The Lagos State Government has clarified its stance on the rumored Oro festival scheduled for August 1 to 15, which coincides with the #EndBadGovernance protest. The government has distanced itself from the festival, likening it to other religious activities held across the country.
In a telephone conversation with PUNCH Online, Gboyega Akosile, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emphasized that the government does not interfere with religious events and expects the same respect for traditional worshippers. He noted that traditional worshippers, like all citizens, have the constitutional right to practice their religion and conduct lawful activities.
“Oro festival is like Muslim and Christian activities and has no business with Lagos State government interference. We don’t have a hand in how any religious group goes about their lawful activities.
“The protesters have their rights just like the traditional worshippers who want to perform their activities too. What is our business in that?”
“If anybody wants to protest, they should come out and carry out their right lawfully by not disrupting the business activities in the state. We will not allow the peace of the state to be disrupted. No responsible government will allow it,” he said.
The Lagos State Government has expressed its strong disapproval of any potential recurrence of destructive protests similar to the 2020 #EndSARS demonstrations, which led to significant property damage and loss of lives. Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasized the government’s stance on preventing such incidents from happening again.
Meanwhile, there are reports of planned protests against economic hardship scheduled to start from August 1, involving demonstrations across all states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. This movement has gained traction on social media.
In response, President Bola Tinubu has appealed to the protesters to postpone their plans. Information Minister Mohammed Idris conveyed the President’s request, urging organizers to hold off on the protests and await the President’s response to their grievances. Idris made this appeal known after a meeting with President Tinubu on Tuesday.
“The issue of the planned protest, Mr President does not see any need for that. He’s asked them to shelve that plan. He’s asked them to await the government’s response to all their pleas,” the minister said.
Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, has expressed support for the planned nationwide protest against economic hardship. In a statement, Atiku criticized President Bola Tinubu’s government for attempting to suppress the protest, calling it an exercise in futility.
He highlighted that the economic difficulties and resulting feelings of hunger, anger, and hopelessness are affecting all Nigerians, including those who support Tinubu and the ruling APC. Atiku’s remarks underscore his stance on the government’s handling of the current economic situation.
