Naira Scarcity: Sanwo-Olu Sends Message To Lagosians Amid Protests

Governor Bababjide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has appealed to Lagosians to continue to keep calm in the face of harsh challenges from the naira redesign policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Naija News reports that the governor made the appeal on Saturday morning, while briefing newsmen on the state of the nation, at Lagos House, Marina.

Sanwo-Olu directed security personnel to be on red alert to forestall possible protests and violence arising from the current naira crisis across the state.

The governor disclosed that the state government has commenced measures to cushion the effects of the naira scarcity, saying that the crisis will soon be over.

Sanwo-Olu admonished the people to be their brother’s keeper and ‘do everything we can to contribute to lessening the hardships faced by our fellow Lagosians’.

He also warned against attacks on properties, whether public or private, saying ‘law enforcement agents have received clear instructions to take full control and ensure zero tolerance for any and all acts of arson, violence and destruction’.

Sanwo-Olu also warned residents not to be used by mischief makers which the governor called” opportunists” for selfish ends ahead of the general elections.

He said: “My fellow Lagosians, this is a heartfelt call to you, as your governor, to please remain calm at this time, and avoid all forms of violence, arson, and rioting. Even in the face of the difficulties and frustrations being faced by all, violence and destruction should not and will never be the answer.

“We have noticed with dismay the rampant incidents surrounding some of the players in the financial services value chain (POS Agents/Operators); as well as petrol station attendants, who have taken the current challenges to mean an opportunity to extort hardworking and law-abiding Lagosians with extortionate service charges on funds withdrawal and sale of PMS.

“I appeal to those involved to desist from such sharp practices. This is not the period to sacrifice empathy, compassion, and humanity on the altar of profit-making

“To my good people of Lagos, please resist the opportunists who seek to take advantage of the anger and frustration that you all are feeling to hijack the situation and foment trouble.

“We know there are unscrupulous persons who want to sow seeds of violence and discord by their very utterances and actions, all with the view of robbing you of the chance to cast your votes in the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections. Do not allow them to use you to achieve their evil intentions.

“There is no justification whatsoever for attacking public or private property. The law enforcement agents have received clear instructions to take full control and ensure zero tolerance for any and all acts of arson, violence, and destruction.

“As a government that fully understands the challenges you are faced with, with regards to access to cash, we are working very hard to provide palliative measures to lessen the burdens being faced. As part of these measures, I have approved an immediate reduction in transportation charges for public-owned transport, across the state public transport system: our buses, ferries, and taxis.

“We are also in discussion with private transport operators not to hike fares at this time. We have also since begun the distribution of food packs, to the most vulnerable citizens, the people most impacted by this disruption in the supply of cash.

” We will continue to highlight more vulnerable groups within our distribution channels who would benefit from the palliatives.

“The Lagos State government, under my watch, will continue to stand by, with, and for the ordinary people of Lagos.”

Recall that protests broke out in various parts of the state on Friday over the hardship caused by the naira redesign policy and the inability of residents to access the new notes.

Naija News reports that areas like Mile 12, Ojota, Agege, Iyana-Ipaja, and Igando, were all involved in the violence that rocked the state.

Also in the Epe area, some hoodlums had used the opportunity of the naira crisis to cause mayhem and destroy some banks, although the police had said they were on top of the situation.