Story from Kenneth AFOR, Lagos
The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has begged the protesting youths in the state for calm and to allow elected leaders in the country to begin to act on their demands as the ongoing #EndSARSNow protests is having an adverse effect on businesses in the state.
The governor made the appeal yesterday while speaking at the 20th National Women Virtual Conference of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos on Wednesday.
He said that the Federal Government was ready to have a different approach in doing things better, pertaining to police administration in the country following demands the protesters have so far presented to the Nigeria government.
The ongoing protest which has entered its second week has managed to gain traction in some of the globe and also in the international media.
READ ALSO: Anti #ENDSARS groups attack protesters in Abuja
”I want to humbly request and appeal to our youths that their voices have been heard; their grievances have been well taken; their cause is a just and important cause.
”We have listened to them and listened to them very well. Government, more than ever before, will do things differently and positively. We can all see the efforts we have started since yesterday and today going forward.
”I want to appeal once again that because of the global pandemic that we have witnessed over the last six to seven months, the youths should let the effects of the protest go down.
”They should know that their voice has been heard, let government play their roles and play it well,” he said.
The governor explains that the protest is coming at the time the state was beginning to gradually open up the economy adding that the effect protest of the protest might hamper the growth of small businesses in the state.
”I know and I appreciate the challenges that all of you are going through. I appreciate the unfortunate incident that has happened to some of our youths. But like I said, we have heard you and we heard you very well.
”Please let those changes that you asked for, let them begin to happen. We have made commitments in Lagos State and other states to have made commitments. Let us see the effects of those changes and commitments we have given,” he said.
In the manner of appeal, Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola said leaders in the country are convinced and that they are ready to make amends towards a better Nigeria.
”Let me appeal to our youths protesting against police brutality to remain calm and allow their elected representatives to take up the challenge from where they left off.
”We are convinced as leaders and we are ready to join the voice of reason to make Nigeria a better place,” the governor said.
Meanwhile, the First Lady of Lagos State Mrs Sanwo-Olu, who is the Chairman of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), assured the youths that their demands with regards to police reforms would be duly implemented by the government.
”As mothers, we observe things before we speak but we are aware of the situation in the country. We thank God for Lagos State and the cabinet for listening to the plight of the youth.
”As members of COWLSO, we support ending police brutality. I know Mr President is aware of the demands of the youths with regards to police reforms which they have said would be implemented. I believe we shall overcome,” she said.
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