*Any Gathering Unlawful, Declares Police Commissioner
THE Lagos State Government has expressed appreciation to #EndBadGovernance protesters in the state for their peaceful conduct and announcement of an end to their action, following the broadcast by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday, August 4.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while praising leaders of the protest in Lagos, said: “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. What you have done is not only noble, but also the civilised thing to do.”
In demonstration of the government’s commitment to continuous engagement with the youth, Sanwo-Olu directed that despite the stoppage of the protest, dialogue and engagements initiated by the state government before the action should continue.
Consequently, the governor directed Ministry of Youth and Social Development; Ministry of Information and Strategy and Office of Civic Engagement 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. 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 war mongering, scare mongering and rumour mongering. That is not our way; that is not who we are. That is not our style.
“Sanwo-Olu, once again, praises Lagosians for rejecting anarchy and embracing peace. He praises the professional conduct of all security agencies, the Police Command, Department of State Service (DSS), the military, Civil Defence, and Neighborhood Watch.
“The governor notes with great pride, the roles of our traditional rulers, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), community leaders, religious leaders, students leaders and others who ensured Lagos remained peaceful.
“He enjoins all Lagosians to continue their businesses without any fear whatsoever,” the government said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, has said the protest had ended following President Bola Tinubu nationwide broadcast on Sunday, August 4.
Fayoade, while addressing journalists shortly after the broadcast, declared any gathering in the state henceforth was unlawful and illegal, adding: “The protest has been called off because of the President’s speech. They believe that the President has spoken and they are looking forward to him meeting their demands.
“In view of that, there should be no more gathering here or anywhere; any of such is considered illegal and unlawful. Since it has been called off, we will apply the full weight of the law.”
