Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has asserted that the state will not permit a recurrence of the 2020 #EndSARS protests. He made this statement while addressing the organizers of the ongoing anti-hunger protests, which highlight the economic difficulties faced by Nigerians since President Bola Tinubu’s administration began.
In his address to Lagosians on Wednesday, Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed that the 10-day protest would not yield the same results that economic reforms could achieve over weeks and months. He cited the extensive damage from the 2020 #EndSARS protests as a loss the state is still grappling with.
“Reflecting on the tragic events of the #EndSARS protest in 2020, it began peacefully but was later hijacked, resulting in immense destruction and loss,” Sanwo-Olu said. “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.”
Acknowledging the current challenges in the country, Sanwo-Olu noted that the Federal Government is making significant efforts to address these issues and alleviate Nigerians’ pain.
“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,” he stated. “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.”
Sanwo-Olu highlighted several achievements under President Tinubu’s administration, including a new minimum wage, student loans, and financial autonomy for local governments.
“This week, President Tinubu signed a new minimum wage into law. Student loans are being disbursed to ease financial burdens, and local governments now have financial autonomy to enhance governance efficiency. The foreign exchange crisis is being creatively tackled. The sale of crude oil to local refineries in naira will save $7.9 billion annually and strengthen our currency. The Presidential Initiative on CNG is also attracting private investments. We need patience for the benefits of these economic reforms to blossom. Protests can’t achieve in days what economic reforms can in weeks and months. Our nation, under President Tinubu’s courageous leadership, is on the right path,” he added.
Sanwo-Olu also outlined his administration’s efforts to mitigate the impact of inflation, including the EKOCARES program, reduced transport costs, free medical care, and increased bursaries and scholarships for Lagos students.
The governor appealed to protesters to assemble at police-approved venues 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.”
