Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, has called for peaceful protests and cautioned against any demonstrations that might lead to the destruction of public property. Speaking on July 24, 2024, she emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and ensuring that protests do not disrupt the services and facilities currently enjoyed by residents.
Salu-Hundeyin referenced the 2020 #EndSARS protests, which saw significant damage to public infrastructure, including the Lagos Bus Rapid Transit terminal and the state’s DNA and Forensic Laboratory. She urged that future protests should be conducted peacefully to avoid repeating such destruction.
She acknowledged citizens’ right to protest but stressed that this right should not be exercised through violence or vandalism. The Lagos State Government, she pointed out, is committed to fulfilling its obligations to its citizens, including paying pensions and advancing various development projects like the blue line rail and the new insurance medical schemes.
In a related development, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has denied any involvement in the upcoming nationwide protest against economic hardship. NLC President Joe Ajaero clarified that while the union is aware of the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, it is not organizing or endorsing the protest.