Politics
GRADUAL commercial activities resumed across Lagos metropolis on Friday, the day two of #Endbadgovernance nationwide protests in Lagos State.
The protest had commenced on Thursday, August 1, on a slow pace as few protesters stormed the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, along Ikorodu Road as residents stayed off major roads and businesses shut down.
Fortunately, the protesters were peaceful in their demonstration under close watch of armed security personnel led by Commissioner of Police, CP, Adegoke Fayoade.
Commercial bus operators, popularly called “Danfos,” were seen operating across the state.
Most banks, eateries and fuel stations witnessed were still under lock and key for fear of attacks by hoodlums.
As market activities also picked up across the state, Vanguard observed security patrol team, stationed at Ikotun and Egbeda Bus stops, in Alimosho Local Government Area.
Demonstration on Friday resumed at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota as protesters converged on tye Ikorodu Road in a peaceful atmosphere, chanting solidarity songs.
Sanwo-Olu hails protesters, calls for continued calm
Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commended protesters for the peaceful demonstration in the state just as he stressed the need for continued peace and calm in the state.
Sanwo-Olu made the remark in a statement released through the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso.
The statement read in part: “I watched closely the protest in some parts of the State and would like to put on record the peaceful conduct of Lagosians.
“This is the way it should be in our dear State.
“We have also noticed the slowdown of business in some parts of the State, perhaps because of the fear that hooligans and architects of anarchy might force their evil design on us all and endanger our harmony.
“Thankfully, that did not happen. To a large extent, Lagosians have chosen to embrace peace and shun the path of destruction while expressing their views and constitutional right to protest.
“The message of the protest – hunger in the land – has also been well noted.
“It is, however, important to reiterate the fact that the Federal Government is taking steps to reverse the situation. Besides opening the National Grains Reserve, the Federal Government has suspended import duties on food items – a measure that will, no doubt, ensure that the current food shortage is addressed and high prices are rolled back.
“We will work with all food distributors to ensure that our citizens enjoy the resultant price reductions.
“On our part, as Mr. Governor has promised, the popular Sunday Markets will return with its 25% discount on all major food items.
“The Medical Outreach, which offered thousands of our people treatment free of any charge whatsoever, will also return. We are finalising the logistics for its implementation. We will continue to ensure that all expectant women enjoy free delivery in our hospitals.
“The 25% slash in fares on all our transport facilities will continue. So will all the other measures we have put in place to relieve Lagosians of the burden of these times.
“Considering all the Federal and State Governments have done, all lovers of peace will agree that it is time the protesters called off their action. Their voice has been heard – loud and clear.”
He also commended the professional conduct of all security agencies – the Lagos State Police Command, the Department of State Services, the Military, the Civil Defence, Neighbourhood Watch, Community leaders, Religious Leaders, Resident Associations and others – who ensured that the peace the state cherish was not compromised.
“We will continue to engage all stakeholders to ensure that our State remains peaceful and a beacon of hope for all,” Sanwo-Olu urged.
Residents were therefore, urged to go about their businesses without any fear as security agents will continue to ensure that the state is safe and businesses can operate without any harassment.- vanguard
A.I
Aug. 2, 2024
Tags: Adegoke Fayoade.
