The Lagos State Government has noted with deep concern the protests in some parts of the state this morning.
The protesters are said to be angry over the Naira redesign and its consequent scarcity that has caused so much hardship and confusion among our people.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu believes there is no need for violence as the Supreme Court is looking into this controversial matter and will make its position known on February 22.
Lagos State has since joined the legal dispute- all in the interest of our people – in the belief that the highest court in the land has the capacity to adjudicate on the matter.
The fuel situation is easing following some steps taken by the government.
The government praises Lagosians for showing understanding, despite the pains that the Federal Government’s measures have brought. Residents should continue to be law-abiding by shunning any form of incitement by mischief makers.
Mr. Governor is working with his colleagues to ensure that this hardship does not go on.
Protest had erupt in Ojota, Mile 12, other areas of Lagos and significant vandalism have been reported.
Witnesses in Ketu- Mile 12 confirmed that the protest erupted when some drivers and motorpark touts could not agree on whether to collect the old notes or not.
“I was on my way to Ibadan early this morning but went back because my money was rejected and when the violence started, they shattered windscreen of vehicles plying Ketu towards Ojota axis,” Okoro Afor an eyewitness said.
“It started from an issue of rejecting old notes, the whole episode lasted for about one hour,” another witness, an agbero in Ketu said.
“It was a violent reaction to rejection of the notes by drivers and some agbero,” said James, a belt-seller on the street who was around when the fracas started.
Uneasy calm has returned to the locations and riot police can be seen on both sides of the expressway.
Benjamin Hundeyin, Police spokesman in Lagos confirmed the breakdown of law and order in the Mile 12-Ketu-Ojota axis but said security agents are on ground to quell the crisis.
“It is true. Our men are there. Reinforcement units have been deployed.”
