The Lagos State government has commended the state protesters for their alleged announcement to end the #EndBadGovernment nationwide protest following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broadcast.
Tinubu, during his broadcast, called for an end to “bloodshed, violence and destruction” as protests against the rising cost of living entered the fourth day.
Gbenga Omotoso, the state commissioner of information and strategy, disclosed in a statement on Sunday that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu noted that the decision to end the protests is a clear indication that the voices of the protesters have been heard by the government.
Omotoso quoted Governor Sanwo-Olu, saying, “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 the civilised thing to do.”
As of the time of filling out this report, Wave New can not independently verify the originality of the commissioner’s statement or if the protest was truly called off by the state protesters.
Omotoso, however, announced that the state government would continue its dialogue and engagement with the youth, despite the end of the protests.
Consequently, he added that Sanwo-Olu has directed the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the Ministry of Information and Strategy and the Office of Civic Engagement to immediately open wider channels of engagement with various stakeholders, including the protest leaders.
“The Executive Council members in charge of the ministries can be reached on the following dedicated Citizens Access Lines: Office of Civic Engagement +234 802 522 4347, Ministry of Information & Strategy +2348119655788, Ministry of Youth & Social Development +2347077178295,” Omotoso stated.
Omotoso also warned citizens to remain vigilant, as those seeking to divide the state may continue to spread fake news via audio and video channels.
The commissioner, however, urged Lagosians to never give room to warmongering, scaremongering or rumour mongering, noting that “that is not our way; that is not who we are. That is not our style.”
