Destruction of properties after peaceful EndSARS protest a wake-up call to Nigerians- Aregbesola

Benjamin Omoike l Tuesday, November 24, 2020

 

LAGOS, Nigeria – Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, have re-emphasised the importance of peaceful resolution of conflicts in the country, saying there is need to re-ignite communication between government and the people.

Governor Sanwo-Olu stated this in his opening address at the ‘Stakeholders’ Engagement on Internal Security and Conflict Resolution Across the Country’ at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.

He urged stakeholders to use the opportunity presented by the engagement to stand together as one, to preempt and proffer  solution to crisis, saying  the wanton destruction of public and private infrastructure across the State after the peaceful EndSARs protests, which was hijacked, was a wake-up call to all well meaning Nigerians.

The Governor commended the Federal Government for deeming it necessary to engage stakeholders, especially the youths, on unity and security issues, urging Nigerians not to allow fifth columnists to capitalise on the incident to cause disunity.

On his part, Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, says the meeting predicated the End SARS protests, as it was meant to discuss critical security issues, which is a self interest because it concerns all and sundry in Nigeria.

The Minister, who titled his speech “Lagos is The Destiny of Our Race”, said the engagement was also to seek ways for a more secure environment for states, saying Nigerians should reject the derogatory description as being black but as ‘first race’.

Speaking on the importance and contributions of Lagos to the socio and economic development of Nigeria, Aregbesola said every observation by stakeholders at the engagement to advance the peace and progress, would be welcomed.

Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammadu Maigari, said the Stakeholders engagement for South-West geo-political zone, held in Lagos, was important due to the state’s magnificent role as commercial nerve centre of the country. He said the Federal Government was poised in its efforts to reform the police through trainings, salary increments, promotions, as well as provision of equipment.

The forum was aimed at brainstorming on the way forward for peaceful coexistence and conflict resolution, aftermath of the wanton destruction of public and private infrastructure across the State after the peaceful EndSARs protest was hijacked in Lagos and the country.

The engagement which was chaired by the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, and co chaired by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu  played host to the Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammadu Maigari, heads of all security formations in the country, Executive Members of the All Progressives Congress, Civil Society Organisations, religious and traditional leaders, youths, as well as market men and women.