Ayodele Olalere
The Lagos State Chapter of All Progressives Congress has called on Lagosians and Nigerians to give peace a chance ahead of the planned August 1 to 10 planned nationwide protest.
In a statement signed by its spokesman, Seye Oladejo, the party appealed to Nigerians ‘ to let peace reign in our land at this critical time of our history.’
“While we acknowledge peaceful protests as an integral component of democratic governance, the predictable attendant violence and loss of lives and property remain undesirable.
In the past days, we have watched with keen interest, most especially, in the social media, the mobilization for the protest , laced with bitterness, hate speeches, hostility, divisiveness and threats to citizens with contrary opinions,” the statement stated.
The party noted that the EndSars protest which resulted in destruction of public and private assets started as a harmless demonstration but degenerated into chaos.
“The loss of targeted critical infrastructure across various sectors set our dear state back by decades and in billions.”
It, therefore, urged the government at the federal, state and local levels to ‘remain sensitive , attentive, receptive and responsible to the yearnings of the people while also protecting the lives and property of the citizens.’
“We’re not unmindful of the political undertones with the otherwise moribund opposition fanning the embers of blood letting to soothe their bruised ego as a result of losing the last national elections.
We take solace in the assurance that patriotic Nigerians will not be deceived into avoidable carnage by people with ulterior motives.”
The party also appealed to the security agencies ‘to uphold the best professional standards to forestall any unpleasant development.
