer from skyrocketing food prices,” he added.
Adegboruwa urged the security agencies to respect the protesters’ right to peaceful demonstration and to avoid violence.
He emphasised that the protests should be conducted in approved locations and without the deployment of military forces.
“My final appeal is for the protests to be orderly and peaceful,” he said. “Let the protests be held for just one day, or at most three days, and then be suspended. Make your demands clear and give the government time to address them.”
He also warned of potential attempts by the government to disrupt the protests by using thugs, referencing claims of planned violence and the presence of troublemakers in Lagos.
The governor’s comments reflect a desire to balance the need to address grievances with the imperative of maintaining social stability and supporting ongoing economic recovery efforts.
