…Urges Protestors To Shun Violence
On Thursday, Lagos Police Commissioner Adegoke Fayoade convened a town hall meeting with various security agencies and key stakeholders to address concerns surrounding an upcoming protest organized by anonymous individuals and groups.
The meeting titled “Enhancing Community Engagement and Participation in Fostering Peace and Unity in Lagos” took place at the POWA Hall in Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
At the meeting, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende. Ogunlende stood in for the Governor, delivering key insights and updates on behalf of the state’s administration, emphasizing Lagos’ commitment to youth empowerment and social progress.
The governor called on parents to engage with their children, particularly the young adults, urging them to reconsider their plans for a protest. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the peace that Lagos has enjoyed and encouraged dialogue as a means to address concerns.
Commissioner for Youth Sports and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende
Ogunlende emphasized that while every citizen has the right to protest, it becomes problematic when the demonstration cannot be controlled or the organizers remain unidentified. In such cases, he argued, protests should not take place.
“Anytime protest is been talked about, it’s always centered around the youths, it’s because youth occupy larger percentage of the population.” However, he believed the protest is about hardship and this doesn’t affect only the youths but entire citizens across the nation.
Director, DSS, Lagos, Dapo Amoo
The governor later praised the security agencies, led by Commissioner Adegoke Fayoade, for their proactive approach in handling the situation rather than merely reacting to events.
“This shows that every single person in this hall has decided to take responsibility for what’s coming ahead irrespective of the outcome”, Ogunlende said.
“It should be noted, everybody is taking responsibility, ownership and rising to the occasion because Lagos is our home and we can’t afford to let anything happen to our home, which is the reason for gathering here to ensure all necessary steps are taken by each and everyone. It’s pertinent we remain peaceful, because united we stand, divided we fall. If we all come together like to face an issue, I am sure, there will be peace at the end of the day, the governor added. Speaking during his remark, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Fayoade Adegoke stated that the present situation in the country shouldn’t warrant protest which could lead to disorderliness, breakdown of law and peace.
Participants At The Meeting
Similarly, the Commissioner of Police revealed that security agencies anticipate the protest could result in a complete collapse of law and order. To prevent such chaos, the agencies are taking measures to ensure stability in Lagos State.
Lagos, the economic powerhouse of West Africa and Nigeria, stands as a critical hub for commerce and daily life. Allowing protests in this vibrant city could disrupt not only its economic stability but also its social harmony. Lagosians are deeply committed to maintaining a peaceful environment where everyone can conduct their affairs without fear of interference or intimidation.
We are committed to preserving the harmony that defines life in Lagos,” he declared firmly. “No one will be allowed to disrupt the peace and unity that our city cherishes.”
Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Lagos State, Comrade Funmi Sessi
Director Dapo Amoo of the Lagos Department of State Security on the other hand said
“you can criticize government, you can criticize establishment, the question about the protest is, they said, they intend to have a peaceful protest, but how do you determine it’s going to come out peacefully. That’s the question we should all ask ourselves.”
He reflected on the tumultuous EndSars protests, remembering how Lagos had grappled with the upheaval, its streets still echoing the chaos long after the unrest had subsided.
He reiterated that President Asiwaju Tinubu has called on the nation’s youth to continue their patience, emphasizing that progress often requires time. In his recent address, he highlighted the government’s commitment to improvement, noting that as a first step, they have begun raising salaries for workers. This move is part of a broader plan to drive positive change and enhance the well-being of citizens
Chief Imam, Conference of Islamic Organization, Shikrullah Shafi
Comrade Funmi Sessi, the chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in the state, voiced her frustration over the recent protest. She expressed her discontent, highlighting concerns about the event’s execution and impact.
“this is Lagos’, I was born and bred in Lagos, many of us made money in Lagos, and take it out to other states, we enjoy government in the state. if you want to protest, go to the state where governance is not felt and express your grievances.
“As we talk now, many of the states could not even afford to pay the last N30,000 minimum wage, yet Lagos is ready to pay new minimum wage of N70,000. Let Lagos be free, this is about me as a born and bred Lagosian, free Lagos”, she concluded.
Stakeholders At The Meeting
Chief Imam Shikrullah Shafii of the Conference of Islamic Organizations has called on the government to address the rising cost of goods. He emphasized that merely increasing workers’ salaries is not enough; the government must also ensure that these higher wages translate into real value by curbing inflation and reducing commodity prices.
At a pivotal meeting, a diverse assembly of security agencies and stakeholders gathered to address pressing issues. The Nigeria Police, Navy, Army, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, Department of State Security, and Air Force were all in attendance. The session also saw participation from the Nigeria Labour Congress and the National Association of Nigeria Students. Representing local communities were chairpersons of local governments and a variety of religious leaders from both Muslim and Christian faiths. Additionally, bank executives were present, adding their perspectives to the discussion. This collective convergence underscored a unified commitment to tackling the challenges at hand.
