The Lagos State Government has commended residents over their peaceful conduct on Day-1 of the nationwide protest against economic hardship.
The commendation is contained in a statement signed by Mr Gbenga Omotosho, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, in Lagos on Thursday.
“The Lagos State Government has watched closely today’s protest in some parts of the State and would like to put on record the peaceful conduct of Lagosians.
“This is the way it should be in our dear State, according to Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu,” the statement read.
The government, according to the statement, had noted the slowdown of business in some parts of the state.
This, it said, was perhaps due to residents’ fear that hooligans and architects of anarchy might hijack the protest.
“Thankfully, that did not happen. To a large extent, Lagosians have chosen to embrace peace and shun the path of destruction while expressing their views and constitutional right to protest,” the statement read.
It said that the message of the people had been well received and would be given utmost priority.
“The message of the protest — hunger in the land — has also been well noted. It is, however, important to reiterate the fact that the Federal Government is taking steps to reverse the situation.
“Besides opening the National Grains Reserve, the Federal Government has suspended import duties on food items, a measure that will, no doubt, ensure that the current food shortage is addressed and high prices are rolled back.
“We will work with all food distributors to ensure that our citizens enjoy the resultant price reductions,” the statement read.
It said that the state governor had promised to bring back the popular Sunday market with its 25 per cent discount on all major food items.to further ease the hardship.
It said that the medical outreach, which offered treatment free of any charge to residents would also return.
“We are finalising the logistics for its implementation. We will continue to ensure that all expectant women enjoy free delivery in our hospitals.
“The 25 per cent slash in fares on all our transport facilities will continue.
“So will all the other measures we have put in place to relieve Lagosians of the burden of these times.
“Considering all the Federal and State Governments have done, all lovers of peace will agree that it is time the protesters called off their action. Their voice has been heard – loud and clear,” the statement said.
It said that the state government would continue to engage all stakeholders to ensure that the state remained peaceful and a beacon of hope for all.
“Lagosians are enjoined to go about their businesses without any fear.
“Security agents will continue to ensure that our Lagos State is safe and that businesses can operate without any harassment,” the statement read.
