Ayodele Olalere
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, on Saturday, appealed to Lagosians to remain calm amid cash scarcity rocking the country and urged them to avoid being used by arsonists to destroy the state.
In a state broadcast from Lagos House, Marina, the governor said violence should not be an option in the face of ongoing challenges.
“Violence will not and should not be an option. This is a heartfelt call to you, as your governor, to please remain calm at this time, and avoid all forms of violence, arson and rioting. Even in the face of the difficulties and frustrations being faced by all, violence and destruction should not and will never be the answer,” he appealed.
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The governor also expressed concern at the high charges charged by POS operators and fuel station attendants for taking advantage of the current situation to extort Lagosians.
He appealed to those involved in such behavior to desist from such sharp practices.
“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.”
He further urged Lagosians 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 with the view of robbing you of the chance to cast your votes in the February 25 presidential and national assembly elections.”
The governor lamented the destruction of public property adding law enforcement agents have been directed ‘to take full control and ensure zero tolerance for any and all acts of arson, violence and destruction.
He enjoined all Lagosians to be law abiding as the state has taken measures to ameliorate the hardship through reduction in transportation charges for public- owned transport, across the Lagos State public transport system, as well as distribution of food packs to the most vulnerable citizens.