In light of the recent protests roiling various sections of the state, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged restraint.
In a press release issued on Friday and signed by the state’s commissioner for information and strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the governor stated that there was no need for violence.
The governor reassured that he was taking action to prevent the hardship brought on by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s naira redesign policy from enduring.
“The Lagos State Government has noted with grave concern the protests in several parts of the state this morning,” stated the statement. According to reports, the demonstrators are upset about the redesigned naira’s scarcity, which has led to a great deal of suffering and uncertainty.
“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu thinks that since the Supreme Court is considering this contentious issue and will announce its ruling on February 22, there is no reason for violence.
“Lagos State has subsequently joined the legal fight, acting only in the best interests of our people and in the conviction that the nation’s highest court is qualified to render a decision on the issue. The government’s actions have resulted in an improvement in the fuel situation.
“The government applauds Lagosians for their tolerance, notwithstanding the hardships imposed on by the Federal Government’s actions. Citizens should maintain their commitment to upholding the law by avoiding any type of incitement from troublemakers. Mr. Governor is collaborating with his colleagues to make sure that this adversity ends.
The PUNCH reported earlier on Friday that protests had started in a number of locations across the state due to the difficulty the naira redesign policy had brought, as well as the fact that locals couldn’t get their hands on the new notes.
Violence erupted in places including Lagos-Ikorodu Road, Agege, Iyana-Ipaja, and Igando and shook the state.
Also, despite the police’s assurances that they were on top of the issue, it was reported that some hoodlums in the Epe neighborhood had taken the opportunity presented by the naira crisis to cause mayhem and destroy certain banks.
