Kunle Adelabu
The Chairman, Lagos State chapter, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Lekan Biliamin Oba, has called for calm over the scarcity of naira and its attedant effects on the masses which has led to violent protests across the country.
Aggrieved residents took to the streets and major highways in different parts of the state yesterday to protest violently.
In a statement today, by Comrade Oba, the state number one youth who said that, though the CBN policy is having adverse effects on the populace, he appealed to Lagosians, especially the youths, not to be provoked into taking laws into their own hands.
“It is understandable that the recent CBN policy is quite unfavourable to the masses. Despite that, we should not be deterred nor provoked to taking laws in our own hands under the guise of protest, ” Comrade Oba said.
“Our dear state needs us, particularly the youths in the reconstruction and not further destruction as occasioned by the last Endsars,protest.
“This is a critical time that we all need to be peaceful, understanding, loving, and tolerant of one another, while negotiations and communications on lasting solution continue at the appropriate quarters”.
He said that the governorr of the state who joined the suit against the CBN’s redesigning of naira case at the Supreme Court, has also introduced measures to cushion the effects of the policy on Lagosians.
He appealed against any destruction of public property in the guise of protesting the hardship that was caused by the CBN policy.
“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, just like other progressive governors, has spoken and responded to the situation in a manner that must be appreciated, by partaking in the lawsuit, setting up foodbanks across the state and subsidizing government-owned means of transportation”, he said.
“We must not allow our emotions to be manipulated by external forces in attacking Lagos State under the guise of protest.
“Destroying public property is not the way forward, and it is capable of drawing the State to anarchy if not well managed”, he added.
“The policy is not a Lagos policy and obviously the State has shown concern on the side of the people.
“So, any attempt to destroy the State’s public facilities or attacking other peaceful Lagosians should be treated appropriately with the law”.
While calling on the leadership of the country to always factor citizenry into policy formulation, Oba also enjoined youths not to allow themselves to be used.
“We are all affected, but please, do not let anyone push you to public destruction. I am never against protest, but it must be constructive, civil and peaceful”, he said.
“However, this is yet another call on our leaders to always prioritize the yearnings of the people while designing policies.
“As we go into the 2023 elections, please, be ready to vote massively and shun any form of violence.
“May we witness the greater Nigeria of our dreams soonest. Thank you for your understanding”.
