Ayodele Olalere
Lagos Indigenous Youth Network has vowed to protect the state against any forms of violence during the planned protest starting August 1.
At a briefing on Sunday held in Lagos, the youths said they will resist any moves to destroy Lagos State under the guise of protest.
The leader of the group, Mobolaji Ogunlende said while they acknowledge the fundamental right tpf every citizen to protest, the group believe such protest must be constructive and in the best interest of the people.
“We are not against the citizens constructively engaging their leaders when it’s crucial but the moment when such engagement becomes a platform for tension and warmongering sponsored for political scores, then it is time to call for caution,” he said.
He noted that Intelligence gathered by the government reveals that the protest is politically motivated and not in the interest of Lagosians, whom he described as peace-loving and hardworking.
“We do not support it. We say NO to any protest in whatever guise or disguise. We are coming together to defend ourLagos against any possible destruction by agents of violence masquerading as lovers of the people. They have only one interest which is their selfish interest.
We urge all Lagosians, especially parents, to caution their children against joining the protest. It is not a wise thing to do,” he added.
Ogunlende further said the state is yet to recover from the destruction of facilities during the 2020 EndSars protest and as such can not withstand any other violent protest.
He noted that the state government has done a lot in building the state and welfare of the residents such regular payment of staff salaries, clearing of outstanding pension, non discrimination between indigenous and non-indigenous residents, provision of free healthcare to expectant women.subsidisation of education to all residents, construction of the Red Line and Blue Line rail projects , among other developmental projects.
He described Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration as a government that prioritizes the “affairs of the youth beyond rhetoric by adding Plus to the Lagos State THEMES Agenda, which creates a special attention for the youth.’
Ogunlende appealed to the sponsors of the protest to have a rethink in the interest of the masses.
“We appeal to those sponsoring the protest to have a rethink. Lagos is working and we are with our dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. He is kind and humane. He will address all the grievances and ensure that all is well in our dear country, Nigeria.
We will stand for our Lagos and our hardworking Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu. We will not allow another war on Lagos. Never! This is our heritage. Lagos will remain a home for us all,” he vowed.
