Wale Jagun, Mariam Akinloye & Joy Fasunon (SIWES Student)
-As Lagos CP holds stakeholders’ meeting, sues for peace
As part of the efforts to dissuade youths from participating in any planned protest that may destabilise the polity, the Lagos Police Commissioner, Mr Fayoade Adegoke, has engaged the traditional rulers, youths and other major stakeholders in Ikorodu Division.
At the town hall meeting organised by the six Council Chairmen in Ikorodu, at thelkoroduTown hall on Wednesday, the entire Ikorodu stakeholders in attendance, expressed their position against any protest that may breach the peace and harmony in the Division.
CP Adegoke also spoke on general security in Ikorodu, and called for useful information from residents, to checkmate criminal activities.
“Basically, everything that I am here to talk about is about the youths and I am happy that the leadership of the youths are here. Today, I am here to talk about two things- the security of Ikorodu, and the issue of protest that they want to start next week, because Ikorodu is a very significant area in Lagos State.
“We are here on the issue of how Ikorodu will be peaceful, so that those touts will not disturb us again, so that everyone of us that go to work will be able to come back in peace and those that want to sell market will be able to do so.
“The second reason is that we have been hearing a rumour that they want to take over Nigeria, that they want to protest and move to the streets, they want to do what is happening in Kenya presently and also repeat #EndSars.
“That is the major thing I want us to discuss, and I know the Kabiyesis, the local government Chairmen and the CDA chairmen would have been having meetings with you on this.
While thanking the local security units and other stakeholders for their support, especially in the breakthrough against kidnaping in the state recently, Lagos CP also called for the continuation of the support, particularly in the areas of provision of necessary information to the police.
He said that the rate of crimes in Ikorodu, has reduced and that there is need to intensify actions on security.
“You will recall that some kidnappers were killed recently at Ladipo, it was because of the information that we received. If not, we would not have been able to achieve that.
“It is you in the community that knows what is happening. All these criminals: kidnappers and cultists, are residing in your areas. Although, you may not know them, but once you suspect anyone’s movement, endeavour to bring such information to our attention “.
On the planned protest against bad government, CP Adegoke said that the Nigerian Police Force is not against any protest, but that they are putting measures in place for peaceful protest not to be hijacked by hoodlums.
“Coming to the issue of protest that they want to start on the 29th of this month to August 1, the law allows protest, but we are being careful not allow protests to be hijacked by hoodlums.
“Hoodlums that want violence to operate usually take advantage of such protest against the objective of the planners.
“That is why it is good for anyone planning to protest to let the police be aware so as to be provided adequate security. It is our duty to follow you around and protect you.
“But in this case, we don’t know what protest that they are planning and by who, and we are suspicious of the protest, because they are saying that they want it to be like the #EndSars protest which was very unfortunate.
“ #EndSars started as a small protest but by the time we realized it, it had engulfed the whole state, and properties worth millions of naira were damaged, lives were lost and BRT buses were burnt. That is no good for the state”.
Mr Adegoke warned against staging any protest that would destabilise the economy of Lagos, affects Nigeria’s economy, caused hardship and prevent investors from coming into the country.
He, therefore, charged stakeholders to join the government in preventing any act that may cause crisis in the state.
“We want a peaceful Lagos, we want a Lagos that operates for 24 hours like New York City where everybody will be able to go about their normal businesses without fear, where businesses will thrive, where standard of living will continue to improve and employment opportunities will be available for our youths. That is the kind of Lagos that we want”, Lagos CP said.
“This is why we are holding this meeting to engage our children and the youths”.
His Royal Majesties, Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Ajibade Bakare Agoro, the Ranodu of Imota and Oba Semudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, in their respective royal remarks, appealed to the youths in Ikorodu, not to join any protest that will cause violence in Ikorodu and Lagos State as a whole.
While appreciating the Lagos CP for taking out time to engage stakeholers in the division, the royal fathers also appealed to him to check his officers’ excesses, and the need to always exercise restraints when dealing with protesters. .
They also warned those planning any violence not to come to Ikorodu.
The Agbaakin of Ikorodu and former Commissioner for Information, Sir Ayodele Elesho, in his own contribution, charged CDA operatives and other stakeholders go back to their various communities and hold meetings with the youths and also warn their children not to allow themselves to be used for any violent protest.
Like the Obas, Agbaakin Elesho also called for discipline and professionalism on the part of the police in handling community issues, especially the youths.
Comrade Ibrahim Adigun, the State Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria NYCN), speaking at the parley, assured the Lagos CP, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, that Lagos youths are responsible citizens who are ready to take charge of their generation, and that they will not be used by anyone planning to destabilise the state.
He assured that the leadership of youths in the state, senatorial districts and the local government levels, are working together in same accord, to ensure peace and development in the state.
Prince Soyiga Samuel Adeshina, the Deputy Speaker, Lagos State Youth Parliament, Comrade Abubakr Asoro, Vice Chairman, NYCN, Lagos East and Comrade Basit Ogunsanmi, Coordinator, NYCN, Ikorodu Local Government and other youth representatives that spoke at the gathering, also gave assurances that there will be peace.
