By Lukman Olabiyi
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has told Lagosians who have intention of joining the planned protest to restrict their activist to designated grounds.
Addressing a press conference, he said protest is not the solution to the challenges facing the country.
“It is pertinent to ask, is protest the practical catalyst for progress the nation requires at this time? Will such a protest suddenly ensure that all of our challenges disappear in ten 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 the government? I doubt that.”
He said peaceful protests are fundamental rights protected by the country’s constitution. However, vowing to sack an elected government in 10 days by means of protest is alien to the 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 their acts. Afterall, 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.”