‘Your voice has been heard’ — Sanwo-Olu lauds Lagos residents for ‘ending protest’

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, has hailed protesters in the state for “announcing an end” to their demonstration.

Gbenga Omotoso, the Lagos commissioner for information and strategy, said in a statement on Sunday that Sanwo-Olu commended Lagosians for rejecting anarchy and embracing peace after President Bola Tinubu’s broadcast.

“Your stoppage of the protest today is a crystal-clear affirmation of the fact that you know your collective voice has been heard by the government,” Omotoso quoted the governor as saying.

“What you have done is not only noble but the civilised thing to do.”

The commissioner said Sanwo-Olu remains committed to continuous engagement with the youths, adding that he has directed that dialogue and engagement must continue.

Omotoso said the governor has also directed various ministries to immediately open wider channels of engagement with various stakeholders, including the protest leaders.

“Now it is fit and proper to, once again, warn our citizens to be very vigilant,” he added.

“Those who seek to divide us are yet to give up. They may continue to post fake news via audio and video channels.

“Lagosians must never give room to warmongering, scaremongering, and rumuormongering. That is not our way; that is not who we are. That is not our style.”

Omotoso listed citizens’ access lines to executive council members in charge of select ministries.

Office of civic engagement: +2348025224347

Ministry of information and strategy: +234811965788

Ministry of youth and social development +2347077178295

The governor’s comments come as Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 elections, announced that the #EndBadGovernance protest will continue on Monday.

Nigerians have been protesting against economic hardship and spiralling inflation since August 1.

In his nationwide broadcast earlier, Tinubu urged the protesters to suspend their demonstrations, adding that his administration’s efforts “will soon be visible and concrete for everyone to see, feel, and enjoy”.