Fifty-seven local council chairmen in Lagos State under the umbrella of Conference 57 have urged Lagos, residents, to shun the nationwide protest by some Nigerians.
There have been reports that some Nigerians, under various bodies, are planning a nationwide protest between August 1 and 10 against the rising cost of living and the economic hardship in the country.
This development has prompted police and other security operatives to be on red alert over the planned nationwide protest.
Recall President Bola Tinubu had also called on youths to cancel their planned protest and await the government’s response to their concerns.
The chairman of Conference 57, Hon. Kolade Alabi urged the organisers of the protest to reconsider their approach, stating that it does not serve the best interests of the nation.
Hon. Alabi, who is the Bariga Council Chairman, advocated for demonstrations based on taking to the ballot rather than protests.
He emphasised that electoral processes offer a more constructive and legitimate means of expressing grievances and driving change.
Hon. Alabi re-emphasised President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians, drawing reference to the latest approval of N70,000 minimum wage for workers and the implementation of financial autonomy for local governments.
He further praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s efforts to ensure that various palliatives reach the most vulnerable people in every neighbourhood.
The council chairmen collectively argued that expressing grievances through protests might not yield the desired results. Instead, they advocated for utilizing electoral processes to voice discontent and influence governance.
He said: “We are here to appeal to all Lagosians to not allow them to be used for any planned protest. All the local governments in Lagos state will not tolerate any form of protest. We appeal to the organisers of the planned protest to reconsider their approach.”
