The indigenous youths of Lagos State, under the Lagos Indigenous Youth Network, has expressed their concerns for the forthcoming hunger protest slated to hold from August 1st, to August 10th 2024, the stated their opposition to the protest reasons being the avoidance of a repeat of the #EndSARS destruction witnessed four years ago in the state.
At a press conference held on Sunday, the youth leaders from the five divisions of the state convened at the statue of the three Wise Men in Ikeja, the state capital, to express their concerns, asserting that the protest appears to have political motivations rather than genuine concern for the public interest.
Speaking on behalf of the group, a leader in LIYN Mobolaji Ogunlende, highlighted that intelligence gathered suggests that the protest is politically driven.
“We are not against citizens constructively engaging their leaders when necessary. However, when such engagement turns into a platform for tension and warmongering, potentially aimed at settling political scores, it is time to exercise caution. This is what we are doing today,” Ogunlende said.
He went further to emphasize that the protest does not align with the interests of peace-loving and hardworking Lagosians.
“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 supporters of the people. Their only interest is their selfish interest,” Ogunlende stated.
The group called on all Lagosians, particularly parents, to discourage their children from taking part in the protest.
“It is not a wise thing to do,” Ogunlende warned.
In a final appeal, the youth leaders urged those behind the protest to reconsider their actions, asserting that, “Lagos is working, and we stand with our dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He will address all grievances and ensure that all is well in our dear country, Nigeria.”
According to him, though the citizens have the right to protest there is no justification for Lagos State to be the focal point of such politically motivated protest aimed at destroying property.
He said the Lagos State Government should be encouraged to remain the pacesetter in the country, saying the state is paying above the minimum wage and this can be verified.
“Lagos does not owe workers Salaries. Lagos does not owe Pensioners. The only state to have cleared all pension backlog. Lagos does not discriminate between indigenes and non-indigenes. Its hospitality is second to none. Lagos provides free healthcare to expectant women. Lagos provides subsidised education to all residents, regardless of ethnicity,” he said.
