By Tunde Sholanke
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu,has urged residents of Lagos State to shun violence, arson and rioting, even in the face of cash shortage and other forms of hardships in the country.
He said violence and destruction should not and will never be the answer to the challenges confronting residents of the state and Nigerian citizens.
The governor,who spoke while briefing newsmen on the ongoing situation in the country,commended Lagosians for your patience and unwavering perseverance .
Sanwo-Olu condemned the rampant incidents surrounding some of the players in the financial services value chain (POS Agents/Operators); as well as petrol station attendants who have taken the current challenges to mean an opportunity to extort hard working and law-abiding Lagos residents with extortionate service charges on funds withdrawal and sale of PMS.
He implored those involved in such behavior to desist from such sharp practices, adding: “It is especially in difficult times like these that we all need to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keeper and do everything we can to contribute to lessening the hardships faced by our fellow Lagosians. This is not the period to sacrifice empathy, compassion, and humanity on the altar of profit-making.”
The governor appealed to Lagos residents to resist the opportunists who seek to take advantage of the anger and frustration that you all are feeling to hijack the situation and foment trouble.
He added:”We know that there are unscrupulous persons who want to sow seeds of violence and discord by their very utterances and actions, all with the view of robbing you of the chance to cast your votes in the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections. Do not allow them to use you to achieve their evil intentions.”
He warned residents against destroying public facilities,saying: “There is no justification whatsoever for attacking public or private property. The law enforcement agents have received clear instructions to take full control and ensure zero-tolerance for any and all acts of arson, violence and destruction.”
He enjoined all law-abiding Lagos residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear, stressing that:”As a government that fully understands the challenges that you are faced with, with regards to access to cash, we are working very hard to provide palliative measures to lessen the burdens being faced.
“As part of these measures, I have already approved an immediate reduction in transportation charges for public-owned transport, across the Lagos State public transport system: our buses, ferries and taxis.”
He confirmed that the state government is in discussion with private transport operators not to hike fares at this point of time, given the difficult circumstances in which many Lagos residents find themselves.
According to the governor, “We have also since commenced the distribution of food packs to the most vulnerable residents, the people most impacted by this disruption in the supply of cash.”
He added: “We will continue to highlight more vulnerable groups within our distribution channels who would benefit from the palliatives.As we scale up the rollout of these palliatives, we ask for your continued patience and understanding. Remain calm and go about your lawful activities and duties.The Lagos State government, under my watch, will continue to stand by, with and for the ordinary people of Lagos.”
