The Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu says the federal government’s naira redesign policy has brought pain to residents.
The governor stated this while reacting to the spates of protests that broke out in the state over the naira crisis.
OduNews had earlier reported that protests broke out in many parts of Lagos on Friday following the widespread rejection of the old notes in the state.
Although the state governor had warned businesses not to reject the old notes, President Muhammadu Buhari’s pronouncement on Wednesday that the old N500 and N1,000 notes have ceased to be legal tender has sent panic across the state.
Speaking on the brewing protests in the state, Sanwo-Olu, in a statement signed by the state’s commissioner for information and strategy Gbenga Omotosho, urged residents to shun violence and await the ruling of the supreme court on the issue.
The statement read, “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.
