By Felix Kuyinu
Members of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council, GAC, has applauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for overseeing a peaceful atmosphere during the protest held in the state.
The Council during a visit to Sanwo-Olu at the state house in Marina on Friday lauded the Governor for the steps taking to make sure residents were able to convey their grievances in a non-violent manner.
GAC Chairman, Tajudeen Olusi, while commending the Governor said, “The protests in Lagos have been peaceful and had no destabilization here as witnessed in other states.”
“The Governor has showcased mature leadership in making sure the state was not thrown into a chaos while granting the rights of the citizens to express their grievances through protest.
“This has elicited nationwide applause and set a precedent in the manner the Government should engage protesters.
“We are here to express our solidarity and support for the Governor of Lagos with respect to problems observed in the country recently. We are witnesses to the way the Governor has handled the recent expression of grievances through protests by our fellow citizens with respect to the current economic hardship, which we acknowledge is a global issue.
“The maturity and leadership displayed by the Governor in handling the situation has elicited respect and encomium from length and breadth of our country. We members of the GAC thought it is appropriate and proper to be here physically to encourage and to thank our Governor, having been inspired by God to take appropriate steps to ensure peace and stability in Lagos.”
In addition, the visiting team praised Sanwo-Olu for his intervention in providing palliative interventions to help cushion the effect of hardship on the residents of the state.
Olusi continued, “The launch of EKOCARES has brought relief to thousands of households within the state. The proactive measure has helped in curtailing negative effects which the protest could have had on Lagos.
“The Sunday Discount Markets where residents bought basic foodstuff at 25 per cent discount rate had particularly brought down tempers to help the people cope in the period of hardship.
“The Governor has done a lot in terms of enhancing the welfare and wellbeing of people in Lagos. Many Lagosians are witnesses and can testify to all the palliative programmes targeted at alleviating the hardship experienced by the people. We have seen the accounts rendered to bring succour to the people, which are too numerous to be ignored.
“It is, therefore, in appreciation of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s devotion, loyalty and commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of all the people living in Lagos that we have come here today to commend him and also pray for him for more strength in steering the affairs of the State.”
The Governor reacted to the utterances of the Advisory team saying,” The calmness experienced in Lagos during the protest was a collective effort that was made by all stakeholders in the state.
“I am taking this accolade on behalf of various stakeholders, including the traditional leaders, religious leaders and particularly the youth.
“We realized that we needed to engage every segment of our State to let people see reasons why we should sue for peace. People listened to us.
“We will also not go to sleep after this. The confidence people have expressed in our Government will require that we buckle up and keep their expectations of our Government. We are not taking our eyes off the ball; we will continue to engage and collaborate to make Lagos safer not only for residents but also for investors.”
