The Lagos State Government has declared as untrue and wicked, allegations that it sponsored thugs to disrupt the #EndSARS protest on Thursday at Alausa, Ikeja.
This disclosure was contained in a statement that was issued by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, on Thursday, October 15, 2020.
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The statement pointed out that such wild allegations were obviously concocted by enemies of peace and orderliness, to whip up sentiments against the government. It claims the state government has been doing everything possible to resolve the crisis, by identifying with our youths in their efforts towards police reforms.
Part of the statement reads, “The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to some unverified reports on social media alleging that the government sponsored thugs to disrupt the #EndSARS protest.
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“This is untrue and wicked. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been preaching peace. The same can be said of the Deputy Governor, who addressed the protesters last Friday. The Governor has addressed them twice at the Lekki Toll Gate and at the House of Assembly.
“He even carried a placard and marched with the youths after assuring them that he felt their pains and that it was legitimate for them to protest.”
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It also noted that the Governor visited the President to tender their five-point demand and ensured that all the protesters arrested by the police were released unconditionally.
The Lagos State Government disclosed that the enemies of progress, who are not happy that the state is not on fire, are the ones fueling the infernal lies that the government was sponsoring thugs to attack our protesting youths. It said they also posted on social media, pictures suggesting that a Lagos Bus Service Ltd. (LBSL) vehicle was conveying thugs.
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The commissioner pointed out that the bus in question was on its normal operation when it ran into a group of protesters. The passengers felt endangered and rushed out of the bus, only to continue their journey after the charging crowd had left.
Omotosho reiterated that as a government, we will never encourage thuggery or any act of violence that may put the lives and businesses of Lagosians at risk. The government is also strongly committed to ensuring that our youths, who have taken to the streets to air their views, are well protected.
The statement noted that this should be a sober time for us all, as we struggle to reverse the negative effects of COVID-19 on our economic and social lives. Especially, at a time experts are warning that a second wave is imminent if we shun the safety guidelines we have all agreed to embrace.
The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to some unverified reports in the social media alleging that the government-sponsored thugs to disrupt the #EndSARS protest. This is untrue and wicked.@jidesanwoolu @drobafemihamzat @gbenga_omo @gboyegaakosile #LASG pic.twitter.com/fcAMSCYXM9
— The Lagos State Govt (@followlasg) October 15, 2020
That’s statement of people running out for there life … From the bus is a fictional lie … Everyone knows how peace the protest have been…yet the government is blocking account of people for sending money thank God we got even need the nigeria money anymore … Thank to bitcoin…