Lagos Urges Residents To Shun Violence As Protests Rock State Over Naira Notes Scarcity

The Lagos State government has urged the residents to shun violence, saying several steps were being taken to ameliorate the hardship and confusion caused by Federal Government Naira redesigned policy.

The state government in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso said the government noted with deep concern the protests that erupted in some parts of the state on Friday.

He said, ‘’The protesters are said to be angry over the Naira redesign and its consequent scarcity that has caused so much hardship and confusion among our people.

‘’Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu believes there is no need for violence as the Supreme Court is looking into this controversial matter and will make its position known on February 22.

‘’Lagos State has since joined the legal dispute- all in the interest of our people – in the belief that the highest court in the land has the capacity to adjudicate on the matter.’’

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Omotoso said, the fuel situation is easing following some steps taken by the government, lauding Lagosians for showing understanding, despite the pains that the Federal Government’s measures have brought.

‘’ Residents should continue to be law-abiding by shunning any form of incitement by mischief makers. Mr. Governor is working with his colleagues to ensure that this hardship does not go on,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, pockets of violent protest erupted in the Ketu/ Mile 12 and Agege areas of Lagos State causing serious traffic along the Ikorodu expressway.

LEADERSHIP Weekend observed that the protesters blocked the expressway with bonfires while many vehicles were reportedly vandalised in the process.

It was gathered that the protest started when the traders started to reject the old notes of N1000 and 500 notes in the area.

The consumers who had come to the market early Friday to do some shopping were disappointed by the rejection of the old naira notes by traders at the market, mostly people from the Northern part of the country.

The timely intervention of security agencies prevented the situation from degenerating into loss of lives, even as soldiers took over Ketu and Mile 12 areas of Ikorodu expressway to avert breakdown of law and order.