*Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State appeals to Lagosians to remain calm, disclosing the state government making efforts at providing palliative measures to lessen their hardship amid the current Naira cum fuel scarcity

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has appealed to residents of the state to remain calm in connection with the current scarcity of banknotes, fuel price hike, and attendant hardship on consumers.

The Governor, in a statement signed and issued Saturday, February 18, 2023, in Lagos, said his appeal to Lagosians became necessary in view of the ongoing situation in the country, “regarding the change of currency notes and the attendant hardships being faced by ordinary Lagosians.”

Bundles of new Naira notes

Sanwo-Olu urged Lagosians to 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,” said he.

Caution against exploitation, price hike racketeering

According to Sanwo-Olu, “this is not the period to sacrifice empathy, compassion and humanity on the altar of profit making.

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

The governor as well lamented that some of the players in the financial services sector value chain have taken the current challenges to mean an opportunity to extort hard-working Lagosians with exorbitant charges on funds withdrawal and sale of PMS, otherwise known as petrol.

The Lagos Governor appealed to those involved in such a behaviour to desist.

He stared: 鈥淚t is in difficult times like these that we all need to be our brothers鈥� and sisters鈥� keepers.鈥�

Sanwo-Olu further advised the people should not allow those he said wanted to sow seeds of violence and discord through their actions, all with a view to robbing Lagosians of their chance to cast votes February 25 to achieve their aim.

The governor, therefore, appreciated the Police and other security agencies/operatives that had been working round the clock to maintain peace, law, and order in the cosmopolitan state.

It is, however, noted that there were pockets of violent protests Friday, February 17 in some places, including Ojota, Ikeja, Ajuwon and Agege, in Lagos, following President Muhammadu Buhari鈥檚 national broadcast Thursday.

Buhari had said in his speech, that the old N500 and N1000 banknotes were no longer legal tender in Nigeria.

The President equally stated the N200 banknotes, however, would still be in use until April 10, 2023.

Palliative measures for Lagosians

Governor Sanwo-Olu noted amid the confusing socio-economic dislocations in the country, as a government that fully understands the challenges you are faced with, with regard to access to cash, the Lagos State Government (LASG) is “working very hard to provide palliative measures to lessen the burden.”

He disclosed that “as part of these measures, I have already approved an immediate reduction in transportation charges for public-owned transport, across the Lagos State public transport system: our buses, ferries and taxis.

“We are also equally in discussion with private transport operators not to hike fares at this point of time, given the difficult circumstances in which many Lagosians find themselves.”

The governor said: “We have also since commenced the distribution of food packs, to the most vulnerable citizens, 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 this.

“As we scale up the rollout of these palliatives, we ask for your patience and understanding.

“Remain calm and go about your lawful activities and duties.”

Security of lives and property

In terms of protection of consumers’ lives and property in the state, the governor said, there is “no justification whatsoever for attacking public or private property.”

Sanwo-Olu noted: “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.

“I enjoin all law-abiding Lagosians to carry out their lawful activities without fear.”

He equally thanked the Police and other security agencies/operatives working round the clock to maintain the peace, law and order.

“We owe you all a debt of gratitude,” stated Sanwo-Olu.

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