Kunle Adelabu
-Says those promoting violence are against election
The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Olushola Sanwo – Olu, has again warned against extortion of helpless Lagosians by PoS agents and petrol attendants in various fuel stations across the state.
He appealed to those engaging in charging ridiculous rate on fund withdrawal and sale of PMS to turn a good leaf and stop taking advantage of the challenging period that every Nigerian are facing to further inflict hardship on them.
In an address delivered today by the Governor, Sanwo – Olu also charged Lagosians not to allowed themselves to be used in fomenting violence, stating that they are after preventing the conduct of the 2023 general elections.
“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 hard working and law abiding Lagosians with extortionate service charges on funds withdrawal and sale of PMS”, Gov. Sanwo – Olu warned.
“Let me appeal to those involved in such behavior to desist from such sharp practices. It is especially in difficult times like these that we all need to be our brothers’ and sisters’ keeper and do everything we can to contribute to lessening the hardships faced by our fellow Lagosians. This is not the period to sacrifice empathy, compassion, and humanity on the altar of profit making.
The governor charged residents to resist such opportunists who are taking advantage of them.
“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”, he said.
While warning Lagosians to be wary of those he described as unscrupulous elements who are bent on truncating the coming election, Sanwo – Olu said that security agents have been warned to take drastic measure against violent act.
“We know that 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”, he said.
“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.
“I enjoin all law-abiding Lagosians to carry out their lawful activities without fear”, Sanwo – Olu said.
He reiterated that his government has provided palliative measures to reduce the burden of hardship being faced by Lagosians.
“As a government that fully understands the challenges that 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”, he said.
“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”, he said.
