Lagosians living in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland, better known as Lagos State Union UK, has cautioned Nigerians, particularly the youth, against the proposed nationwide protest in August, tagged: End Bad Government in Nigeria 2024 to be mindful not to repeat the experience associated with the 2020 #EndSARS protest in Lagos.
In an issued statement, signed by the Union President, Toyin Ibrahim Igbo and issued by the Publicity Secretary, Engr. Kayode Ajayi, yesterday, the Union said that the State indigenes will not tolerate any menace in disguise of protest to destroy the State facilities and properties this time.
According to the Union, even though citizens have the civil right to protest as enshrined in the Constitution, Lagos State should not be the centre ground for protest always when Abuja, the seat of power is there and where most politicians live.
The Union called on the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and relevant security agencies to use their powers within the ambit of the law to protect lives and properties of the State against aliens who are determined to destroy the State.
It saud, We are issuing this caution ahead the proposed nationwide protest that we, the indigenous people of Lagos State, will not take kindly with any groups or individuals who will disguise under a protest to unleash mayhem anywhere in the State. While we admonish citizens civil rights to protest to press forward their grievances with the government, we urge them to centre the protest in Abuja and leave Lagos alone. We find it very disturbing the rationale for protesters to make Lagos the centre of protest when there are other States and the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT).
We appeal to the youth, fathers, mothers and all residents in the state to caution their loved ones against being used to cause breakdown of law and order during the proposed protest; otherwise, we are fully prepared and ready for anyone plotting to constitute nuisance in Lagos. The quantum destruction of our States facilities and properties which characterised the 2020 EndSARS protest is still very fresh in our memories. We will not allow that to happen the second time. We employed our Governor to utilise our funds meaningfully, manage our economy, protect our lives and properties, and that he will do.
Moreso, we urge fellow Nigerians that want to join in the protest to either go back to their various states or remain there to protest. In other words, if youre a fellow Nigerian from other States but living in Lagos, go back to your States and protest, the Union stated.
