By kawaekwune Jeffrey
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared that the state government will not permit a recurrence of the destruction that occurred during the #EndSARS protest in 2020.
Sanwo-Olu lamented that Lagos State has not fully recovered from the damage to valuable properties and institutions during the #EndSARS protest in October 2020, underscoring the point that the government will “not allow history to repeat itself” ahead of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests scheduled to commence on Thursday, August 1, 2024.
In a statement on Wednesday, the governor urged Lagosians to reconsider the planned protest over economic hardship in the country. He stated: “Reflecting on the tragic events of the #EndSARS protest in 2020, it began peacefully but was later hijacked, resulting in immense destruction and loss.
“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.
“Our goal is a peaceful and prosperous Lagos. We must avoid economic destabilization that can make us poorer. Let’s unite, embrace dialogue, and build a peaceful, prosperous Lagos.
“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.
“Let’s 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 maintaining peace and stability.”
According to the Lagos state governor, his firm stance against allowing a repeat of the #EndSARS destruction underscores his government’s commitment to maintaining order and preventing economic destabilization in Lagos State.
It would be recalled that the devastating impact of the 2020 protests left lasting scars on the city’s infrastructure and economy, which the administration is keen to avoid amid the upcoming #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests.
